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Home » Recipes » Seafood & Lake Fish Pasta Recipes

Published: Jul 20, 2023 by Jacqui

Pasta with Calamari and Tomatoes


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Whether you're a calamari enthusiast or trying it for the first time, this Italian calamari pasta is sure to impress! It only uses a few simple ingredients yet creates such a rich and flavorful dish. It takes just 40 minutes to prepare, making it an excellent choice for weeknight dinners and date nights.

Calamari pasta in a bowl.

History

Calamari is the Italian word for squid, specifically the European squid (Loligo vulgaris). The word comes from the Latin ‘calamarium’, meaning inkpot! However, many people in English speaking countries use the name calamari when describing squid as a food.

Calamari is eaten in many countries, but most people think of it as a Mediterranean ingredient. This is not surprising because many well-known calamari recipes come from the countries around the Med. For example, fried calamari rings are a popular dish here in Italy, but also in Spain, Greece, Cyprus, Turkey, Croatia, Slovenia, and Egypt.

Here in Italy, calamari has been eaten for centuries, certainly since the time of Ancient Rome. So, as you can imagine, there are many ways that Italians prepare their squid. They grill it, stuff it, stew it, bake it and, of course, serve it with pasta as in this pasta with calamari and tomatoes recipe.

Pasta with calamari, tomatoes and parsley

Most calamari pasta recipes originate in the Southern regions of Sicily, Campania, Calabria and Puglia. In general, they are normally quite similar and contain typical Mediterranean ingredients such as garlic, tomatoes, peperoncino and white wine.

However, some also include tomato passata or polpa, which we don’t use for this recipe because the sauce becomes too liquid. Others add olives and there are some recipes ‘al bianco’, meaning white, which don’t have tomatoes.

Fresh calamari, datterini tomatoes, garlic, red chilli pepper and fresh parsley on white plate.

My Sicilian hubby's pasta with calamari and tomatoes

This recipe is my Sicilian husband’s and he's the one to usually cook it. (so great to have a hubby that cooks!) It’s actually one of the simplest I have come across and since I’ve eaten it on numerous occasions, I can tell you it’s absolutely divine.

The main difference between this recipe and other typical Southern Italian calamari pasta recipes, such as La Calamarata, is in the cooking method. Most recipes say to add the calamari before the tomatoes.

Dried paccheri birigati (double grooved) on marble work top.
Paccheri birigati (double grooved).

My hubby cooks the tomatoes first until they start to soften and turn the olive oil reddish. I think this is why the calamari takes on a reddish color and the dish is so flavorsome. He also only uses fresh baby or very small calamari and lots and lots of parsley and garlic.

Ingredients

When you look at the ingredients for this recipe, you might think it's simple, but the magic lies in the fresh and high-quality ingredients. Since there are so few ingredients, it's extra important to go for quality!

Ingredients for calamari pasta in bowls
  • Pasta: In Southern Italy, calamari is more traditionally eaten with paccheri, calamarata or spaghetti This time I used double grooved paccheri (birigati), meaning paccheri with grooves inside and outside. But, this recipe also works great with linguine, tagliolini or fettuccine. One of our go-to's is fresh fettuccine.
  • Calamari: If you can’t find fresh baby calamari, you can use frozen; but not just calamari rings, use whole calamari, even larger ones work. Cooking times may change with frozen calamari but the important thing is not to cook the calamari too long, otherwise they will become rubbery. 
  • Tomatoes: Tomatoes provide a sweet and tangy flavor to the dish. Both cherry and datterini tomatoes work great, but ensure they are small, ripe and very red for the best flavor.
  • Dry White Wine: Use a dry white wine, as this will add the most amount of flavor to the sauce. You can also omit the wine if you prefer.
  • Fresh Parsley: Use fresh and not dried parsley; fresh parsley adds a lovely freshness to the recipe.
  • Olive Oil: I recommend using good-quality extra virgin olive oil, as it will impart a richer, more flavorful sauce.
  • Garlic: Garlic provides the aromatic foundation for the sauce. Use four minced cloves for the initial sautéing and one whole clove to cook in the sauce, which adds a mild, sweet garlic flavor.
  • Peperoncino or fresh red chili pepper: This adds heat to the dish. Adjust the quantity according to your tolerance for spiciness.

Step by Step Instructions

1) Place a large pot of water to a boil.

2) Meanwhile, in a large frying pan or skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the garlic and peperoncino flakes (or chopped chili pepper). Sauté until the garlic starts to soften.

Olive oil, garlic and chili in a pan

3) Add the tomatoes and cook for about 10 minutes, until the tomatoes begin to soften.

Tomatoes added to the pan

4) Mix in the calamari and pour in two-thirds of the white wine and continue to simmer for 10-15 minutes, until the calamari is cooked.

Note: Make sure to stir the calamari frequently to prevent it from overcooking.

Calamari added to the cooked tomatoes

5) While the sauce is cooking, add salt to the large pot of water, then bring it back to a boil before adding your pasta. Cook the pasta to al dente in the boiling salted water according to the package instructions. Before draining, reserve one cup of pasta water.

6) Add parsley and the rest of the wine to the sauce. Stir and cook for another minute.

Calamari sauce in a pan with parsley added

7) Mix in the pasta with the calamari sauce. If the pasta sauce looks dry, mix in a splash of pasta water.

Adding pasta to the calamari sauce

8) Taste and season accordingly with salt and serve.

Calamari pasta in a bowl with parsley

Storage and Leftovers

If you have leftover calamari pasta, place it in an airtight container and refrigerate promptly. Any leftovers should be consumed within 2 days.

To reheat, place the calamari pasta into a saute pan with a ladle of stock. Simmer over medium-high heat, stirring regularly until the sauce has thickened and the calamari is hot throughout.

Alternatively, add a splash of water and reheat covered in the microwave until hot throughout.

FAQs

Can I use frozen calamari?

Yes, you can use frozen calamari if fresh is not available. Calamari freezes well and some chefs believe frozen calamari is more tender. Just make sure to thaw it properly before cooking. Outside of Europe, it's preferable to use frozen calamari from Patagonia as they are known for their quality.

What's the key to tender calamari?

Calamari can quickly turn rubbery if overcooked. The rule of thumb with cephalopods (squid, cuttlefish, octopus etc) is that they should be cooked either very quickly or very slowly - anything in between is where they become tough.The key to tender calamari in this recipe is to not simmer it too strongly and to stir it frequently!

Can I make this dish without wine?

Absolutely! If you prefer not to use wine, it can be omitted entirely. However, you may need to add a little more pasta water later in the recipe to achieve a saucier consistency.

Is calamari beneficial for my health?

Yes, calamari offers several health benefits, particularly for those on a low-calorie diet. Its low-fat content, absence of fiber, and moderate amounts of sodium, potassium, calcium, and phosphorus make it an excellent addition to dietary plans for metabolic health and blood pressure regulation. 100 grams of fresh calamari contains 92 Kcal, 15.58 g of proteins, 3.08 g of carbohydrates without any sugar, 1.28 g of fats, and 233 mg of cholesterol.

More recipes you may like

  • Easy Italian squid pasta from Abruzzo
  • Homemade baked fish ravioli
  • Paccheri with calamari and potato
  • Rigatoni with calamari carbonara
  • Pasta aglio e olio
  • Spaghetti ‘Mare e Monti’ Recipe
  • Vongole pasta

If you love seafood pasta recipes, don’t be afraid to make this at home. Many people only eat seafood pasta in restaurants because they think it must be difficult to make and expensive. I promise you it’s almost as simple as making a tomato sauce.

Plus, calamari is probably one of the least expensive and most easily available seafood. Go on give it a try and let me know what you think! 

Buon appetito!

This recipe was originally published in 2017 but it has been updated with new photos and text.

Pasta with Calamari and Tomatoes in a bowl

Pasta with Calamari and Tomatoes

Jacqui
This calamari pasta only uses a few simple ingredients yet creates such a rich and flavorful dish. It takes just 40 minutes to prepare, making it an excellent choice for weeknight dinners and date nights.
5 from 65 votes
Print Recipe Save Recipe Saved! Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes mins
Cook Time 25 minutes mins
Total Time 40 minutes mins
Course Main Course
Cuisine Sicilian
Servings 4
Calories 687 kcal

Ingredients
 
 

  • 4-5 tablespoon Extra virgin olive oil
  • 14.1 oz Paccheri or spaghetti
  • 1.1 lbs Fresh baby calamari cleaned and cut into rings and small pieces
  • 1.1 lbs Cherry tomatoes
  • 5 cloves Garlic (4 minced and 1 whole clove)
  • ½ Fresh peperoncino or 1 teaspoon of peperoncino flakes
  • ½ glass Dry white wine (2.5floz)
  • 2 handfuls Fresh parsley
  • Ground black pepper
  • Sea salt

Instructions
 

  • Prepare the ingredients. Wash the tomatoes, peel and chop the garlic (keep one clove whole), chop the fresh chilli pepper (remove seeds for less spice). Wash and chop the parsley.
  • If they are fresh, clean the calamari by removing the head, skin, cartilage and entrails. Wash well and cut the body into rings and the tentacles into small pieces. Frozen calamari only need to be cut into pieces.
  • Place a large pot of water to a boil.
  • Meanwhile, in a large frying pan or skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the garlic (chopped and whole) and peperoncino (or chili flakes). Sauté until the garlic starts to soften.
  • Add the tomatoes and cook for about 10-15 minutes, until the tomatoes begin to soften.
  • Mix in the calamari and pour in two-thirds of the white wine and continue to simmer for 10-15 minutes, until the calamari is cooked. Make sure to stir the calamari frequently to prevent it from overcooking.
  • While the sauce is cooking, add salt to the large pot of water, then bring it back to a boil before adding your pasta. Cook the pasta to al dente in the boiling salted water according to the package instructions. Before draining, reserve one cup of pasta water.
  • Remove the whole garlic clove. Add parsley and the rest of the wine to the sauce. Stir and cook for another minute.
  • Mix in the pasta with the calamari sauce. If the pasta sauce looks dry, mix in a splash of pasta water.
  • Taste and season accordingly with salt and serve.
Prevent your screen from going dark

Notes

  • If you can’t find fresh baby or small calamari, you can use frozen; but not just calamari rings, use whole calamari. Cooking times may change with frozen calamari but the important thing is not to cook the calamari too long, otherwise they will become rubbery.
  • Cooking times differ with fresh or dried pasta. Check the packet instructions.
  • Italians don't use grated cheese on seafood pasta dishes, so I haven't included it here.

Nutrition

Calories: 687kcalCarbohydrates: 86gProtein: 34gFat: 17gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 11gCholesterol: 291mgSodium: 80mgPotassium: 871mgFiber: 4gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 821IUVitamin C: 38mgCalcium: 90mgIron: 3mg
Keyword calamari pasta, pasta with calamari, Pasta with calamari and datterini tomatoes
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Pin for Later:

Pasta with Calamari and Tomatoes

If you are interested in learning how to make other homemade pasta and different types of gnocchi, check out my shop page for some great video online courses from my friends in Rome! Nothing beats learning to make pasta from Italians! 

Plus while you’re there why not order a copy of one of my pasta recipe cookbooks or checkout some recommended pasta making tools?


More Seafood & Lake Fish Pasta Recipes

  • Linguine alle vongole.
    Linguine alle vongole recipe (pasta with clams)
  • Pasta with tuna Bolognese sauce.
    Garganelli Pasta with Tuna Bolognese Recipe.
  • La Calamarata recipe in a bowl.
    La Calamarata (Calamari Pasta) Recipe
  • Anchovies pasta recipes.
    16 Pasta with Anchovies Recipes

Reader Interactions

Comments

    5 from 65 votes (50 ratings without comment)

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    Recipe Rating




  1. Nora says

    August 13, 2024 at 9:19 pm

    Perfect pasta recipe! Love that it is so quick and easy to prepare! Thanks!

    Reply
  2. JC says

    August 13, 2024 at 3:40 pm

    This was absolutely fantastic. We loved the calamari -- will make again!

    Reply
  3. Elizabeth says

    August 13, 2024 at 3:39 pm

    Loved the flavor of this dish! The calamari was delicious!

    Reply
  4. Rachel says

    August 12, 2024 at 4:48 pm

    This came out great - I used spaghetti and it tasted wonderful!

    Reply
  5. Gloria says

    August 12, 2024 at 3:11 pm

    The garden tomatoes are growing like crazy. I was just saying I need to make some pasta to use some up. This looks like a great plan for dinner.

    Reply
  6. Carrie Robinson says

    July 31, 2023 at 3:33 pm

    I am a big fan of calamari! 🙂 This is such a great idea for a past dish. Looks delicious!

    Reply
  7. Moop Brown says

    July 31, 2023 at 10:59 am

    Calamari is one of my favorite types of seafood but I don't think I've had it paired with pasta before so I am looking forward to trying out this recipe.

    Reply
  8. Alex says

    July 31, 2023 at 6:23 am

    This pasta was so, so good! I used frozen as you said we could and it came out great. I love the note about not including cheese because Italians don't. I imagine you must get a lot of dumb comments and you must be a patient person.

    Reply
  9. Amy Casey says

    July 31, 2023 at 5:42 am

    Such a delicious recipe! We love all seafood at our house. This pasta dish was a hit!

    Reply
  10. Erin says

    July 30, 2023 at 7:43 pm

    I had some open wine so was glad to stumble across this recipe! It was incredible and I love how quickly it came together. Will repeat this again for sure. Thanks!

    Reply
  11. Megane says

    July 30, 2023 at 4:12 pm

    So simple and delish! Using super fresh calamari we caught today and this was sheer perfection.

    Reply
  12. Susan says

    July 29, 2023 at 6:55 pm

    I love calamari but have never cooked it! Thanks for a great recipe to make this at home. This recipe is going to make my husband soooo happy!

    Reply
  13. M Denis says

    July 28, 2023 at 4:50 pm

    A wonderful pasta recipe loaded with incredible flavors. I give this an A+!

    Reply
  14. Gloria says

    July 25, 2023 at 1:54 am

    A simple and delicious pasta dish. Perfect for serving to company. Just add wine and enjoy!

    Reply
  15. Marta says

    July 24, 2023 at 3:22 pm

    My twins love calamari, but we only have it fried. I made this pasta with calamari and I think it may be their new favorite way to enjoy it. Thanks for a great, easy-to-follow recipe!

    Reply

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Buon giorno and welcome to my pasta project! My name is Jacqui. I’m originally a Londoner but in 2003 life’s journey brought me to the beautiful Veneto region of Italy where…

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