Fiery Shrimp Spaghetti Diablo: A Spicy Seafood Delight

Spaghetti Diablo with Shrimp, also known as Spaghetti all’arrabbiata with shrimp, is a vibrant and flavorful pasta dish that brings together the best of Italian cuisine with a fiery kick. “Diablo” translates to “devil” in Italian, hinting at the spicy nature of the sauce. This recipe combines succulent shrimp with a robust tomato-based sauce infused with garlic, chili flakes, and a touch of herbs, all tossed with perfectly cooked spaghetti. It’s a quick, easy, and impressive dish that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. This recipe will guide you through each step to create a truly unforgettable culinary experience.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

* **Bold Flavors:** The combination of spicy chili flakes, sweet tomatoes, savory garlic, and fresh herbs creates a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds.
* **Quick and Easy:** This recipe comes together in about 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
* **Impressive Presentation:** The vibrant red sauce and plump shrimp make for a visually stunning dish that’s sure to impress your guests.
* **Customizable Spice Level:** Adjust the amount of chili flakes to suit your preference, from a gentle warmth to a fiery inferno.
* **Versatile:** You can easily adapt this recipe to your liking by adding other seafood, vegetables, or proteins.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s a list of the ingredients you will need. The amounts for each ingredient will follow:

* **Spaghetti:** The star of the show! Use good-quality spaghetti for the best texture. You can also substitute with other pasta shapes like linguine, fettuccine, or penne.
* **Shrimp:** Use fresh or frozen shrimp, peeled and deveined. Medium to large shrimp work best.
* **Canned Crushed Tomatoes:** Canned crushed tomatoes form the base of the sauce. Look for high-quality tomatoes for the best flavor.
* **Garlic:** Fresh garlic is essential for adding depth and complexity to the sauce.
* **Red Pepper Flakes:** These provide the signature “diablo” heat. Adjust the amount to your liking.
* **Olive Oil:** Use good-quality olive oil for sautéing and adding richness to the sauce.
* **Fresh Parsley:** Fresh parsley adds a bright, herbaceous note to the dish.
* **Dried Oregano:** Dried oregano adds a classic Italian flavor.
* **Dry White Wine (Optional):** A splash of dry white wine adds acidity and complexity to the sauce.
* **Salt and Black Pepper:** To season the sauce and pasta to perfection.
* **Grated Parmesan Cheese (Optional):** For serving, adds a salty, savory finish.

## Detailed Ingredient List with Measurements

* 1 pound spaghetti
* 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
* 2 tablespoons olive oil
* 4 cloves garlic, minced
* 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (or more, to taste)
* 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
* 1/4 cup dry white wine (optional)
* 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
* 1 teaspoon dried oregano
* Salt and black pepper to taste
* Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)

## Equipment You’ll Need

* Large pot for cooking pasta
* Large skillet or sauté pan
* Colander
* Mixing bowls
* Measuring cups and spoons

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these detailed, step-by-step instructions to create the perfect Spaghetti Diablo with Shrimp:

**1. Cook the Spaghetti:**

* Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. The water should be generously salted – it should taste like the sea. This seasons the pasta from the inside out.
* Add the spaghetti and cook according to package directions until al dente. Al dente means “to the tooth” in Italian, referring to pasta that is firm but not hard. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes.
* While the pasta is cooking, reserve about 1 cup of pasta water before draining. This starchy water will help to thicken the sauce and create a creamy emulsion.
* Drain the pasta in a colander and set aside.

**2. Prepare the Shrimp:**

* While the pasta is cooking, prepare the shrimp. If using frozen shrimp, thaw them completely under cold running water. Pat them dry with paper towels.
* Season the shrimp with salt and pepper.

**3. Make the Diablo Sauce:**

* Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or sauté pan over medium heat. Make sure the pan is large enough to accommodate all the sauce and pasta later.
* Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes to the hot oil. Sauté for about 30 seconds, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as this will make it bitter.
* Pour in the crushed tomatoes and dry white wine (if using). Stir well to combine.
* Add the dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine.
* Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken slightly.

**4. Cook the Shrimp in the Sauce:**

* Add the seasoned shrimp to the simmering sauce. Stir to coat the shrimp evenly with the sauce.
* Cook the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until they turn pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook the shrimp, as they will become tough and rubbery.

**5. Combine the Pasta and Sauce:**

* Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet with the sauce and shrimp. Toss well to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce.
* If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water, a tablespoon at a time, until it reaches your desired consistency. The pasta water will also help to create a creamy emulsion.

**6. Finish and Serve:**

* Stir in the chopped fresh parsley.
* Serve immediately, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese (if desired).

## Tips for Success

* **Don’t Overcook the Pasta:** Overcooked pasta is mushy and unpleasant. Cook the spaghetti al dente for the best texture.
* **Use Good-Quality Ingredients:** The quality of your ingredients will directly impact the flavor of the dish. Use high-quality canned tomatoes, fresh garlic, and good-quality olive oil.
* **Adjust the Spice Level:** The amount of red pepper flakes can be adjusted to suit your preference. Start with a small amount and add more to taste.
* **Don’t Overcrowd the Pan:** When cooking the shrimp, make sure not to overcrowd the pan. This will lower the temperature of the pan and cause the shrimp to steam instead of sauté.
* **Reserve Pasta Water:** The starchy pasta water is essential for thickening the sauce and creating a creamy emulsion. Don’t skip this step!
* **Cook Shrimp Quickly:** Overcooked shrimp become rubbery. Cook just until pink and opaque.
* **Taste and Adjust Seasoning:** Always taste your sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed. You may need to add more salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes.
* **Fresh Herbs Make a Difference:** Fresh parsley adds a bright, herbaceous note to the dish that dried parsley cannot replicate.
* **Serve Immediately:** Serve the dish immediately to enjoy the pasta and sauce at their best.

## Variations and Substitutions

This Spaghetti Diablo with Shrimp recipe is incredibly versatile. Here are some variations and substitutions you can try:

* **Seafood:** You can substitute shrimp with other seafood, such as scallops, mussels, clams, or calamari. A mix of seafood also works well.
* **Protein:** If you’re not a fan of seafood, you can substitute shrimp with chicken, sausage, or tofu.
* **Vegetables:** Add vegetables like bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, or zucchini to the sauce for added flavor and nutrition.
* **Pasta:** Use different pasta shapes like linguine, fettuccine, penne, or rigatoni.
* **Cheese:** Experiment with different types of cheese, such as Pecorino Romano, Asiago, or mozzarella.
* **Creamy Diablo:** For a creamier sauce, add a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half to the sauce at the end.
* **Spicy Vodka Sauce:** Combine this Diablo sauce with a vodka sauce recipe for a unique and flavorful twist.
* **Vegetarian Diablo:** Omit the shrimp for a vegetarian version. Add extra vegetables or beans for protein.

## Serving Suggestions

Spaghetti Diablo with Shrimp is a complete meal on its own. However, you can serve it with the following sides:

* **Garlic Bread:** Crispy garlic bread is perfect for soaking up the delicious sauce.
* **Salad:** A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing provides a refreshing contrast to the spicy pasta.
* **Roasted Vegetables:** Roasted vegetables like asparagus, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts complement the dish nicely.
* **Bruschetta:** Toasted bread topped with tomatoes, basil, and garlic makes a great appetizer.
* **Wine:** A crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc pairs well with the seafood and spicy flavors.

## Make-Ahead Instructions

While Spaghetti Diablo with Shrimp is best served fresh, you can prepare some components ahead of time:

* **Sauce:** The sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the sauce before adding the shrimp and pasta.
* **Shrimp:** The shrimp can be peeled and deveined ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator until ready to use.

## Storage Instructions

* **Leftovers:** Store leftover Spaghetti Diablo with Shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
* **Reheating:** Reheat leftovers in a skillet over medium heat, adding a little water or broth if needed to prevent the pasta from drying out. You can also reheat it in the microwave.

## Nutritional Information (Approximate, per serving)

* Calories: 550-650
* Protein: 35-45g
* Fat: 20-30g
* Carbohydrates: 60-70g

**Note:** Nutritional information can vary depending on the specific ingredients and portion sizes used.

## Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

**Q: Can I use frozen shrimp?**

A: Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just make sure to thaw them completely before cooking. Pat them dry to remove excess moisture.

**Q: How spicy is this dish?**

A: The spice level depends on the amount of red pepper flakes you use. Start with a small amount and add more to taste.

**Q: Can I use other types of pasta?**

A: Yes, you can use other pasta shapes like linguine, fettuccine, penne, or rigatoni.

**Q: Can I make this dish vegetarian?**

A: Yes, omit the shrimp for a vegetarian version. Add extra vegetables or beans for protein.

**Q: Can I make this dish gluten-free?**

A: Yes, use gluten-free pasta to make this dish gluten-free.

**Q: How long does it take to cook shrimp?**

A: Shrimp cooks very quickly, usually about 2-3 minutes per side, until they turn pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook them.

**Q: What can I add to make the sauce thicker?**

A: If the sauce is too thin, simmer it for a few more minutes to reduce it, or add a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water).

**Q: What can I add to make the sauce sweeter?**

A: Add a teaspoon of sugar or a drizzle of honey to the sauce.

**Q: Can I add vegetables to the sauce?**

A: Yes, you can add vegetables like bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, or zucchini to the sauce.

**Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?**

A: While it’s best served fresh, you can make the sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Add the shrimp and pasta just before serving.

## Conclusion

Spaghetti Diablo with Shrimp is a delightful dish that’s packed with flavor and spice. This recipe provides a comprehensive guide to creating a restaurant-quality meal in the comfort of your own home. With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, you can impress your family and friends with this fiery seafood delight. Don’t be afraid to experiment with variations and substitutions to create a dish that’s perfectly tailored to your taste. So gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and get ready to embark on a culinary adventure. Enjoy!