Shrimp Diablo
Succulent shrimp tossed in a fiery tomato and white wine sauce, served over a bed of tender linguine. This Italian-American classic brings a delicious kick to your pasta night and is ready in under 40 minutes.
For 4 servings
5 steps. 25 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Cook the Pasta
- b.Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil.
- c.Add the linguine and cook according to package directions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes.
- d.Before draining, carefully reserve 1 cup of the starchy pasta water. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Sauté Aromatics
- b.While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat.
- c.Add the finely chopped onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and translucent, about 5-6 minutes.
- d.Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté for another minute until fragrant, being careful not to let the garlic burn.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Build the Diablo Sauce
- b.Pour in the dry white wine to deglaze the pan, using a wooden spoon to scrape up any flavorful browned bits from the bottom.
- c.Allow the wine to simmer and reduce by about half, which should take 2-3 minutes.
- d.Stir in the crushed tomatoes, 1 tsp salt, black pepper, and optional sugar. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer.
- e.Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let the sauce cook for at least 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and deepen.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Cook the Shrimp
- b.While the sauce simmers, pat the shrimp completely dry with paper towels. This helps them cook evenly.
- c.Uncover the sauce and add the shrimp and chopped parsley.
- d.Stir to combine and cook just until the shrimp turn pink, opaque, and curl into a 'C' shape. This will only take 2-4 minutes depending on their size. Avoid overcooking.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Combine and Serve
- b.Turn off the heat. If using, add the optional butter and stir until it melts into the sauce for a richer, glossier finish.
- c.Add the drained linguine directly to the skillet with the shrimp and sauce.
- d.Toss everything together thoroughly until the pasta is well-coated. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to achieve a silky consistency.
- e.Serve immediately, garnished with additional fresh parsley.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Do not overcook the shrimp; they cook in minutes. Remove them from the heat as soon as they turn pink and opaque to keep them tender.
- 2The starchy pasta water is a crucial ingredient. It helps the sauce emulsify and cling beautifully to the linguine, creating a restaurant-quality texture.
- 3For a deeper, richer tomato flavor, use high-quality San Marzano tomatoes if they are available.
- 4Patting the shrimp completely dry before adding them to the sauce prevents them from steaming and helps them cook more evenly.
- 5For a richer sauce, finish by swirling in a tablespoon or two of cold butter right before adding the pasta. This adds a beautiful sheen and velvety texture.
Adapt it for your goals.
Creamy Diablo
For a richer, less acidic sauce, stir in 1/4 cup of heavy cream at the very end of cooking, just before adding the pasta.
Seafood DiabloSeafood Diablo
Enhance the dish by adding other seafood like mussels, clams, or calamari along with the shrimp. Adjust cooking times accordingly.
Vegetarian DiabloVegetarian Diablo
Omit the shrimp and add 2 cups of roasted or sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and mushrooms to the sauce.
Extra FieryExtra Fiery
For those who love extreme heat, add one finely minced jalapeño or serrano pepper along with the garlic.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Protein Powerhouse
Shrimp is an excellent source of high-quality, lean protein, which is essential for building and repairing tissues, supporting immune function, and maintaining muscle mass.
Rich in Lycopene
Cooked tomatoes are a fantastic source of lycopene, a powerful antioxidant linked to a reduced risk of heart disease and certain types of cancer.
Heart-Healthy Fats
Made with olive oil, this dish provides monounsaturated fats, which are known to help reduce bad cholesterol levels (LDL) and lower the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Frequently asked questions
Shrimp Diablo can be part of a healthy diet. It is an excellent source of lean protein from shrimp and provides lycopene from the tomatoes. However, it is high in carbohydrates from the pasta. To make it healthier, you can use whole wheat pasta for added fiber and be mindful of the sodium content.