How to Make One-Pot Seafood Fra Diavolo
How to Make One-Pot Seafood Fra Diavolo is a medium Italian recipe that serves 4. 450 calories per serving. Recipe by America's Test Kitchen on YouTube.
Prep: 15 min | Cook: 27 min | Total: 57 min
Cost: $40.80 total, $10.20 per serving
Ingredients
- 12 oz Dry Scallops (tendon removed, cut in half crosswise)
- 12 oz Large Shrimp (21/25 count, peeled, deveined, tails removed except for two for presentation)
- 1 lb Mussels (scrubbed, beards removed, kept alive until cooking)
- 6 tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil (divided: 2 tbsp for tossing seafood, 4 tbsp for sauce base)
- 7 cloves Garlic (minced; 3 for seafood toss, 4 for sauce)
- 0.75 tsp Kosher Salt (divided)
- 3 pieces Anchovy Fillets (packed in oil, rinsed and patted dry)
- 3 tbsp Tomato Paste
- 2 tsp Dried Oregano
- 1.5 tsp Crushed Red Pepper Flakes (adjust for heat preference)
- 1 cup Dry White Wine (use a dry, crisp variety)
- 28 oz Whole Peeled Tomatoes (canned, crushed with potato masher)
- 8 oz Clam Juice
- 12 oz Linguine Pasta (dry, broken in half if long)
- 0.5 cup Fresh Parsley (chopped)
- 2 tbsp Hot Cherry Peppers (chopped, plus a splash of brine)
- 1 tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil (for drizzling) (optional finishing drizzle)
Instructions
Prepare the Seafood
Remove the tendon from the dry scallops and cut each scallop in half crosswise. Peel, devein, and remove tails from the shrimp (keep two tails for garnish). Scrub mussels, pull off any beards, and tap any that are slightly open to ensure they close; discard any that stay open.
Time: PT10M
Season Scallops and Shrimp
In a large bowl combine the scallops and shrimp with 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, 3 minced garlic cloves, and ½ tsp salt. Toss to coat evenly and set aside in the refrigerator while you build the sauce.
Time: PT5M
Sauté Anchovies and Garlic
Heat 4 tbsp olive oil in the Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the 3 anchovy fillets and let them melt, then add 4 minced garlic cloves. Stir with a wooden spoon and cook until the garlic just begins to turn golden, about 3 minutes.
Time: PT3M
Temperature: medium
Build the Base
Stir in 3 tbsp tomato paste, 2 tsp dried oregano, and 1½ tsp red pepper flakes. Cook, stirring frequently, until the paste darkens slightly, about 2 minutes.
Time: PT2M
Temperature: medium
Deglaze and Cook Mussels
Increase heat to medium‑high, pour in 1 cup white wine, and scrape the browned bits from the bottom. Add the cleaned mussels, cover the pot, and steam until the shells open, 3–4 minutes.
Time: PT4M
Temperature: medium-high
Add Tomatoes and Clam Juice
Add the 28‑oz can of whole peeled tomatoes and 8 oz clam juice. Sprinkle in an additional ¼ tsp salt. Using a potato masher, crush the tomatoes directly in the pot, then increase heat to medium‑high and bring the mixture to a boil.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: medium-high
Cook the Pasta in Sauce
Add 12 oz linguine to the boiling sauce. Stir with tongs to submerge the noodles. Cook, adding hot water a half‑cup at a time as needed, until the pasta is about two minutes shy of al dente (approximately 7 minutes total).
Time: PT7M
Temperature: medium-high
Finish with Scallops and Shrimp
Remove the lid and add the seasoned scallops and shrimp from the refrigerator. Cook, stirring gently, until the seafood turns opaque, about 3 minutes.
Time: PT3M
Temperature: medium-high
Add Fresh Herbs and Peppers
Stir in ½ cup chopped fresh parsley, 2 tbsp chopped hot cherry peppers with a splash of their brine, and the cooked mussels (including any accumulated juice). Remove from heat.
Time: PT2M
Finish and Serve
Drizzle a little extra virgin olive oil over the top and sprinkle with additional crushed red pepper flakes if desired. Serve immediately.
Time: PT1M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 450
- Protein
- 30g
- Carbohydrates
- 55g
- Fat
- 12g
- Fiber
- 3g
Dietary info: Pescatarian, Contains Gluten, Contains Shellfish
Allergens: Shellfish, Fish (anchovies), Gluten
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Dry Scallops: Wet scallops (rinse and pat dry)
- Instead of Large Shrimp: Medium shrimp, peeled and deveined shrimp
- Instead of Mussels: Clams, cockles
- Instead of Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Canola oil (for sauté)
- Instead of Garlic: Garlic powder (1 tsp)
- Instead of Kosher Salt: Sea salt
- Instead of Anchovy Fillets: Anchovy paste (1 tsp)
- Instead of Tomato Paste: Concentrated tomato sauce (1 tbsp)
- Instead of Dried Oregano: Italian seasoning (1 tsp)
- Instead of Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: Fresh chili, minced
- Instead of Dry White Wine: Chicken broth + 1 tbsp white wine vinegar
- Instead of Whole Peeled Tomatoes: Crushed tomatoes (1 28‑oz can)
- Instead of Clam Juice: Fish stock (8 oz)
- Instead of Linguine Pasta: Spaghetti, fettuccine
- Instead of Fresh Parsley: Fresh basil
- Instead of Hot Cherry Peppers: Red pepper flakes (extra)
- Instead of Extra Virgin Olive Oil (for drizzling): Infused olive oil
Equipment Needed
- Dutch Oven
- Wooden Spoon
- Tongs
- Paring Knife
- Shrimp Shears (optional)
- Potato Masher (optional)
- Measuring Spoons
- Measuring Cups
- Large Bowl
- Plastic Wrap (optional)
- Cutting Board
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Deglazing and cooking the mussels (step 5)
- Cooking the pasta directly in the sauce to the correct doneness (step 7)
- Adding and cooking the scallops and shrimp just until opaque (step 8)
- Ensuring all mussels are alive before cooking (step 1)
Chef Tips from the Video
- Dry scallops sear better and give a sweeter flavor; avoid wet scallops that have been treated with additives.
- Use a potato masher to crush whole canned tomatoes directly in the pot to avoid splatter.
- Add the hot water gradually; you can always add more but cannot take it away.
Troubleshooting
Mussels do not open during cooking.
Discard any unopened mussels; they were likely dead before cooking. Ensure mussels are alive when purchased and keep them refrigerated until use.
Sauce becomes too thick after pasta cooks.
Add additional hot water, a tablespoon at a time, until the desired consistency is reached.
Scallops become rubbery.
Cook scallops only until they turn opaque and firm (about 2‑3 minutes). Remove from heat immediately to prevent overcooking.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of water.
Freezer: Not recommended; the pasta texture degrades after freezing.
Room temperature: Do not leave at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Prepare the tomato‑wine sauce base up to step 6 and refrigerate; reheat before adding pasta.
- Clean and debeard mussels a few hours ahead and keep them covered in the fridge.
- Cook the pasta al dente separately, then toss with the reheated sauce for a quick reheat.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of Seafood Fra Diavolo in Italian cuisine?
Fra diavolo, meaning "fighting devil," refers to a spicy tomato‑based sauce that originated in Southern Italy. It was traditionally served with seafood to showcase the region's abundant coastal bounty while adding a fiery kick from red pepper flakes.
What are the traditional regional variations of Fra Diavolo in Italy?
In Naples and the Amalfi Coast, Fra Diavolo often includes fresh tomatoes, garlic, and anchovies, while in Sicily the sauce may feature capers, olives, and a splash of white wine. Some versions use only shrimp, whereas others incorporate a mix of shellfish like mussels and scallops.
How is Fra Diavolo traditionally served in Italian coastal towns?
It is typically tossed with long pasta such as linguine or spaghetti and served hot, garnished with fresh parsley and a drizzle of high‑quality olive oil. The dish is often accompanied by a crisp white wine and a simple green salad.
What occasions or celebrations is Seafood Fra Diavolo traditionally associated with in Italian culture?
Seafood Fra Diavolo is a popular choice for festive family gatherings, especially during summer festivals and religious holidays like the Feast of Saint Joseph, when fresh seafood is abundant.
How does Seafood Fra Diavolo fit into the broader Italian cuisine tradition?
It exemplifies Italy’s love of simple, high‑quality ingredients—olive oil, garlic, tomatoes, and fresh seafood—combined with a bold, spicy flavor profile that balances the natural sweetness of the shellfish.
What are the authentic traditional ingredients for Seafood Fra Diavolo versus acceptable substitutes?
Authentic ingredients include dry scallops, large shrimp, fresh mussels, anchovies, garlic, dried oregano, red pepper flakes, white wine, and whole peeled tomatoes. Substitutes can include wet scallops (rinsed well), frozen shrimp, or canned clams, and chicken broth can replace clam juice if unavailable.
What other Italian dishes pair well with Seafood Fra Diavolo?
A light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette, grilled bruschetta, or a simple roasted vegetable medley complement the rich, spicy sauce. A crisp Pinot Grigio or Vermentino pairs nicely with the seafood flavors.
What makes Seafood Fra Diavolo special or unique in Italian cuisine?
The combination of briny shellfish, umami anchovies, and a fiery tomato‑wine base creates a complex flavor that is both comforting and exhilarating, setting it apart from milder Italian seafood sauces like aglio‑olio.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Seafood Fra Diavolo at home?
Common errors include overcooking the scallops, not discarding dead mussels, letting the sauce dry out before the pasta finishes cooking, and adding too much red pepper early, which can become bitter.
Why does this Seafood Fra Diavolo recipe use anchovies instead of fish sauce for umami?
Anchovies melt into the sauce, providing a clean, salty depth that blends seamlessly with the tomatoes and wine, whereas fish sauce can introduce a stronger, sometimes overpowering flavor that doesn’t match the Italian palate.
Can I make Seafood Fra Diavolo ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes. Prepare the sauce up to step 6, let it cool, then refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat gently, add the pasta and seafood just before serving to keep the shellfish tender.
What does the YouTube channel America's Test Kitchen specialize in?
The YouTube channel America's Test Kitchen specializes in rigorously tested, science‑based cooking tutorials that focus on reliable, reproducible recipes and detailed technique explanations for home cooks.
How does the YouTube channel America's Test Kitchen's approach to Italian cooking differ from other Italian cooking channels?
America's Test Kitchen emphasizes precise measurements, step‑by‑step testing, and troubleshooting tips, whereas many Italian cooking channels rely more on intuition and traditional methods without systematic testing.
Last updated: September 6, 2026
