Shrimp and Linguine Fra Diavolo

For my Valentine dinner, I made Shrimp and Linguine Fra Diavolo.  Fra Divalo translates as "Brother Devil", hinting that this dish is spicy!

 I used a ridiculous amount of both freshly chopped garlic and crushed red pepper flakes. Don't worry about the garlic because you and your Valentine will both be eating it. Adjust the pepper flakes according to your desires, but you may be surprised by the amount this dish can carry without being overly hot. 

Shrimp and Linguine Fra Diavolo
12 oz. linguine
4 Tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
1 large sweet onion, diced
3 Tbsp. minced garlic
2 - 3 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes
1 1/2 cups tomato sauce
2 Tbsp. tomato paste
1 lb. shrimp, peeled and deveined
2 Tbsp. chopped fresh parsley
Salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste
Parmesan cheese, optional

In a very large skillet (I used a cast iron) over medium high heat, add the olive oil. Once the oil is hot, add the onions and cook until lightly caramelized.  Add the garlic to the pan and saute until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add the red pepper flakes and saute briefly before adding the tomato sauce and tomato paste. Cook the sauce until reduced by about half.

Meanwhile, bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the linguine until barely al dente. The pasta will cook a little further in the sauce.

Add the shrimp to the tomato sauce mixture and cook for about 3 minutes. Add the pasta to the pan along with about a cup of the pasta cooking water. Continue to cook the pasta in the sauce until desired tenderness. Stir in the fresh parley and adjust seasonings, adding salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste.

Toss to combine well and serve with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.