Calamarata with Squid and Cherry Tomatoes: A Delicious Seafood Pasta Dish
Welcome to this delicious and savory recipe for Calamarata with Squid and Cherry Tomatoes, a classic Italian pasta dish that’s perfect for seafood lovers. With tender rings of calamari combined with the fresh, sweet flavor of cherry tomatoes, this dish offers a perfect blend of textures and tastes. The preparation of Calamarata is a wonderful way to enjoy the simple pleasures of Italian cooking with a seafood twist. The tender calamari, sautรฉed with garlic and fresh chili, is enhanced with a splash of white wine and rich tomato concentrate, resulting in a delectable sauce that pairs beautifully with the pasta. If you’re looking for a recipe that’s easy to follow yet impressive, this is the one!
Ingredients and Nutritional Information
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Calamarata Pasta | 400g | A ring-shaped pasta perfect for seafood |
| Fresh Calamari | 600g | Cleaned and sliced into rings |
| Garlic Clove | 1 | Lightly crushed to release flavor |
| Fresh Chili Pepper | 1 | Use seeds for a spicy kick or remove seeds for a milder taste |
| Fresh Parsley | 1 small bunch | Chopped finely for garnish |
| Cherry Tomatoes | 400g | Halved or quartered |
| White Wine | 60g | For deglazing and adding depth of flavor |
| Tomato Concentrate | 25g | Adds a rich, concentrated tomato flavor |
| Salt | To taste | To enhance flavor |
| Black Pepper | To taste | Freshly ground for seasoning |
| Extra Virgin Olive Oil | As needed | For sautรฉing and drizzling |
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Garlic and Chili
Start by preparing the garlic and fresh chili pepper. To peel the garlic, simply crush the cloves gently with the palm of your hand, which makes the skin easier to remove. Next, take the chili pepper, slice it in half, and remove the seeds if you prefer a milder dish, or leave them in for more heat. Then, chop the pepper finely.
Step 2: Clean the Calamari
Now, move on to cleaning the calamari. Rinse them under cold running water to remove any residual ink or debris. Separate the tentacles from the body and remove the internal parts, including the cartilage. Take the head of the calamari and carefully cut away the eyes and beak. Use a paring knife to peel off the skin. Slice the calamari into rings, making sure theyโre not too thick.
Step 3: Prepare the Cherry Tomatoes
Wash the cherry tomatoes thoroughly, then dry them with a paper towel. Slice them into quarters, or halves, depending on your preference. These will release their natural sweetness and juice as they cook, creating a fresh and juicy sauce for the calamari.
Step 4: Boil the Pasta
Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil. Once the water reaches a rolling boil, add salt to the water and stir. Add the calamarata pasta to the pot and cook according to the package instructions, stopping just before the pasta is fully cooked (about 2 minutes shy of the recommended time). This will ensure itโs perfectly al dente by the time it’s added to the sauce.
Step 5: Sautรฉ Garlic and Chili
In a large saucepan or sautรฉ pan, heat some extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Add the garlic and chili pepper, stirring occasionally until the garlic becomes fragrant and golden, about 1 minute. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can turn bitter.
Step 6: Cook the Calamari
Once the garlic and chili are aromatic, add the calamari rings to the pan. Sautรฉ the calamari for about 1-2 minutes, just until they are lightly browned and sealed. They should still be tender, so avoid overcooking them, as calamari can become tough and rubbery if left too long on the heat.
Step 7: Deglaze with White Wine
As soon as the calamari is browned, pour in the white wine to deglaze the pan. Let it simmer for about 2-3 minutes, allowing the alcohol to evaporate and the flavors to meld. This step will help to lift any browned bits from the bottom of the pan and infuse the calamari with the wineโs depth.
Step 8: Add Tomatoes and Tomato Concentrate
Once the wine has reduced, add the halved cherry tomatoes and the tomato concentrate to the pan. Stir to combine and cook for another 3-4 minutes, allowing the tomatoes to soften and release their juices. The tomato concentrate will help to thicken the sauce and intensify the flavor. Season with salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste.
Step 9: Finish Cooking the Pasta
While the sauce is simmering, check your pasta. Once itโs nearly done, use a slotted spoon to remove the pasta from the boiling water and add it directly into the pan with the calamari sauce. You may need to add a bit of the reserved pasta water (about 1/2 cup) to the pan to help create a smoother sauce and ensure that the pasta and sauce combine well. Stir the pasta into the sauce gently, making sure all the noodles are well coated. If necessary, add more pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
Step 10: Garnish and Serve
Once the pasta is fully cooked and well mixed with the calamari and sauce, remove the pan from the heat. Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and a fresh herb flavor. Serve the Calamarata immediately, garnished with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and more black pepper if desired.
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Calamarata
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Cooking Calamari: Remember, calamari cooks very quickly. Overcooking it will make it tough, so be sure to sautรฉ it just long enough to seal it, and donโt leave it on the heat for too long.
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Pasta Consistency: The pasta water is essential for achieving a sauce that clings to the pasta. Make sure to save some before draining it, just in case you need to adjust the sauce consistency.
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Freshness of Ingredients: The key to this recipe is using fresh ingredients. The sweeter the tomatoes and the fresher the squid, the better the overall flavor.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount per serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 350 kcal |
| Protein | 28g |
| Carbohydrates | 40g |
| Fiber | 4g |
| Fat | 10g |
| Saturated Fat | 1.5g |
| Cholesterol | 70mg |
| Sodium | 500mg |
| Vitamin C | 25% DV |
| Iron | 15% DV |
| Calcium | 6% DV |
Conclusion
This Calamarata with Squid and Cherry Tomatoes is a flavorful and satisfying dish that will transport you straight to the coastal regions of Italy. The tender calamari, combined with the juicy tomatoes and a perfectly cooked ring-shaped pasta, create a harmony of textures and flavors that everyone will love. Whether youโre serving it for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this recipe is sure to impress. Enjoy the delightful flavors of the Mediterranean in the comfort of your own home with this easy-to-follow yet elegant recipe!
Happy cooking!
