Seafood Fra Diablo
Seafood Fra Diablo is a bold, spicy Italian-style seafood pasta made with mussels, clams, shrimp, optional squid, and a rich tomato-red wine sauce.
This dish is full of deep coastal flavor. The tomato sauce brings brightness and body, the garlic adds warmth, the red wine gives depth, and the seafood gently cooks in the sauce until tender and fragrant.
It is a beautiful recipe for people who love pasta with personality: saucy, spicy, briny, comforting, and elegant enough for a special dinner.
Why People Will Love Seafood Fra Diablo Recipe
The dish has a rich, spicy tomato sauce with deep Italian flavor.
Mussels and clams add natural briny seafood sweetness.
Shrimp makes the dish hearty, tender, and satisfying.
Optional squid adds another layer of seafood texture.
Garlic and Italian seasoning make the sauce aromatic and savory.
Red wine adds depth and helps the sauce taste more complex.
Crushed red pepper gives the dish its signature heat.
Linguine or fettuccine holds the sauce beautifully.
It feels restaurant-style but can be made at home.
The recipe is perfect for seafood lovers.
It can be adjusted from mild to spicy.
It pairs wonderfully with crusty bread, salad, and a glass of wine.
Key Ingredients
Italian-Style Diced Tomatoes:
These tomatoes add texture, acidity, herbs, and a fresh tomato base to the sauce.
Hot Sicilian Pasta Sauce:
This gives the dish a bold, ready-made spicy tomato foundation and helps the sauce come together quickly.
Garlic:
Garlic is essential for building deep savory flavor. It gives the sauce warmth and a classic Italian aroma.
Red Wine:
Merlot or another dry red wine adds richness, depth, and a slightly fruity background to the tomato sauce.
Italian Seasoning:
A blend of herbs gives the sauce a comforting, familiar flavor that pairs well with seafood and pasta.
Crushed Red Pepper Flakes:
This ingredient brings the “Fra Diablo” heat. Use more or less depending on how spicy you like the dish.
Mussels and Clams:
These shellfish add a sweet, briny flavor to the sauce as they open and release their juices.
Shrimp:
Shrimp adds tender, juicy seafood flavor and cooks quickly in the hot sauce.
Squid:
Optional sliced squid adds a delicate seafood bite, but it must be cooked gently to stay tender.
Linguine or Fettuccine:
Long pasta works beautifully because it catches the spicy tomato sauce and seafood juices.
Expert Tips
Clean the mussels and clams well before cooking.
Discard any mussels or clams that are cracked or do not close before cooking.
Add mussels and clams first because they need time to open.
Add shrimp and squid later so they do not overcook.
Do not boil the seafood aggressively; a gentle simmer keeps it tender.
Watch the shrimp closely and remove from heat once they turn pink and opaque.
Squid cooks quickly, so avoid leaving it in the sauce too long.
Taste the sauce before adding extra salt because shellfish and jarred sauce can already be salty.
Use a deep skillet or wide pot so the seafood cooks evenly.
Toss the cooked pasta with a little sauce before serving for better flavor.
Garnish with fresh parsley for color and freshness.
Serve immediately while the seafood is hot and tender.
Seafood Fra Diablo
Ingredients:
28 ounces Italian-style diced tomatoes (I use hunts, basil, garlic and oregano italian style diced tomatoes)
1 (24 ounce) jar jar of gia russo hot sicilian pasta sauce
2 teaspoons of minced garlic
1⁄4 cup red wine (I use Merlot )
2 teaspoons italian seasoning
1⁄8 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
1 lb fresh cleaned mussels (frozen is ok)
16 littleneck clams, cleaned
1 lb large fresh cleaned raw shrimp (frozen thawed ok)
1 lb cooked linguine or 1 lb fettuccine pasta
1⁄4 cup fresh shredded parmesan cheese (optional)
1⁄4 lb fresh sliced squid (optional)
Instructions:
In a large high sided skillet over medium high heat, add tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, wine, garlic, Italian seasoning and crushed red pepper.
Heat until just starting to bubble, add mussels and clams, cook until they start to open.
Lower temperature to medium and add shrimp and squid, cook 4-5 minutes until shrimp and squid cook,be careful not to over cook shrimp and squid to avoid them becoming chewy and not tender.
Serve over pasta and garnish with cheese or parsley and enjoy.
Important Notes When Making Seafood Fra Diablo
Any mussels or clams that do not open after cooking should be discarded.
Frozen seafood can be used, but it should be thawed and drained well first.
Overcooked shrimp and squid can become rubbery.
The heat level depends on the hot pasta sauce and red pepper flakes.
Parmesan cheese is optional because seafood pasta is often served without cheese, but it can add a savory finish.
The sauce can be made ahead, but the seafood should be cooked fresh.
This dish is best eaten right after cooking.
Pasta should be cooked just until al dente so it does not become soft in the sauce.
Crusty bread is perfect for soaking up the spicy tomato seafood sauce.
Leftovers should be reheated gently to avoid tough seafood.
How to Enjoy Seafood Fra Diablo After Cooking
After the Seafood Fra Diablo is finished, serve it immediately while the sauce is hot and the seafood is tender.
Place a portion of cooked linguine or fettuccine in a shallow bowl, then spoon the spicy tomato seafood sauce over the top. Make sure each serving gets a mix of shrimp, mussels, clams, and squid if using.
Garnish with fresh parsley, a light sprinkle of Parmesan if desired, and a small drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil. For extra brightness, add a squeeze of lemon just before eating.
This dish pairs beautifully with garlic bread, crusty Italian bread, Caesar salad, green salad, roasted vegetables, or a simple cucumber-tomato salad.
For the best experience, enjoy it slowly with bread on the side to soak up the rich tomato sauce. The sauce is one of the best parts of the dish because it carries the flavor of garlic, wine, tomatoes, herbs, and seafood.
Nutrition Information
Approximate nutrition per serving, based on 6 servings:
Calories: 450 kcal | Total Fat: 8 g | Saturated Fat: 1.8 g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3 g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1.2 g | Cholesterol: 170 mg | Sodium: 900–1,600 mg depending on pasta sauce, canned tomatoes, seafood, Parmesan cheese, and added salt | Total Carbohydrates: 60 g | Dietary Fiber: 5 g | Sugars: 8 g | Protein: 35 g
Additional estimate:
Calcium: 120–240 mg | Potassium: 650–950 mg | Iron: 4–7 mg | Vitamin A: 800–1,600 IU | Vitamin C: 20–40 mg | Vitamin B12: 3–7 mcg
Note: Nutrition will vary depending on the brand of pasta sauce, amount of pasta used, seafood size, wine, Parmesan cheese, and final serving size.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use different types of canned tomatoes or pasta sauce?
Yes, you can use your preferred brand or style of Italian-style diced tomatoes and hot Sicilian pasta sauce based on availability or personal taste.
Is the crushed red pepper flakes necessary for this recipe?
The crushed red pepper flakes add a spicy kick to the dish.
You can omit them if you prefer a milder flavor or adjust the amount to suit your spice preference.
Can I use frozen seafood instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen mussels, clams, and shrimp can be used if fresh seafood is not available.
Ensure they are properly thawed before adding to the dish.
How do I know when the mussels and clams are cooked?
Mussels and clams are cooked when their shells open.
Discard any that do not open during cooking, as they may not be safe to eat.
What if I don’t have squid or prefer not to use it?
The squid is optional and can be omitted if desired.
Feel free to substitute with other seafood like scallops or omit it altogether.
Should I season the sauce with additional salt?
Taste the sauce before adding extra salt, as seafood can naturally be salty.
Adjust seasoning according to your preference.
How can I prevent the shrimp and squid from becoming chewy?
Cook the shrimp and squid just until they turn opaque and firm to the touch, which usually takes about 4-5 minutes.
Avoid overcooking to maintain tenderness.
Can I substitute the Merlot wine with another type of wine?
Yes, you can use another dry red wine of your choice if Merlot is not available.
Choose a wine that complements seafood dishes.
How should I garnish the Seafood Fra Diablo?
Garnish the dish with fresh parsley, shredded Parmesan cheese, or both for added flavor and visual appeal.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Seafood Fra Diablo is best served fresh, but you can prepare the sauce in advance and add the seafood just before serving to prevent overcooking.