A fiery and flavorful Italian classic, Seafood Linguine Fra Diavolo is a spicy seafood pasta that brings the heat and the taste of the sea together in one irresistible dish. Made with a combination of shrimp, scallops, and calamari tossed in a rich marinara sauce over linguine, this meal is ready in just 20 minutes.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to make
- Bursting with bold, spicy flavors
- Perfect for seafood lovers
- Great for entertaining or a weeknight meal
- Customizable spice level
- Elegant presentation
- One-pan sauce preparation
- Pairs well with crusty bread
- Restaurant-quality at home
- Light yet satisfying

ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
16 oz linguine (or fettuccine, spaghetti)
Kosher salt, for pasta water
1 to 1 1/2 lb seafood (shrimp, scallops, and/or calamari), thawed if frozen
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1/2 to 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
24 oz marinara sauce (about 2 1/2 cups)
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Additional olive oil, parsley, parmesan, black pepper, crushed red pepper for serving (optional)
directions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook linguine until one minute before al dente.
- Pat the seafood dry.
- In a large deep skillet over medium heat, warm 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Add the seafood and crushed red pepper flakes. Sauté until the seafood is cooked through, about 5–6 minutes.
- Stir in the marinara sauce and parsley (if using). Heat through, then turn off the heat and cover to keep warm if pasta isn’t ready.
- Once pasta is nearly al dente, transfer it directly to the skillet with tongs. Add 1/2 cup pasta water and toss everything together.
- Cook for 1–2 more minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the pasta. Add more pasta water if needed.
- Serve hot with extra olive oil, parmesan, parsley, black pepper, or crushed red pepper as desired.
Servings and timing
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Servings: 8 servings
- Calories: Approximately 319 kcal per serving
Variations
- Use just shrimp or your favorite seafood blend
- Substitute marinara with arrabbiata sauce for extra heat
- Stir in spinach or cherry tomatoes for color and flavor
- Swap linguine for whole wheat or gluten-free pasta
- Add lemon zest or juice for brightness
storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or marinara sauce to loosen the pasta. Avoid overcooking to preserve the texture of the seafood.
FAQs
Can I use frozen seafood?
Yes, just make sure to thaw and pat it dry before cooking.
How spicy is this dish?
It depends on how much red pepper flakes you use. Start with less and add more to taste.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
It’s best served fresh, but you can prep the seafood and sauce ahead and cook the pasta right before serving.
What pasta works best?
Linguine is traditional, but spaghetti, fettuccine, or even penne will work.
How do I avoid overcooking the seafood?
Keep an eye on it while sautéing and cook just until opaque and firm.
Is this dish dairy-free?
Yes, just skip the optional parmesan when serving.
What can I serve with this pasta?
Crusty bread, a green salad, or roasted vegetables pair nicely.
Can I freeze Seafood Fra Diavolo?
It’s not recommended due to texture changes in seafood after freezing.
How do I make it less spicy?
Use less red pepper flakes and avoid adding extra at the end.
Conclusion
Seafood Linguine Fra Diavolo is a bold and satisfying dish that brings together the heat of crushed red pepper with the freshness of seafood in a rich marinara sauce. Ready in just 20 minutes, it’s a perfect choice for a quick yet elegant dinner. Adjust the spice to your taste and enjoy a restaurant-quality meal right at home.
Print
Seafood Linguine Fra Diavolo
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
Description
A fiery and flavorful Italian classic, Seafood Linguine Fra Diavolo combines tender shrimp, scallops, and calamari with linguine in a spicy marinara sauce — ready in just 20 minutes.
Ingredients
- 16 oz linguine (or fettuccine, spaghetti)
- Kosher salt, for pasta water
- 1 to 1 1/2 lb seafood (shrimp, scallops, and/or calamari), thawed if frozen
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1/2 to 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 24 oz marinara sauce (about 2 1/2 cups)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
- Additional olive oil, parsley, parmesan, black pepper, crushed red pepper for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook linguine until one minute before al dente.
- Pat seafood dry.
- In a large deep skillet over medium heat, warm 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Add the seafood and crushed red pepper flakes. Sauté for about 5–6 minutes, until seafood is cooked through.
- Stir in marinara sauce and parsley (if using). Heat through, then turn off heat and cover to keep warm if pasta isn’t ready.
- Once pasta is nearly al dente, transfer it directly to the skillet with tongs. Add 1/2 cup pasta water and toss everything together.
- Cook 1–2 more minutes until sauce thickens and coats the pasta. Add more pasta water if needed.
- Serve hot with extra olive oil, parmesan, parsley, black pepper, or crushed red pepper as desired.
Notes
- Use a seafood mix or just shrimp if you prefer.
- Adjust red pepper flakes to your spice preference.
- Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 2 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 319
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 560mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 90mg