This Shrimp Fra Diavolo Pizza is spicy, light, refreshing and full of flavor with red wine, onions, garlic, tomatoes and red pepper flakes.
How do you layer your pizza – sauce, then cheese + ingredients OR sauce, then ingredients + cheese last?
I’ve been watching a lot of food cooking shows lately and I’ve noticed a trend. Almost all of them spread the sauce on the pizza crust, then add the cheese and the ingredients are layered on top of the cheese.
For years, I’ve been spreading the sauce, layering each of the ingredients (sausage, onions, mushrooms, olives), then the cheese. I then let the cheese get all brown and bubbly on top, and let the crust get crispy ~ and for us, it’s been the perfect pizza.
Until…I saw ALL these other amazing chefs on the Food Network +others, and I smacked my head with my hand wondering why I had never tried it that way. Talk about being a creature of habit!
So, I’m curious how do you layer your pizza?
Obviously, I made this pizza before I saw those episodes. But, since I started making my own pizza dough, I have been a pizza making machine. I just can’t get enough of the stuff. Which means I’ve been doing my research! Hello, Food Network!
Are you tired of all the pizza recipes I’ve been posting? I sure hope not!
Using my thin crust pizza recipe, that doesn’t need time to rise, has changed our pizza world in a BIG way. We are lovin’ us some pizza!
Like this one. Shrimp Fra Diavolo Pizza. Typically a pasta dish, let me just tell you – it’s as good, if not better, on pizza than on a bed of fettucini!
The pizza is light (much like a summer pizza), but has a great kick from the dry red wine, onions, garlic and red pepper flakes. The red pepper flakes give it just the right amount of spice to make it tantalizing on the tongue.
One thing you’ll love, is the intoxicating aroma as the onions and garlic sizzle on the stove, right before you de-glaze them with red wine. Trust me, it’s heaven in your skillet.
What? You didn’t think your skillet could be heaven? Try it. You’ll see! 🙂
BTW, I just launched a new apron in my shop! Come visit!
Enjoy!
Shrimp Fra Diavolo Pizza
Ingredients
- 1 medium pizza dough homemade or store bought
- 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil divided
- 1 lb. large uncooked shrimp peeled, deveined and tails removed
- pinch of salt and black pepper
- 5 cloves garlic minced
- 1 medium onion thinly sliced
- 1 cup red wine *see note
- 2 cups grape tomatoes halved
- 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup fresh basil chopped
- grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425 degrees F. If you're using a pizza stone, ensure your pizza stone is in the oven prior to pre-heating.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sprinkle shrimp with salt and pepper, and add to the skillet when it's hot. Saute for one minute, then flip the shrimp over and saute until the shrimp is seared on both sides. Remove shrimp to a separate plate and set aside.
- Add an additional 2 tablespoons oil to the same skillet. Add the onions and saute for another 5 minutes, or until translucent. Add garlic and saute for one minute, stirring frequently so the garlic doesn't burn. Add red wine, and de-glaze pan for one minute. Then, add tomatoes, crushed red pepper, and oregano. Reduce heat to medium-low, and let simmer and reduce for 10 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Brush the top of the pizza crust with the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Sprinkle about half of the mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the pizza, leaving a 1-inch border at the sides. Evenly spread the sauteed tomato mixture on top of the cheese. Add the shrimp in an even layer, and then top with the remaining mozzarella cheese.
- Bake in the oven for about 10 to 12 minutes, or until dough has risen and cheese is melted. Remove and garnish with chopped fresh basil and Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately.
Notes
Recipe adapted from Gimme Some Oven @ Shrimp Fra Diavolo Pizza.
Renee@Two in the Kitchen says
Well, this pizza looks fantastic no matter how you layer it!! You know, I have never made my own pizza before with homemade dough and everything. But I am making it a point to use your recipe right after the crazy holidays and I’ll do a little review on my blog. And it is going to have to be this recipe because ……I’m dying here over this amazing shrimp pizza!! Anytime I see shrimp pizza on a menu: I have to get it!!! Have a good weekend Kristi! 🙂
Kristi says
Thanks Renee – I’m with you. I am a huge shrimp fan (and it’s awesome on pizza). I support your pizza making efforts and can’t see what you come up with! xoxo Have a great weekend!
Joelen says
What a great version for a pizza!
Kristi says
Thanks Joelen! It was really, really tasty!
Marissa | Pinch and Swirl says
I’m a big Shrimp Fra Diavolo fan, but have never had it as pizza!!! This looks absolutely drool worthy.
Kristi says
Thanks Marissa! Me too – and I’m so glad you like it! Have a great weekend!
ananda says
omg shrimp pizzas…omg…
when can i move next door to you dear kristi?!? xoxo
Kristi says
Hahahaha! I would LOVE that Ananda! I would cook for you and you could decorate my house with all your beautiful creations! Starting with that gorgeous watercolor flower you did!!!
Alyssa @ My Sequined Life says
This pizza…swooooon, Kristi! This is right up my alley. I always spread the sauce first, then I usually add the cheese, and then the toppings. But thinking about delish ingredients with a warm and bubbly cheese layer on top sounds pretty delish!
Kristi says
After reading your comment Alyssa, it occurred to me, I’m going to do both! Most of the cheese will be put on the sauce, then a spattering on the top so it can get bubbly brown – but it will still show most of the ingredients! Thanks for the tip!
Josefine {The Smoothie Lover} says
I am happy to know I am not the only one who adds the cheese last thing. I thought that was the normal way for years, but most other persons I know add the cheese firts. I just feel that if you add it in the end it keeps everything together 🙂
Looks sp delicious
Kristi says
That’s EXACTLY what I thought too Josefine! That the cheese on top would keep it all down. On the other hand, I guess the cheese on the bottom ‘glues’ it to the pizza too! You don’t put glue on the front of a picture to stick it to something – you put it on the back so it adheres. That’s my DOH! moment! xoxo
Josefine {The Smoothie Lover} says
Haha, I had never thought about it that way 😉 Well, then it makes much more sense to add the cheese first.
Kelly says
Oh my gosh, I love this pizza! It looks absolutely incredible! I’m a big fan of Shrimp Fra Diavolo and making it into a pizza is such a tasty idea! We usually spread the sauce, cheese, then ingredients then more cheese but any way you layer it as long as there is cheesy goodness, we are good to go!:) Love the apron too, it’s so so pretty!!!
Kristi says
Thanks Kelly! I am going to start making pizza your way! I love having the cheese on top so that it gets all bubbly, but I miss seeing the pretty ingredients! xoxo
Melanie @ Carmel Moments says
That is one gorgeous looking pizza Kristi!
Kristi says
Thanks Melanie! Such a nice compliment! This pizza is so tasty, it was hard to resist! xoxo
marcie says
I’m not tired of your pizza and I never will be! I need to turn into a pizza-making machine…my family would love it. haha I usually layer more cheese on top of the toppings too, just enough to where you can still see the ingredients but enough to where you can see the golden brown cheese on top too. Love this shrimp version — it looks amazing. Pinned!
Kristi says
Thanks for the pin Marcie! The 1st time I saw this pizza, it was absolutely gorgeous. But, then I got so caught up in adding cheese to the top, it sort of smothered it! Haha! But, it was still tasty though!
Cheyanne says
Shrimp, Red Wine & Spicy ON a PIZZA???? This is an absolute MUST have IMMEDIATELY! Looks absolutely amazing!
Kristi says
Thanks Cheyanne! I’m so glad you like it. It does taste amazing! 🙂
Alice @ Hip Foodie Mom says
love this pizza!!! I layer my pizza differently depending on what toppings I have. . but generally I do like to very lightly add some freshly grated cheese on top over the toppings before baking. but just a little if I have toppings that I want to show. . otherwise, bring on the cheese!!! love this pizza!!
Kristi says
Thanks Alice! I definitely need to change the way I layer my pizza. I want to see all the pretty toppings! On mine, it looks like a cheese blob! Hahaha!
Ruby Red Apron says
Good point on the pizza layering. I never really thought about it. But this pizza looks so gooooood!! So cheesy! Yum!
Kristi says
Thanks Ruby – I hadn’t thought of it either!
Christin@SpicySouthernKitchen says
Love, love the apron! This pizza looks so good. Love shrimp on a pizza. I actually put most of my cheese on after the sauce, but then I sprinkle a little more on the toppings. I don’t know why, but I like to be able to see my toppings.
Kristi says
Yes Christin! I agree – I want to see my toppings! I don’t know why I didn’t think of it before, but I definitely need to change the way I layer a pizza! And, thanks for the compliments on the apron! xoxo
Karishma says
I looove shrimp fra diavolo! This sounds so delicious. I was going to say, when I first saw the picture, wow she uses a lot of cheese but now this makes sense! I always add the toppings last, but that’s so funny that you just realized it! I’m sure it tastes just as great with all the cheesy goodness on top!!
Kristi says
Hahahaha! Yes Karishma, we lovvvvve cheese! 🙂 If I put 1/2 of it on the bottom next time, maybe no-one will notice! Hahahaha! Happy Holidays!
Ashley @ Wishes and Dishes says
This looks mouthwatering! I have always put on the sauce, cheese, then toppings. And sometimes I put a little extra sprinkling of cheese on top of everything before baking. That’s how my in-laws do it also and they own a pizzeria!
Kristi says
OMGosh Ashley, I sure wished I would’ve known that!!! I’m going to start doing that from now on! I’ll bet this would be a much prettier pizza if I’d done that. Happy Holidays! xoxo
Pamela @ Brooklyn Farm Girl says
When I looked at the first picture I muttered something like “Holy Moly”. This is one good lucking recipe, mouthwatering and extra tasy!
Kristi says
Thanks Pamela!!! That is the nicest compliment – you made me blush! xoxo Have a Happy Holiday!
Lindsey @ American Heritage Cooking says
I never thought about how I layer my pizza! Of course I did it exactly like you and never gave it another thought. I’ll have to mix it up! Your pizzas always look fabulous! I love the shrimp! Good thing I keep my freezer stocked with shrimp now that you have some many fabulous shrimp recipes!!!
Kristi says
Thanks Lindsey! When I go to Costco, I always buy 6 bags of shrimp. every.single.time, people in line ask “What in the world are you going to do with all that shrimp?” Ii think they’re sorry they asked when I throw out about 100 recipes! Hahahaha! I love shrimp for almost everything! xoxo
Johlene @Flavours & Frosting says
Looks delicioussss!!! 🙂
Merry Xmas friend may this be a good one for you and your family! xoxo
Kristi says
Thank you Johlene!!! Merry Christmas to you and your family too, girl! xoxoxoxo
whatjessicabakednext says
This pizza looks seriously tasty, Kristi! We always add the cheese last of all, always done it that way because it keeps everything all together! I’ve definitely gotta try this out! Love the flavours, so much! 😀
Kristi says
Thanks Jessica! I’m so glad you liked it! We loved this pizza. And, we always add cheese last too – but I need to try it the other way next time! {Hugs}
Jess @ Flying on Jess Fuel says
Wow, what a great unique pizza! The tomato sauce sounds so, so yummy and flavorful! My cousins have a backyard pizza oven so I am always looking for new pizza recipes!
Kristi says
Oh awesome! I would love a backyard pizza oven! That sounds heavenly!
Mary Beth says
If I have a great sauce that I really want to focus on, sometimes I will mix it up and do a thin layer of olive oil, cheese, ingredients, and then drizzle the sauce on the top. I find it it really keeps the crust crispy and prevents it from getting soggy.
Kristi says
Ooooo! That sounds fabulous Mary Beth! I never thought to drizzle it on top! I need to try that – so thanks for the tip!
Carrie @Frugal Foodie Mama says
This pizza sounds delicious! Love the spicy kick! 🙂 And I am a cheese last girl. I have never tried layering the cheese after the sauce and before the toppings- interesting.
Kristi says
I know, right? I’m with you Carrie! I’ve never put the ingredients on last either, but I”m going to try it. Have a fabulous weekend!
Sarah Sonnamaker says
*I’ll have to try this, these pictures are making me hungry!
Kristi says
Sarah, this pizza is incredible! I hope you do try it, I think you’ll love it!
tanya says
That’s funny, I never think about layering pizza any other way, I always load my cheese on top! I love the flavor of this pizza, shrimp is such an excellent topping!
Kristi says
I know, right? It was totally eye opening for me to learn that everyone else was doing it differently! Hahaha! Have a great weekend Tanya!
Patricia @ Grab a Plate says
What yummy ingredients for a pizza! Love it! Isn’t it funny how a change in order can change things! 🙂
Kristi says
Crazy, right Patricia? It was mind-blowing for me too. Who knew? Haha!
Cyndi Grant says
Kristi thanks for this recipe! My family loves this pizza and I have fun making it!