Why Make This Recipe
Classic Shrimp Fra Diavolo Pasta is a delightful dish that balances the flavors of shrimp, spicy red pepper, and fresh basil. It’s quick to prepare and packed with taste, making it a great choice for busy weeknights or special occasions. The comforting combination of pasta with a zesty tomato sauce is sure to please everyone at the dinner table.
How to Make Classic Shrimp Fra Diavolo Pasta
Ingredients
- 1 pound Shrimp, peeled and deveined (Fresh or frozen, thawed and patted dry.)
- 12 ounces Spaghetti or linguine (Cook al dente.)
- 3 tablespoons Extra virgin olive oil (For sautéing.)
- 4 cloves Garlic, minced (Sauté until fragrant.)
- 1 teaspoon Red pepper flakes (Adjust for spice preference.)
- 28 ounces Crushed tomatoes (Use high-quality canned tomatoes.)
- 1/4 cup Fresh basil, chopped (Add at the end of cooking.)
- Salt and pepper (To taste.)
- Grated Parmesan cheese (For serving, optional.)
Directions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve about a cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and warm it. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add red pepper flakes to the skillet and cook for an additional 30 seconds.
- Pour in crushed tomatoes and let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes.
- Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste.
- Add shrimp to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes until they turn pink and opaque.
- Toss the cooked pasta with the sauce and shrimp, adding reserved pasta water as needed for consistency.
- Stir in chopped basil and serve immediately, garnished with Parmesan cheese if desired.
How to Serve Classic Shrimp Fra Diavolo Pasta
Serve the pasta hot, garnished with extra chopped basil and grated Parmesan cheese. It pairs well with a simple salad and a slice of crusty bread for a complete meal. This dish is perfect for sharing with family and friends.
How to Store Classic Shrimp Fra Diavolo Pasta
If you have leftovers, let the pasta cool completely before storing. Place it in an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for up to a month. Just reheat it in a skillet or in the microwave, adding a splash of water to help retain moisture.
Tips to Make Classic Shrimp Fra Diavolo Pasta
- Use fresh shrimp for the best flavor, but frozen works well if thawed properly.
- Adjust the red pepper flakes based on your heat preference. Start small, as you can always add more.
- Make sure not to overcook the shrimp; they should be pink and firm but still tender.
Variation
You can add vegetables like bell peppers or spinach for extra color and nutrition. For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of white wine to the sauce while it simmers.
FAQs
1. Can I use other types of pasta?
Yes! While spaghetti and linguine are traditional, you can use any pasta you like, such as fettuccine or penne.
2. Is there a vegetarian version of this dish?
Yes! You can skip the shrimp and add more vegetables or use mushrooms to make a tasty vegetarian pasta dish.
3. Can I make this ahead of time?
It’s best served fresh, but you can prepare the sauce in advance and reheat it when you’re ready to eat. Just cook the pasta fresh before serving.
Classic Shrimp Fra Diavolo Pasta
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Pescatarian
Description
A delightful dish that balances the flavors of shrimp, spicy red pepper, and fresh basil, perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions.
Ingredients
- 1 pound Shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 12 ounces Spaghetti or linguine
- 3 tablespoons Extra virgin olive oil
- 4 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Red pepper flakes
- 28 ounces Crushed tomatoes
- 1/4 cup Fresh basil, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Grated Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve about a cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and warm it. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add red pepper flakes to the skillet and cook for an additional 30 seconds.
- Pour in crushed tomatoes and let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes.
- Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste.
- Add shrimp to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes until they turn pink and opaque.
- Toss the cooked pasta with the sauce and shrimp, adding reserved pasta water as needed for consistency.
- Stir in chopped basil and serve immediately, garnished with Parmesan cheese if desired.
Notes
Use fresh shrimp for the best flavor. Adjust red pepper flakes based on heat preference. Make sure not to overcook the shrimp.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian