In Calamarata pasta, calamari (Italian name for squid) are cooked in rich tomato sauce until tender, then tossed with al dente calamari pasta. Bon Appetito!
Have you ever had calamari pasta? It will take you on a summer’s day in southern Italy. It is such a comforting dish. This pasta can hold all kinds of condiments and seafood sauces, making it incredibly delicious.
Table of Contents
What is Calamarata pasta?
Did you know that Calamarata pasta derives its name from the Italian word “Calamaro,” which means squid or calamari? It is a Neapolitan pasta shaped like rings, similar to calamari(squid). It is a traditional dish in Southern Italy.
Why will you love this recipe?
- Flavorful and Fresh: The blend of fresh seafood, garlic, and cherry tomatoes produces delicious flavours.
- A Taste of Italy: This pasta offers an authentic taste of Italian cuisine at home, allowing you to enjoy Italy’s traditional pasta without leaving your house.
- Easy to Prepare: This recipe is simple to follow and ideal for beginners. With simple steps and a few ingredients, you can cook restaurant-quality pasta in the comfort of your home.
Equipment required
- Large pot
- Large skillet
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Wooden spoon/spatula
- Pasta fork
Things you will need for making calamari pasta
- Calamari: Take one kg of freshly cleaned squid with tentacles. You can also use frozen squid.
- Calamarata pasta: Take 500 g of Calamarata pasta. You can buy from any local store or order online.
- Olive oil: Take five tablespoons of olive oil. You can use any other vegetable oil instead of olive oil.
- Garlic: Take two tablespoons of minced garlic. Garlic will add aroma and freshness to seafood pasta.
- Cherry Tomatoes: Take 400 g of cherry tomatoes and cut them into cubes. If you are out of cherry tomatoes, you can use canned or regular tomatoes.
- Broth cube: Instead of salt, add 1 broth cube to make it tastier.
- Parsley: Take one tablespoon of finely chopped parsley for pasta and garnishing.
Instructions
1.Prepare the calamari
Remove the skin and clean it from the inside. Rinse with water. Slice the calamari according to the shape and size of the Calamarata pasta.

2.Prepare the sauce
Add olive oil and sauté minced garlic in a pan.

Add squid rings with cleaned tentacles. Simmer for 2-3 minutes. Add 60 ml of water and cook until the water completely evaporates.

Then add cherry tomatoes. Add a broth cube and parsley. Mix it well.

3.Boil the pasta
Boil water in a large pan with salt. Add Calamarata pasta and cook al dente.

4.Combine
Toss the boiled pasta with calamari. Add three tablespoons of pasta water. Stir and simmer for 2 minutes.

5.Serve
Sprinkle some fresh chopped parsley and serve it hot.

Variations
- Other seafood: With squid, you can add other seafood like shrimp, crabs, and scallops.
- Roasted vegetables: Cook calamari with your favorite roasted vegetables, such as bell peppers, zucchini, cherry tomatoes, mushrooms, and broccoli.
Expert Tips
- Take fresh calamari instead of frozen because fresh squid has more flavor.
- If you are uncomfortable cleaning the calamari, ask your fishmonger to do it.
- pasta calamarata is best enjoyed fresh, so serve it immediately.
- Don’t throw away the pasta water. You need to complete the cooking process of seafood pasta.
Storage Options
- Store the leftover pasta in an airtight box for 3-5 days.
- When reheating, add olive oil or water to prevent the pasta from drying.

Unique But Tasty Calamarata Pasta That You Will Love
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 people 1x
Description
In Calamarata pasta, calamari (Italian name for squid) are cooked in rich tomato sauce until tender, then tossed with al dente calamari pasta. Bon Appetito!
Have you ever had calamari pasta? It will take you on a summer’s day in southern Italy. It is such a comforting dish. This pasta can hold all kinds of condiments and seafood sauces, making it incredibly delicious.
Ingredients
- Calamari 1 kg
- Calamarata pasta 500 g
- Olive oil five tablespoons
- Garlic 2 tablespoons
- Water 60 ml
- 400 g cherry tomatoes
- 1 broth cube
- 1 tablespoon parsley(chopped)
Instructions
- Prepare the calamari: Remove the skin and clean it from the inside. Rinse with water. Slice the calamari according to the shape and size of the Calamarata pasta.
- Prepare the Sauce: Add olive oil and sauté minced garlic in a pan. Add squid rings with cleaned tentacles. Simmer for 2-3 minutes. Add 60 ml of water and cook until the water completely evaporates. Then add cherry tomatoes. Add a broth cube and parsley. Mix it well.
- Boil the Pasta: Boil water in a large pan with salt. Add Calamarata pasta and cook al dente.
- Combine: Toss the boiled pasta with calamari. Add three tablespoons of pasta water. Stir and simmer for 2 minutes.
- Serve: Sprinkle some fresh chopped parsley and serve it hot.
Notes
- Take fresh calamari instead of frozen because fresh squid has more flavor.
- If you are uncomfortable cleaning the calamari, ask your fishmonger to do it.
- Calamarata pasta is best enjoyed fresh, so serve it immediately.
- Don’t throw away the pasta water. You need to complete the cooking process of seafood pasta.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Cuisine
- Cuisine: ITALIAN
FAQ’s for This Calamarata Pasta
What is Calamarata pasta made of?
It is usually prepared using durum wheat semolina and water, the main ingredients of most classic Italian pasta. The dough is mixed, formed, and shaped into rings, then left to dry.
How long do you cook calamari in tomato sauce?
To prepare calamari in tomato sauce, gently simmer it for approximately 15 minutes until tender. Don’t overcook it; if cooked too long, calamari can turn tough and rubbery.