Tomato sauce is one of the most delicious foods—ever. But if you want to treat yourself and go for something a little different, you’ve got to try shrimp fra diavolo. It’s a hot, spicy sauce that’s rich with garlic and herbs and totally addicting.
It’s traditionally cooked with shrimp, but it’s just as good scooped over polenta, grains, breaded chicken or even plain pasta noodles.
Shrimp Fra Diavolo Ingredients
- Olive oil
- Onion
- Garlic
- Crushed red pepper flakes
- Dry white wine
- Canned diced tomatoes
- Canned tomato sauce
- Fresh or dried basil
- Dried oregano
- Salt
- Pepper
- Shrimp
- Fresh spinach
- Parmesan cheese, optional
Directions
Step 1: Build a flavor base
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add in the onions and cook until they’re softened and golden, about 8 to 10 minutes. Add the garlic and pepper flakes and cook for about a minute.
Editor’s Tip: Don’t let the garlic burn or it will make the whole sauce taste acrid.
Step 2: Deglaze and reduce
Pour the wine into the pan and bring it to a boil, scraping the bottom of the pan to bring up any browned bits (called the “fond”), which have lots of rich flavor. Let the wine boil for a few minutes, until it’s reduced by about half. It should look syrupy and thick.
Step 3: Build the sauce
Add the tomatoes, tomato sauce, spices and herbs. Simmer, stirring frequently, until the sauce is slightly thickened, about 10 minutes. At this point, you can use this sauce plain and toss with boiled noodles for a simple pasta dish that’s as good as our top-rated pastas. Or, keep cooking to make a delicious shrimp dish.
Step 4: Add the spinach and shrimp
The best part about shrimp fra diavolo? You cook the protein and vegetable right in the sauce. Add the shrimp and spinach. Then, cook until the shrimp turn pink, about 3 to 5 minutes. The spinach will have wilted and softened in that time.
If you like, top with cheese. This dish is good on its own, but a serving of pasta, quinoa or crusty Italian bread gives you something to soak up the sauce.
Shrimp Fra Diavolo Tips
What does fra diavolo mean?
“Fra diavolo” translates to “brother devil” and is used to describe Italian sauces that are spicy and typically tomato-based with chili or red pepper flakes. Fra diavolo sauce is commonly seen with seafood such as lobster, clams or shrimp.
What’s the difference between fra diavolo and arrabiata?
Fra diavolo and arrabiata sauce are very similar. Fra diavolo sauce usually contains onions, crushed tomatoes, crushed red pepper, garlic and fresh herbs like parsley and basil. Arrabiata sauce uses garlic, tomatoes and dried red chile peppers. Many people say the main difference is the level of heat. Arrabiata sauce tends to really be spicy, while fra diavolo is milder.
How should I serve shrimp fra diavolo?
This shrimp fra diavolo sauce works perfectly with your favorite type of cooked pasta, served with a glass of Pinot Grigio or Prosecco. You could also serve it atop crusty toasted slices of Italian bread. If you’re really feeling fancy, it’s the perfect topper to a steamed lobster tail.
