Pasta with frozen squid and cherry tomatoes: an easy, flavorful recipe

Name: Pasta with frozen squid and cherry tomatoes: an easy, flavorful recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 27 min
Yield: 2
Cuisine: En
Ingredients: 6.3 oz pasta (linguine, paccheri, or calamarata); 9 oz squid (frozen or fresh); 1⅓ cups cherry tomatoes; 1 garlic clove; 2 tbsp white wine; Olive oil to taste; Parsley to taste; Salt to taste; Chili pepper to taste (optional); Black pepper to taste

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Main Dish

Very Easy

27 min

526 Kcal

Pasta with frozen squid is a simple but irresistible seafood dish, ideal when you want something practical without sacrificing flavor. Frozen squid rings, always on hand in the freezer, can be turned in just a few steps into a fragrant and satisfying dish, perfect for bringing all the flavor of Mediterranean cuisine to the table Preparation is easy and straightforward: the frozen squid is gently sautéed in a pan with garlic, then deglazed with white wine to enhance its flavor. The addition of fresh cherry tomatoes creates a flavorful base that, thanks to cooking over medium-low heat, becomes naturally creamy and rich, without the need for cream or other fats. The juices released by the squid blend with the sauce, giving it a velvety texture that will make your mouth water. To finish the dish, a generous handful of freshly chopped parsley adds freshness and color. The result is a creamy, fragrant and delicate pasta dish with frozen squid, tender pieces and a sauce that coats the palate—ideal for anyone looking for an easy, quick and absolutely irresistible seafood pasta dish.

Materials

Frying pan
Pot
Knife
Cutting board

Preparation

Preparation15 min

Cook time12 min

Thaw the squid rings slowly in the refrigerator, then drain them thoroughly to remove the thawing liquid and pat them dry with paper towels.
Heat a drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil in a large skillet, add the crushed garlic and, if desired, fresh chili pepper. Let them infuse the oil briefly over low heat, then add the squid rings and sauté over high heat for 2–3 minutes, stirring often to sear them while keeping them tender.
Deglaze with the white wine and let the alcohol evaporate completely.
Add the washed and chopped cherry tomatoes, lower the heat and continue cooking for about 10–12 minutes over medium-low heat, lightly crushing the tomatoes to release their juices and create a creamy sauce. Season with salt and pepper.
Meanwhile, cook the pasta in plenty of salted water and drain when al dente, reserving a ladleful of cooking water.
Remove the garlic from the sauce, add the pasta to the pan and toss quickly to blend the flavors, adding a little cooking water if necessary to achieve an even creamier consistency. Top with a generous handful of chopped fresh parsley and toss to combine.
Plate and serve immediately. Pasta with frozen squid rings is ready!

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FAQ ❓

How can you prevent squid from becoming rubbery?

To prevent squid (fresh or frozen) from becoming rubbery, it is essential to dry it very well after cleaning or thawing and to choose the right cooking method: either cook it for a few minutes over high heat or cook it slowly over low heat for a longer time. Avoid cooking it for an intermediate amount of time, as this makes the meat tough. During the first few minutes of browning, do not cover the pan: excess moisture must evaporate to ensure tender squid and a flavorful seafood dish.

What kind of pasta should you use with squid?

Squid pairs well with a variety of pasta shapes. The most commonly used are linguine, spaghetti and paccheri, which are ideal for catching the sauce. Calamarata, mezze maniche or fusilloni also work well, especially if the sauce is rich and cohesive.

How can you make pasta with squid spicier?

For spicier pasta with squid, you can add chopped fresh or dried chili peppers during the initial sauté. Alternatively, a sprinkling of chili powder at the end of cooking lets you adjust the level of heat more precisely.

Can I prepare pasta with squid in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the squid sauce in advance and store it in the refrigerator. When it is time to serve, simply heat it gently and cook the pasta just before serving to preserve the dish’s texture and aroma.

Can you use squid tentacles as well, or just the rings?

Yes, squid tentacles are perfect and should not be discarded. They are very flavorful and ideal for pasta sauces, risottos and seafood dishes. The important thing is to cook them properly, following the same rules as for the rings: cook them briefly over high heat or slowly over low heat for a longer time, avoiding intermediate cooking times.

How should you store leftover pasta with squid?

Pasta with squid can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 1 day. Before eating it, reheat it gently in a pan with a drizzle of oil or a little hot water. Freezing the cooked pasta is not recommended, but the squid sauce can be frozen separately.

Nutrition

for 1 serving / for 100 g

Calories: 526Kcal

Carbo: 62.4g
Total fat: 11.4g
Saturated fat: 1.9g
Proteins: 32.4g
Fibers: 5.1g
Sugar: 4.8g
ProPoints: 13
SmartPoints: 14

Nutritional information for 1 serving (365g)

Cookware

burner

Attributes

Keep refrigerated

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Daniele Mainieri

Every day, I dive into the world of food and wine with curiosity, always looking for new flavours, recipes and inspiring discoveries to share. From traditional family dishes to the latest food trends, including pairings that make all the difference. I’ve been working in food & wine communication for over 10 years and I’m currently the Editorial Manager for the Italian edition of Petitchef.

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