Calamarata pasta is a traditional Italian dish from the Campania region, particularly popular in Naples. This unique pasta, shaped like calamari rings, is typically paired with a seafood sauce, often featuring calamari itself. The pasta’s shape closely resembles rings of squid, which is where it gets its name. When combined with fresh seafood, aromatic garlic, ripe tomatoes, and a splash of white wine, Calamarata becomes a rich and flavorful dish that celebrates the flavors of the sea.
Whether you’re looking to prepare a special meal for guests or simply enjoy a cozy dinner at home, this Calamarata Pasta Recipe is bound to impress. Its simplicity, combined with the freshness of the ingredients, creates a dish that feels both luxurious and comforting. Plus, it’s surprisingly easy to make!
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to make a perfect Calamarata from scratch, including variations, serving suggestions, and tips on how to store any leftovers.
Ingredients for Calamarata Pasta Recipe
To achieve the authentic flavor of this Calamarata dish, it’s important to use fresh ingredients, particularly when it comes to the seafood. Here’s what you’ll need:
For the Pasta and Sauce:
- Calamarata Pasta: 12 ounces (if you can’t find calamarata, you can substitute with paccheri or rigatoni)
- Squid (Calamari): 1 pound cleaned, bodies sliced into rings, tentacles left whole (learn more about calamari cooking tips here).
- Olive Oil: 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (for sautéing and adding richness to the dish)
- Garlic: 4 cloves, minced (aromatic base of the dish)
- Shallots (Optional): 1 small, finely chopped (adds a touch of sweetness to the sauce)
- Cherry Tomatoes: 1 1/2 cups halved (or 1 can of San Marzano tomatoes for a deeper tomato flavor)
- White Wine: 1/2 cup dry white wine (for deglazing and enhancing the flavors)
- Red Pepper Flakes (Optional): A pinch (for a bit of heat)
- Lemon Juice: Juice from 1 lemon (to brighten the dish)
- Fresh Parsley: 1/4 cup chopped (for garnish)
- Salt and Pepper: To taste
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Calamarata Pasta Recipe
Follow this step-by-step guide to prepare a perfectly balanced and flavorful Calamarata Pasta that’s sure to transport you to the Italian coast.
I- Cook the Calamarata Pasta
- Boil Water: Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. You’ll need about 1 tablespoon of salt per 4 quarts of water for seasoning.
- Cook the Pasta: Add the calamarata pasta to the boiling water and cook according to the package instructions. This typically takes about 10-12 minutes for al dente pasta. Stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking together (learn more about cooking pasta perfectly).
- Reserve Pasta Water: Before draining the pasta, reserve about 1/2 cup of the starchy pasta water to help adjust the consistency of the sauce later.
- Drain the Pasta: Once the pasta is cooked al dente, drain it and set it aside. Toss it with a little olive oil to prevent it from sticking while you prepare the seafood sauce.
II- Prepare the Squid and Seafood Sauce
- Sauté the Garlic and Shallots: In a large skillet or sauté pan, heat 3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and chopped shallots (if using), and sauté for about 2-3 minutes until they become fragrant and translucent. Be careful not to let the garlic burn, as this will give the dish a bitter taste.
- Cook the Squid: Increase the heat to medium-high and add the cleaned squid rings and tentacles to the pan. Sauté the squid for about 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally. The squid should start to turn opaque but remain tender. Be careful not to overcook, as squid can become rubbery if left on the heat for too long.
- Deglaze with White Wine: Once the squid has cooked through, pour in the white wine to deglaze the pan. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let the wine simmer for 2-3 minutes to allow the alcohol to evaporate, leaving behind a rich, flavorful base.
- Add the Tomatoes: Stir in the halved cherry tomatoes or canned San Marzano tomatoes (depending on your preference). The tomatoes will add sweetness and a bit of acidity, which balances the richness of the squid and olive oil. Season the sauce with salt, pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like a bit of heat.
- Simmer the Sauce: Lower the heat and let the sauce simmer gently for about 10 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together, and the tomatoes will soften and release their juices, creating a light but flavorful sauce.
III- Combine the Pasta and Sauce
- Add the Pasta to the Sauce: Once the sauce has simmered, add the cooked calamarata pasta to the skillet with the squid and tomato sauce. Gently toss everything together, ensuring that each piece of pasta is coated with the sauce.
- Adjust the Sauce: If the sauce seems too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency. The starchy water will help the sauce cling to the pasta and give it a smooth texture.
- Finish with Lemon Juice and Parsley: Just before serving, stir in the fresh lemon juice and sprinkle the dish with chopped parsley. The lemon juice brightens the flavors and adds a fresh, tangy element that pairs beautifully with the seafood.
IV- Garnish and Serve
- Garnish the Dish: Once everything is combined, remove the skillet from the heat. Garnish the pasta with additional fresh parsley and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil if desired.
- Serve: Serve the calamarata pasta immediately while it’s hot and flavorful. Pair it with a side of crusty Italian bread or a fresh green salad for a complete meal. This dish is best enjoyed with a glass of crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc.
Variations of Calamarata Pasta Recipe
While the traditional Calamarata is made with squid, there are several variations you can try to suit your personal taste or make use of different ingredients. Here are a few ideas to inspire you:
1. Mixed Seafood Calamarata:
For a more luxurious dish, consider adding a variety of seafood to the sauce. You can incorporate shrimp, mussels, clams, or scallops alongside the squid. Be sure to adjust the cooking times for each type of seafood, adding them towards the end of cooking to prevent overcooking.
If you’re a fan of seafood pasta, you might also enjoy this Crab and Shrimp Pasta recipe.
2. Calamarata with Pesto:
For a different flavor profile, swap the tomato-based sauce for a fresh basil pesto. After cooking the squid, toss the pasta with pesto sauce and garnish with cherry tomatoes for a fresh, herbaceous take on this classic dish.
3. Spicy Calamarata Arrabbiata:
If you enjoy a bit of heat, turn this dish into a spicy Arrabbiata version by increasing the amount of red pepper flakes and using a spicy marinara sauce instead of fresh tomatoes. The bold flavors of the spicy sauce pair beautifully with the tender squid.
4. Vegetarian Calamarata:
For a vegetarian twist, skip the squid and use roasted vegetables instead. Zucchini, eggplant, and bell peppers can be roasted and tossed with the calamarata pasta for a light, flavorful dish that still celebrates the texture of the pasta.
If you’re into vegetarian pasta dishes, try our Cheddar Broccoli Pasta for a cheesy and nutritious option.
5. Creamy Calamarata:
For a richer dish, you can stir in a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of mascarpone cheese at the end of cooking. The cream adds a luxurious texture and softens the acidity of the tomatoes, creating a velvety sauce that clings beautifully to the pasta.
Serving Suggestions for Calamarata Pasta Recipe
This Calamarata Pasta Recipe is flavorful enough to stand on its own, but pairing it with a few simple sides can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some suggestions to complement your seafood pasta:
1. Crusty Italian Bread:
No Italian meal is complete without some good bread. Serve the pasta with a loaf of crusty Italian or ciabatta bread to soak up any leftover sauce. You can toast the bread with a little olive oil and garlic for extra flavor.
2. Green Salad:
A fresh green salad with a light lemon vinaigrette is the perfect complement to the rich seafood pasta. Toss mixed greens, arugula, or spinach with cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, and a simple dressing made from olive oil, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt.
3. Roasted Vegetables:
Roasted vegetables like asparagus, zucchini, or bell peppers can be served alongside the pasta for a healthy and colorful addition to the meal. The slightly smoky flavor of the roasted vegetables adds depth to the overall dish.
4. Caprese Salad:
A simple Caprese salad made with fresh mozzarella, ripe tomatoes, and basil drizzled with balsamic vinegar and olive oil is a great light side dish. The fresh flavors of the salad will complement the seafood in the pasta without overpowering it.
5. Wine Pairing:
A crisp, citrusy white wine like Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, or Vermentino pairs beautifully with this Calamarata dish. The acidity of the wine balances the richness of the seafood and olive oil, making it a perfect pairing.
Storage Tips for Calamarata Pasta Recipe
If you have leftovers from your Calamarata Pasta Recipe, here’s how to store and reheat them to maintain the freshness and flavor:
Refrigeration:
- Store any leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Seafood tends to lose its texture over time, so it’s best to enjoy the leftovers as soon as possible.
Freezing:
- While it’s generally not recommended to freeze seafood dishes, you can freeze the sauce separately if you prefer. Once cooled, transfer the sauce to a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw the sauce overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stovetop before tossing with freshly cooked pasta.
Reheating:
- To reheat, place the pasta and sauce in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a splash of water or broth to refresh the sauce and prevent it from drying out. Stir gently until heated through. Be cautious not to overcook the squid, as it can become tough when reheated.
FAQs About Calamarata Pasta Recipe
1. Can I use frozen squid for this recipe?
- Yes, frozen squid works just as well for this recipe. Be sure to thaw it completely before cooking. You can thaw squid by placing it in the refrigerator overnight or by running it under cold water for a few minutes.
2. What if I can’t find calamarata pasta?
- If you can’t find calamarata pasta, you can substitute it with other large tube-shaped pasta like paccheri or rigatoni. These pasta shapes work well with the sauce and give a similar texture to the dish.
For a unique pasta shape, check out our Zucchette Pasta Recipe for another delicious alternative.
3. How do I avoid overcooking the squid?
- Squid cooks very quickly, usually in just 2-3 minutes. It’s important to watch the squid closely as it turns opaque and tender. Overcooking can cause it to become rubbery, so remove it from the heat as soon as it’s done.
4. Can I make this dish dairy-free?
- Yes! This dish is naturally dairy-free unless you choose to add Parmesan cheese or a creamy element. Simply omit any cheese, or use a dairy-free alternative if needed.
5. What other seafood can I use in this recipe?
- You can add a variety of seafood to this dish, such as shrimp, scallops, mussels, or clams. Just be sure to adjust the cooking times accordingly, as some seafood (like shrimp and scallops) cooks faster than others.
Conclusion: Why You’ll Love This Calamarata Pasta Recipe
This Calamarata Pasta Recipe is a true celebration of Italian coastal cuisine. With its tender rings of squid, sweet cherry tomatoes, and fragrant garlic, this dish delivers an explosion of flavors that transport you to the Mediterranean. It’s a beautifully simple dish that relies on fresh, high-quality ingredients to shine, and it’s perfect for seafood lovers looking for a special meal to share with family or friends.
Not only is this recipe easy to make, but it’s also highly adaptable. Whether you’re craving a classic tomato sauce, something spicy, or a creamy alternative, this dish can be customized to suit your preferences. Serve it with crusty bread and a glass of white wine for a meal that’s both elegant and comforting.
Give this recipe a try, and you’ll find yourself coming back to it time and time again for its simplicity, versatility, and incredible flavors.