Shrimp Fra Diavolo with a Fiery Kick

A bold, spicy seafood classic that’s surprisingly simple to make at home.

If you're looking to add some fire to your next dinner, Shrimp Fra Diavolo is a dish that delivers big flavor with minimal fuss. Translating to "Brother Devil" in Italian, this spicy seafood recipe is all about bold heat, fresh herbs, and the natural sweetness of tender shrimp. The best part? It comes together in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for a weeknight indulgence or a weekend dinner party.

Ingredients

  • 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined

  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste

  • 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

  • 3 tablespoons olive oil, plus 1–2 tablespoons more if needed

  • 1 medium onion, thinly sliced

  • 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes

  • 1 cup dry white wine (like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc)

  • 3 garlic cloves, chopped

  • 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano

  • 3 tablespoons chopped fresh Italian parsley

  • 3 tablespoons chopped fresh basil

Instructions

  1. Season the Shrimp
    In a medium bowl, toss shrimp with 1 teaspoon salt and the red pepper flakes. Set aside to marinate while the rest of the ingredients are prepped.

  2. Sauté the Shrimp
    In a large skillet over medium-high heat, warm 3 tablespoons of olive oil. Add shrimp in a single layer and cook for about 1 minute per side, just until they begin to turn opaque. Remove them with a slotted spoon and set aside.

  3. Build the Sauce
    In the same skillet, add more oil if needed and sauté the onion until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in the diced tomatoes with their juices, wine, garlic, and oregano. Let the sauce simmer for 10 minutes until slightly thickened.

  4. Bring It All Together
    Return the shrimp to the skillet along with any juices that collected on the plate. Gently toss to coat the shrimp in the sauce and cook for 1 more minute to meld the flavors.

  5. Finish and Serve
    Stir in the parsley and basil. Taste and adjust salt if needed. Serve immediately over linguine, rice, or crusty bread or enjoy on its own as a light, protein-rich main dish.

A Note on Nutrition

Shrimp is an excellent source of lean protein, providing about 20 grams per 3-ounce serving with only 85 calories and minimal fat. It’s also rich in selenium and vitamin B12. Tomatoes bring in vitamin C and antioxidants, while olive oil adds healthy fats.

To lighten the dish, consider reducing the olive oil or serving it with a side of greens instead of pasta. And if you're sensitive to spice, simply reduce the red pepper flakes to your liking.

Pro Tip

For added depth, consider a splash of seafood stock or a few anchovy filets melted into the oil before adding the onions. It’s a restaurant-level move that takes this dish from great to unforgettable.

Crafted with heat, herbs, and heart, Shrimp Fra Diavolo is a classic that never fails to impress.

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