Shrimp and Crab Fra Diavolo | How to Make a Spicy Seafood Pasta Dish
by Alina Orozco
This Shrimp and Crab Fra Diavolo Pasta is what Sunday dinner dreams are made of! Tender shrimp and sweet lump crab meat are tossed with linguine and a spicy, garlicky tomato Fra Diavolo sauce for a restaurant-worthy seafood pasta that’s surprisingly easy to make at home.
If you love spicy seafood pasta, this Shrimp and Crab Fra Diavolo recipe is one you’ll want to add to your dinner rotation.
Why you’ll love this shrimp and crab pasta recipe
When I lived in South Philly, there seemed to be an Italian restaurant on virtually every corner. But there was one restaurant I found myself visiting at least once a week.
What did I order every time? You guessed it—Shrimp and Crab Fra Diavolo Pasta.
It was one of those dishes I couldn’t stop craving. The combination of a spicy, aromatic tomato sauce, tender shrimp, and fresh lump crab meat was simply irresistible.
I was lucky enough to become friendly with the chef, who walked me through how he made the dish. After making this recipe countless times, I can confidently say that this homemade seafood Fra Diavolo pasta delivers that same restaurant-worthy experience.
The best part? It’s much easier to make than you might think.
Ingredients for Shrimp and Crab Fra Diavolo
- olive oil
- onion
- garlic cloves
- whole plum crushed tomatoes can
- crushed red pepper flakes
- salt and pepper to taste
- linguine pasta
- shrimp
- lump crab meat
- white wine
- fresh parsley
What Kind of Shrimp Should I Use?
For this recipe, I recommend using medium or large shrimp. Fresh or frozen shrimp will work well. If using frozen shrimp, thaw them completely and pat them dry before cooking.
For the best flavor, look for shrimp that are peeled and deveined. You can leave the tails on for presentation or remove them to make the pasta easier to eat.
What Is Fra Diavolo Sauce?
Fra Diavolo is a spicy Italian-American tomato sauce traditionally made with tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, and chili peppers or crushed red pepper flakes.
The name “Fra Diavolo” translates roughly to “Brother Devil,” which is a fitting name for a sauce with a spicy kick!
Fra Diavolo sauce is commonly served with seafood and pasta. The bright acidity of the tomatoes pairs especially well with shrimp, crab, lobster, mussels, and other seafood.
If you enjoy this spicy tomato sauce, you should also try my Seafood Cioppino. It’s another fantastic seafood dinner that’s perfect for Sunday supper or entertaining guests.What is a Fra Diavolo sauce?
Fra Diavolo is Italian for “Brother Devil” a nickname for the spicy sauce for pasta or seafood. Usually fra diavolo is a tomato based sauce that uses chili peppers for spice.
Another recipe that I use with the fra diavolo sauce is my Seafood Cioppino. It is also a great contender for a Seafood Sunday Supper dish. It makes a perfect seafood meal for guests.
How to Make Shrimp and Crab Fra Diavolo Pasta
Make the Fra Diavolo Sauce
Heat olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and sauté until the onion is translucent and the garlic begins to sizzle.
Add the crushed tomatoes, salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes. Stir everything together and bring the sauce to a gentle boil.
Reduce the heat and let the Fra Diavolo sauce simmer for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.Saute onions and garlic in a large saucepan, over a medium heat.
Pour in the tomatoes when the garlic begins to sizzle and the onion are translucent. Season with the salt, black pepper and red pepper flakes before bringing to a boil.
Cook the Linguine
Cook the linguine according to the package directions until al dente. Reserve a little pasta water before draining, if desired.Meanwhile, boil a large pot of lightly salted water, and cook the pasta, until al dente.
Cook the Shrimp
While the pasta cooks, heat the remaining olive oil in another large pan over medium-high heat.
Add the shrimp and white wine. Cook, stirring frequently, until the shrimp turn pink and are cooked through, about 3–4 minutes.
Be careful not to overcook the shrimp, as they can become tough.
Add the Crab Meat
Gently fold the lump crab meat into the pan with the shrimp. Cook for another couple of minutes, just until the crab is heated through.
Combine Everything
Add the cooked linguine and Fra Diavolo sauce to the seafood. Toss gently until the pasta is evenly coated and the shrimp and crab are distributed throughout.
Finish with fresh parsley and an extra sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes for even more heat.
Serve immediately and enjoy your homemade Shrimp and Crab Fra Diavolo Pasta!
In another pan, heat the remaining olive oil on high. Add the shrimp and the white wine. Cook for about two minutes, stirring frequently. Continue until the shrimp turn pink (about 3-4 minutes).
Add the lump crab meat and cook for a few more minutes. Combine with the pasta, toss gently and serve with parsley and a few extra red pepper flakes.
Ingredients
Method
- Add half of the olive oil, the onion and the garlic to a large saucepan, cooking on medium heat.
- Pour in the tomatoes when the garlic begins to sizzle and the onion is translucent. Season with the salt, black pepper and red pepper flakes before bringing to a boil.
- Lower the heat, and simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Meanwhile, boil a large pot of lightly salted water, and cook the pasta, until al dente.
- In another pan, heat the remaining olive oil on high. Add the shrimp, and the white wine, and cook for about two minutes, stirring frequently or until the shrimp turn pink 4 minutes or so.
- Add the lump crab meat and cook for a few more minutes.
- Place the seafood in the tomato sauce. Cook for three to four minutes or until the sauce begins to bubble.
- Combine al dente pasta, the seafood in one pan, toss gently.
- Sprinkle with parsley and serve immediately.
Notes
 Tips for Making the Best Seafood Fra Diavolo
Adjust the spice level. Start with less crushed red pepper if you prefer mild heat, then add more to taste.
Don’t overcook the shrimp. Shrimp cook quickly and should be removed from the heat as soon as they’re pink and opaque.
FAQs about Shrimp and Crab Fra Diavolo Recipe
- Can you use jarred tomato or marinara sauce to make Fra Diavolo? Yes. If you’re pressed for time, you can use the jar stuff. Simply add garlic, salt, and pepper. Add lots of chilli flakes to make the sauce spicy and delicious.
- Can I substitute the seafood in this dish? If you’re not a fan of shrimp, try scallops. If you do not like crab, you can skip it in this pasta. The sauce recipe would work with any fish or seafood you have on hand.