Paccheri with Squid Sauce: A Delicious Italian Pasta Dish
If you love authentic Italian flavors, there’s no better way to indulge in the sea’s bounty than with Paccheri al sugo di calamari—a rich, flavorful pasta dish that highlights tender squid paired with juicy cherry tomatoes and a delicate touch of white wine. This dish is ideal for anyone who appreciates the perfect harmony of the sea and the Italian kitchen, where simplicity and quality ingredients come together to create magic.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Squid (calamari) | 500g |
| Paccheri pasta | 320g |
| Cherry tomatoes (pomodorini ciliegino) | 200g |
| Tomato passata (passata di pomodoro) | 200g |
| Extra virgin olive oil (olio extravergine d’oliva) | To taste |
| White wine (vino bianco) | 50g |
| Fresh chili pepper (peperoncino fresco) | 1 |
| Garlic (aglio) | 3 cloves |
| Fresh parsley (prezzemolo) | 2 sprigs |
| Salt (sale fino) | To taste |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~480 kcal |
| Protein | ~28g |
| Carbohydrates | ~60g |
| Fat | ~15g |
| Fiber | ~3g |
| Sodium | ~400mg |
Note: Nutritional values are approximate and based on standard serving sizes. Adjustments may vary depending on specific ingredients used.
Instructions
| Step | Instructions |
|---|---|
| 1. Prep the Pasta | Begin by boiling a large pot of water. Once it reaches a rolling boil, add salt to taste and cook the paccheri pasta according to the package instructions. Be sure to leave it slightly al dente, as it will continue to cook when combined with the squid sauce. Reserve about a cup of the pasta cooking water before draining. |
| 2. Clean the Squid | While the pasta cooks, clean the squid (if it hasn’t been pre-prepared). Separate the tentacles from the body and cut the body into 1.5 cm rings. Be sure to remove any ink sacs and membranes. Set the squid aside. |
| 3. Prepare the Vegetables | Slice the cherry tomatoes in half and set aside. Thinly slice the fresh chili pepper, removing the stem. If you prefer a milder taste, remove some or all of the seeds. Peel and crush the garlic cloves, or leave them whole and peel them after cooking for a more subtle garlic flavor. Chop the fresh parsley finely for garnishing at the end. |
| 4. Sauté the Garlic and Chili | In a large skillet or sauté pan, heat a generous amount of extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Add the garlic and chili pepper, letting them cook for about 1 minute until fragrant. If you prefer a stronger garlic flavor, use whole garlic cloves and remove them after cooking. |
| 5. Cook the Squid | Add the prepared squid rings and tentacles to the skillet and increase the heat to high. Stir the squid quickly to avoid overcooking, and let it cook for about 1 minute. The squid should turn opaque and firm but remain tender if cooked properly. |
| 6. Add the White Wine | Once the squid is nicely seared, pour in the white wine and let it cook off for 1-2 minutes, stirring occasionally to integrate the flavors. The wine will add depth to the sauce and help tenderize the squid further. |
| 7. Incorporate the Tomatoes and Tomato Passata | Add the halved cherry tomatoes and the tomato passata to the pan with the squid. Stir everything together, letting the sauce simmer gently over medium heat for 5-10 minutes until the tomatoes break down and the flavors meld together. Taste for seasoning and adjust with salt as needed. |
| 8. Combine Pasta and Sauce | Add the cooked paccheri pasta to the skillet with the squid sauce. Use tongs or a spoon to toss the pasta in the sauce, ensuring every piece of pasta is coated in the flavorful squid mixture. If the sauce seems too thick, add some of the reserved pasta cooking water a little at a time to help loosen it. |
| 9. Garnish and Serve | Once the pasta is well coated with the squid sauce, remove from heat and sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley. Serve immediately, ensuring each plate is heaped with the rich, flavorful dish. For an extra kick, you can sprinkle a little more fresh chili on top just before serving. |
Tips for a Perfect Dish
- Squid Selection: When purchasing squid, opt for fresh squid if possible. Frozen squid can work as well, but fresh will yield the best texture and flavor.
- Pasta Cooking Time: Paccheri, with its large, tube-like shape, takes a bit longer to cook than traditional pasta. Be sure to check for doneness, but keep it slightly al dente so that it holds up well in the sauce.
- Wine Pairing: This dish pairs beautifully with a crisp white wine, such as a Pinot Grigio or Vermentino, which complements the squid without overpowering the delicate flavors.
- Adjusting the Heat: If you prefer a spicier dish, feel free to add more chili pepper or even a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce. Conversely, if you’re not fond of heat, omit the fresh chili altogether.
Paccheri with squid sauce is a delicious, satisfying dish that’s perfect for a special dinner or a casual family meal. The combination of the firm yet tender squid, sweet cherry tomatoes, and the richness of tomato passata creates a wonderfully balanced sauce that perfectly coats the wide paccheri pasta. With a touch of white wine and a hint of fresh chili, this dish captures the essence of Italian coastal cuisine and will surely delight anyone at the table.
For more delicious and authentic Italian recipes, visit Love With Recipes and explore a world of mouthwatering dishes designed to bring joy and flavor to your cooking.
