If you love dishes that deliver a bold punch of flavor with a beautiful balance of spice and freshness, you are going to adore this Shrimp Fra Diavolo Recipe. This classic Italian-American seafood dish features juicy, spice-kissed shrimp simmered in a vibrant tomato sauce with a little smoky heat, garlic, and a splash of lemon for brightness. It’s the perfect meal to impress family or friends without spending hours in the kitchen. Plus, it comes together in just 25 minutes, making it a fantastic option for busy weeknights or relaxed weekend dinners. Once you try this Shrimp Fra Diavolo Recipe, it’s bound to become one of your go-to favorites.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Shrimp Fra Diavolo Recipe is in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a vital role in creating layers of flavor, from the smokiness of the paprika to the brightness of fresh lemon juice. Whether you’re stocking your pantry or shopping for the first time, these ingredients are easy to find and essential for that signature taste and texture.
- Fresh or frozen jumbo shrimp: Peeled and deveined shrimp ensure the perfect tender, juicy bite every time.
- All-purpose flour: Lightly coats the shrimp to help the spices stick and give a subtle texture.
- Smoked paprika: Adds a wonderful depth of smoky flavor that’s integral to the dish’s character.
- Cayenne pepper: Just a touch for that signature spicy kick to warm things up without overwhelming.
- Granulated sugar: Balances the acidity of the tomatoes and rounds out the sauce’s flavor.
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper: Essential seasonings that bring everything together.
- Butter: Creates a luscious base and rich depth for sautéing garlic and shrimp.
- Garlic: Minced and fragrant, it infuses the sauce with irresistible aroma and taste.
- Cherry tomatoes: Bursting with juicy sweetness and vibrant color for freshness.
- Vegetable broth: Adds gentle savory notes and helps build the sauce’s body.
- Fresh lemon juice: A bright finishing touch that lifts all the flavors.
- Fresh parsley: Chopped for a herbaceous garnish that adds a lovely pop of green.
- Red pepper flakes (optional): For guests who like an extra spicy punch.
How to Make Shrimp Fra Diavolo Recipe
Step 1: Season the Shrimp
Start by patting your shrimp dry to ensure the flour and spices cling perfectly. In a large bowl, mix the flour with smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, sugar, salt, and black pepper. Toss the shrimp gently in this mixture until they’re evenly coated. This simple step infuses the shrimp with bold flavors and helps develop a slight crust when cooking.
Step 2: Sauté the Garlic
Melt butter in a well-heated large skillet, whether nonstick or cast-iron works beautifully here. Add the minced garlic and a pinch of salt, cooking just until the garlic becomes fragrant and golden—this only takes about 30 seconds. The butter and garlic create a flavorful base that will carry the rest of the dish.
Step 3: Cook the Shrimp
Next, add the seasoned shrimp to the pan. Cook them for about 2 minutes, allowing the shrimp to sizzle and start turning pink. This quick sauté seals in the flavors from the seasoning and locks in juiciness.
Step 4: Combine Tomatoes and Broth
Add the halved cherry tomatoes, vegetable broth, and a generous splash of fresh lemon juice to the skillet. Let everything simmer together for around 3 minutes, until the shrimp is fully cooked and the tomatoes have softened beautifully. This creates the vibrant, saucy quality that defines Shrimp Fra Diavolo Recipe.
Step 5: Finish and Serve
Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in freshly chopped parsley for a fresh herbal note. Your Shrimp Fra Diavolo is now ready to be served over your favorite pasta or a bed of fluffy rice, absorbing all those incredible flavors.
How to Serve Shrimp Fra Diavolo Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishing is where presentation meets flavor! Sprinkle extra chopped parsley or a few red pepper flakes on top to add vibrant color and a little extra heat for those who crave it. A lemon wedge on the side can also offer a fresh brightness at the table.
Side Dishes
This dish truly shines when paired with simple sides that let it stand out. Serve it over linguine or spaghetti to catch every bit of the spicy sauce, or alongside herbed rice for a wonderfully comforting combo. A crisp side salad or garlic bread rounds out the meal perfectly, adding refreshing crunch or buttery texture.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving the Shrimp Fra Diavolo Recipe in individual shallow bowls or over creamy polenta for added richness. You can also transform it into a vibrant seafood stew by doubling the broth and serving with crusty bread for dipping. These little spins keep the dish exciting and inviting every time.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers of this Shrimp Fra Diavolo Recipe, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. It’s best to keep the shrimp in the sauce to maintain moisture and flavor. Just be mindful shrimp can become a bit chewy if kept too long.
Freezing
While freezing is possible, it’s not ideal for this recipe because shrimp texture tends to degrade after freezing and thawing. If you do choose to freeze, place the shrimp and sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month, and thaw gently in the refrigerator.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat to avoid overcooking the shrimp. Adding a splash of vegetable broth or water can help refresh the sauce and prevent dryness. Avoid microwaving if possible to keep the flavors and textures at their best.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw them fully and pat them dry before seasoning. Using frozen shrimp is convenient and works just as well in the Shrimp Fra Diavolo Recipe.
How spicy is this dish?
This recipe has a moderate heat level thanks to the cayenne pepper and optional red pepper flakes, but you can easily adjust the spice to your taste by reducing or increasing those ingredients.
What can I substitute for cherry tomatoes?
If you can’t find cherry tomatoes, grape tomatoes or diced regular tomatoes work perfectly. Just make sure they are fresh and ripe to keep the sauce bright and flavorful.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Definitely! Simply use a gluten-free flour or omit the flour step to keep it gluten-free without sacrificing any of the delicious flavor.
What pasta pairs best with Shrimp Fra Diavolo Recipe?
Long, thin pastas like linguine or spaghetti are classic choices, as they hold the sauce beautifully. But feel free to get creative with your favorites, such as fettuccine or even a rustic cavatappi.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Shrimp Fra Diavolo Recipe enough for anyone who loves vibrant, deeply flavored seafood dishes that come together quickly and with ease. Its wonderful blend of spice, freshness, and heartiness makes it perfect for any occasion. Once you share this dish with friends or family, expect many requests for seconds and the recipe itself. Cooking and sharing this meal truly feels like a little celebration every time.
Print
Shrimp Fra Diavolo Recipe
Shrimp Fra Diavolo is a spicy, flavorful Italian-American seafood dish featuring jumbo shrimp sautéed in a rich garlic butter sauce with smoky paprika, cayenne pepper, and fresh cherry tomatoes. Perfectly balanced with a touch of lemon and fresh parsley, this quick and easy recipe delivers a zesty, comforting meal ready in just 25 minutes.
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
Shrimp and Seasoning
- 1 pound fresh or frozen jumbo shrimp (peeled and deveined, thawed if frozen)
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1 to 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- ¼ teaspoon granulated sugar
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Sauce and Garnish
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ½ cup vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
- Red pepper flakes (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Season the shrimp. Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels. In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, granulated sugar, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Add the shrimp and use your fingers to gently mix until the shrimp are evenly coated with the seasoning mixture. Set aside to marinate briefly.
- Sauté the garlic. Heat butter in a large nonstick or cast-iron skillet over medium heat until melted. Add the minced garlic and a pinch of salt, and cook for about 30 seconds, stirring frequently, until the garlic is fragrant but not browned.
- Cook the shrimp. Add the seasoned shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Cook for approximately 2 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the shrimp start to turn pink but are not fully cooked through.
- Add tomatoes and broth. Stir in the halved cherry tomatoes, vegetable broth, and fresh lemon juice. Continue cooking for about 3 minutes, or until the shrimp are fully cooked, opaque, and the tomatoes become tender. Remove the pan from heat.
- Finish and serve. Stir in the chopped fresh parsley. Optionally sprinkle red pepper flakes for extra heat. Serve the Shrimp Fra Diavolo immediately over pasta or rice as desired.
Notes
- For an extra spicy dish, increase the cayenne pepper or add more red pepper flakes.
- Use freshly squeezed lemon juice for the best bright flavor.
- Serve with linguine, spaghetti, or crusty bread to soak up the sauce.
- Make sure shrimp are not overcooked to retain tenderness.
- You can substitute vegetable broth with seafood or chicken broth for a richer flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
