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Calamari Capri over Pasta is well-balanced in flavor but also spicy @allourway.com
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5 from 15 votes

Pasta Calamari Capri

This Calamari recipe is an easy and inexpensive squid dish but it's rich with the flavor of lemon, garlic, hot pepper flakes, capers, basil and grape tomatoes over pasta.
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time10 minutes
Total Time20 minutes
Course: pasta dish, seafood main dish
Cuisine: Italian
Servings: 4 people
Calories: 717kcal

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

Serving: 4g | Calories: 717kcal | Carbohydrates: 96g | Protein: 37g | Fat: 11g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 276mg | Sodium: 646mg | Potassium: 922mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 1135IU | Vitamin C: 26.4mg | Calcium: 127mg | Iron: 3.6mg