When we recall the Isle of Capri { KAH- pree} we remember a beautiful lush paradise and a wonderful dish that we sampled there -- Calamari {Italian for squid} with Lemon over Pasta. The calamari rings are in a light fresh sauce that lets this squid recipe shine through.
Next time try this citrusy shrimp dish also inspired from on trip to Capri.
Why you'll love this recipe
- Easy to make
- Uses simple ingredients
- Quick to prepare
- Delicious and light in flavor
Do you associate food with places you've been?
It's almost a game with us. Our daughter can tell you what she ordered, where she ordered it and even what she wore!
That's our princess. 🙂
I remember the minute we stepped off the vaporetto onto the Isle of Capri we were caught up with all of the hustle and bustle that was going on. Everyone was rushing about and at first we couldn't figure out where they were going in such a rush?
Well we should have remembered the funicular. That's a sort of tram that takes you up and down the steep cliff to Capri town. That's where all the shops, restaurants and hotels are. We were caught up in the crowd and moved right along with the rest of the visitors.
Once we disgorged from the funicular it again was a mad rush. Where they were all rushing to, we didn't know. Wasn't this supposed to be relaxing and enjoyable?
It wasn't until a few hours later when we were checked into our hotel and walking around that we could take the time to relax and appreciate the beauty of our surroundings.
We were awestruck!
The Gulf of Naples that surrounds the rocky island was a breathtaking deep sapphire blue.
We spent several days on the island walking everywhere.
There were bottegas {stores, shops} that sold the typical souvenirs but there were also the high end bottegas. At those shops we just looked in the windows.
We wandered up and down the streets, including the alleys, and everywhere we went there were restaurants.
We love seafood, it has always been one of our favorites, and we were now in a place where everything was fresh.
We stopped at a small restaurant with al fresco dining. On the menu was Calamari with Lemon. That made up our minds, we simply had to order the calamari.
When the waiter placed the prepared plate in front of us the most amazing aroma of seafood, lemon and garlic rose to tease our senses. We ate slowly savoring every bite and with each bite we tried to figure out the ingredients.
Lemon was a given -- it was part of the dish name but Capri is also know for its lemons.
We could see the little spicy red pepper flakes, so we had another ingredient.
Then there was a subtle brininess to the dish. Hummmm, we thought -- calamari wouldn't have that salty taste so we thought of using anchovies.
We could taste the garlic -- that was a no brainer -- we could also see and taste the basil. We detected something else so we started pushing the pasta strands around and there they were -- small capers.
There was so much to see and do and unfortunately not enough time!
One thing we had planned on seeing was the Blue Grotto {Grotta Azzurra} -- everyone told us that was a must. So, one morning we went back down to the marina in order to buy our ticket for the ride to the Blue Grotto. We knew there would be a line but not that big of a crowd.
Then we overheard some English speaking visitors talking about their experience in the little dinghy that actually takes you inside the cave. They said, without enthusiasm, that the man rowing the boat spouted a few things about the cave, sang "O Sole Mio", then returned them to the main boat.
My Honey looked at me and then at the barche a noleggio ( boats for rent) sign that pointed to a shop a few yards away. He turned and said to me, "Let's rent a boat and I'll sing to you." I just smiled, my Honey, singing? This was going to be some excursion.
We had the best time and we couldn't stop laughing, especially after we saw the people on the boat waiting for their turn to go inside the Grotta Azzurra. We had made such a wise decision in renting a boat and taking our own sweet time around the island.
There is no comparison between looking down at the incredible Faraglioni Rocks from Capri town and riding through the eye of one of them in our little boat.
An experience to remember!
When we returned home we couldn't stop looking at our pictures. And whenever we looked at the pictures our conversation would invariably turn to our delicious calamari pasta dish.
We knew what we had to do, we would try to duplicate the Pasta Calamari Capri. . .
. . .Chi cerca, trova {He who seeks, finds}.
Un caro saluto e alla prossima.
Recipe
This Pasta Calamari recipe is super easy to make and it's budget friendly. If you like dinners that are easy on the pocket book, our Cheese Stuffed Rigatoni will have you jumping for joy!
📖 Recipe
Pasta Calamari Capri
Ingredients
- 1 pound pasta -- we used spaghetti -- be sure to cook just below al dente
- 1 pound frozen cleaned calamari rings or 1 pound fresh cleaned calamari sliced into rings.
- 2 ounce can of anchovies oil reserved (about 2 Tablespoons)
- 2 Tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 20 grape tomatoes halved
- 5 large garlic cloves chopped
- ½ teaspoon dried crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 Tablespoon rinsed capers
- ¼ cup fresh lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons fresh lemon zest
- 1 ½ cups dry white wine
- 1 cup thinly sliced fresh basil leaves
- Small basil leaves to sprinkle on top
- Grated parmesan cheese for sprinkling on top
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil, generously season with salt. Add the pasta and cook until just tender but still firm to the bite, stirring occasionally. Drain the pasta and reserve ½ cup of the water.
- Thaw out the frozen calamari by running cold water over the rings. Once they are thawed remove excess moisture by blotting with paper towels. This step can be omitted if using fresh calamari.
- Meanwhile heat reserved oil from anchovies and the olive oil in large skillet over medium-high heat. Add garlic, crushed red pepper, anchovies, capers, lemon juice and stir 1 or 2 minutes. The anchovies will melt and disappear as they cook. Add the calamari and toss until opaque, about 1 more minute.With a slotted spoon remove the calamari from the pan. This prevents the seafood from overcooking and having the texture of rubber bands.
- Add the dry white wine; boil until sauce is slightly reduced, about 2 minutes. Add the tomatoes and continue to simmer for an additional 1 or 2 minutes.
- Add the pasta to the mixture in skillet and toss. Toss until heated through and the sauce coats the pasta. Sprinkle in the lemon zest ,sliced basil leaves and calamari and toss again, about 2 minutes. If the pasta seems dry, add a small amount of the reserved water to the pasta.
- Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and garnish with additional basil.
Nutrition
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Paul
Cosi buono! Ho trovato calamari nel congelatore e volevo fare una pasta.
Tua riceta era perfeto. Grazie!
Marisa Franca
Prego, Paul! Sei molto gentile! Sono felice che ti piaccia la ricetta. Buona giornata!
Gail
Easy and like eating in an authentic restaurant with Italian roots.Have made several times and only change I've made was adding 2 handfuls of fresh baby spinach, since I didn't have fresh basil(used dried).
Marisa Franca
Ciao Gail! Thank you for taking the time to comment. I'm so glad you liked our recipe. And you have an excellent idea of using the baby spinach for a veggie. Plus it adds some pretty color. Hope you have a nice holiday season. xoxo
Jolina
Ah Capri. It sounds so magical! I don't think we're going anywhere exotic this year but we'd be happy to recreate this amazing dish. It looks like the perfect spring dish too!
Michelle
So not only do I want to make this dish, but I also want to go visit Capri. This looks amazing!
Denise
My father in law talks about his trip to the Isle of Capri as one of his favorites. I can't wait to go myself someday.... I don't know when but someday. 🙂 Once again reading your posts makes me feel like I'm right there with you on the trip. This dish looks so fresh and full of flavor. I am passing this one on to my sister who will adore this recipe!
Gloria @ Homemade & Yummy
I would eat pasta any night of the week. In fact we had pasta tonight for dinner. Pasta an seafood is a great match for sure. I have only tried calamari a couple of times. Still on the fence with it....oysters are a NO for sure. I could sub in some shrimp here and I would be good to go.
Claire | Sprinkles and Sprouts
I am just like your daughter!!! I remember every meal. Although I don't remember what I was wearing. But I can always tell you what i ate and what other people ate!
This calamari pasta is delicious. Pasta is just my ultimate comfort food, but this is light enough to enjoy mid week, but when I served it to friends, it was easy to dress up. (They loved it too!)
Marisa Franca
Hi, Claire! We do love our seafood dishes, especially with pasta. I always associate food with places. xoxo
Pam Greer
This sounds wonderful! Both the pasta and your trip!! I am so jealous!
Marisa Franca
It was a dream come true, Pam. I ready to go back!!
Eileen Kelly
This is a dream trip of mine! What a wonderful experience with your family! I am also a huge seafood fan and calamari is a favorite. I love that you have recreated a meal for your family to continue to enjoy your memorable trip! The flavors in your sauce are fantastic. Love the anchovies and capers, yum!
Marisa Franca
Thank you, Eileen. It such an easy recipe to make -- it sounds more complicated than it is. I hope you have a chance to make your dream come true. It is such a paradise. ????
Daniela Anderson
That's a lovely place, l so need a holiday now, would love to be there. Pasta is a favourite with us, l must try squid, haven't really cooked myself. Simple dishes are the best!
Marisa Franca
Hi, Daniela! Squid is really very mild. Just don't cook it too long -- it will be a little chewy. I agree simple dishes are the best!!!!
Swathi
Beautiful post and delicious recipe. You written post in such way that I was there with you throughout the visit. I am yet to try a calamari pasta recipe. I will now.
Marisa Franca
Thank you, Swathi! Your compliment really means a lot to me. I want my writing to entertain and explain without sounding bookish! You'll have to try calamari I'm sure you'd enjoy it. Have a great week.
Molly Kumar
The 'Island of Capri' looks so gorgeous and I just can't get over that picture with rock in the sea - it's breathtakingly beautiful ! What a fabulous trip and delicious food you'll had. I'm loving the pasta - calamari that you created, it looks so easy to prepare 🙂
Marisa Franca
Hi, Molly! It really is easy to prepare and calamari are delicious -- they don't always have to be fried.
Marisa Franca
You're welcome, Terra! I know you'll make it there. It's great having a dream board.
adriana
What a great idea I have never had calamari in pasta just calamari fritti I must try this new paste soon. Love Capri was there last year and was like a dream come true.
Marisa Franca
Thank you, Adriana! The place is a paradise, isn't it?
Deepika
I have so many fond memories associated with the place and its food. This trip definitely looks memorable. Love the pictures and the pasta recipe.
Marisa Franca
Thank you, Deepika. I hope someday to go back some. I could sit all day and just look at the view.
PAM
I love memorable meals like that. There's just something when you eat good food in a beautiful location!
Marisa Franca
Absolutely, Pam! The scenery makes everything taste better.
Catherine
Dear Marisa, What a beautiful dish and post! Those photos are stunning...I'd love to visit Capri one day! To me, this is comfort food 🙂
Marisa Franca
The memories come flooding back whenever we eat the calamari and pasta -- so I guess it is comforting, Catherine.
Veena Azmanov
Marisa your pictures are so gorgeous! so much beauty. I love calamari and this dish is so packed with flavor. I can't wait to try this. I am not a big fan of anchovies.. not sure why but can't stand them. I love the lemon flavor... Yum.!
Marisa Franca
Hi, Veena! Thank you. You really can't taste the anchovies -- they melt into the liquid and just give the calamari an added depth.
Karyn
Oh my I am so jealous whatva beautiful place the Isle of Capri is. It's on my bucket list. Your pasta dish just sums the island up perfectly. I LOVE the touch of lemon. Beautiful photos to Marissa????
Marisa Franca
Thank you, Karyn! The pasta dish is super simple and very tasty -- you'll have to try it. Have a great day!
Melissa
This looks simply delicious!! To be honest, we've only done fried calamari, I think my hubby would just love this dish! Sounds so simple to make and I can already taste the flavours!!
Marisa Franca
Hi, Melissa! We've eaten our share of fried calamari, too. Once we tasted the pasta we knew we had to make it. Hope you try it.
Joanna @ Everyday Made Fresh
I've never really associated food with places I've been....more like childhood memories. With that being said, your photos are beautiful! This looks like a tasty pasta dish.
Marisa Franca
Thank you, Joanna! I guess our family does associate a lot with food, places, and celebrations. This is a very tasty and easy dish.
Nagi@RecipeTinEats
Your photos transported me! I'm so jealous. 🙂 And calamari with pasta? Gold. Gorgeous. I love the classic flavours in this. I think anchovies belong in almost every non saucy pasta!! It's like the ultimate flavour enhancer 🙂
Marisa Franca
I think that way too about anchovies. For years we didn't eat them now they are a staple in our pantry. Thank you for stopping -- I can't wait to try some of your recipes.
Ciao Chow Linda
Oh such delightful memories you have of Capri. It is such a beautiful and magical place. I love that you rented your own boat and didn't succumb to the touristy ploy. Much better experience. But on to the pasta - It looks sensational and I'm sure tastes every bit as good.
Marisa Franca
I really want to return and seek out all the other spots we missed. There is so much to be discovered, isn't there!
Marcia
Do the Italians have a word for Aphrodisiac? Just reading the recipe gives me ideas! Gotta find calamari somewhere in this fresh water state and try this thing out ASAP!
And did your honey sing O Sole Mio while in the Blue Grotto, and did he know all the words, or wasn't that necessary? Amazing adventure!
🙂
Marisa Franca
It is delicious and really easy to make!! And my Honey is better at singing "That's Amore" alla Dean Martin. He especially likes the part when the moon hits your eye . . . 🙂
Diane P.
Your recipe makes my mouth water! It looks, and sounds so good! Loved ALL your pictures---so well done! What is the picture of the "lanes" on the side of the mountain? Please tell me that is for walking, and not for cars........
Marisa Franca
The lanes are for walking and believe me it is quite a walk -- pretty easy on the way down . . . but it is a long way up when you are constantly climbing! As little as the cars are? You could have probably ridden a Fiat on it.
Thistle
Looks like a wonderful trip! Love your pictures and thank you for the recipe! I'll have to give it a try!
Susie
The calamari recipe sounds delicious.....I can't wait to try it! We also enjoyed reading about your experience on the island.....beautiful pictures!
Jovina Coughlin
Your photos are absolutely beautiful. Each one is stunning. Your pasta recipe is also unique and looks so delicious.