A vibrant twist on the classic Italian pasta sauce, Calamari Puttanesca brings together tender squid simmered in a rich tomato base with briny olives, capers, garlic, and chili.
It’s savory, bold, and irresistibly aromatic — the kind of seafood dish that feels restaurant-quality but is easy enough to make at home.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
It’s a one-pan seafood meal bursting with Mediterranean flavor.
Perfectly tender calamari in a spicy, garlicky tomato sauce.
Comes together in under 40 minutes — ideal for weeknight dinners.
Pairs beautifully with pasta, rice, or crusty bread.
Naturally low-carb, high-protein, and full of fresh ingredients.
What You’ll Need (Ingredient Highlights)
Calamari – Use fresh or frozen cleaned squid rings and tentacles; they cook quickly and stay tender.
Tomatoes – Crushed or diced canned tomatoes make the base rich and slightly sweet.
Garlic – Adds that essential depth of flavor.
Olives and capers – The salty, briny heart of any puttanesca sauce.
Anchovies – Optional but add incredible umami and depth.
Red chili flakes – For a touch of heat that makes the sauce come alive.
Olive oil – A must for authentic Italian texture and flavor.
Parsley – Brightens the dish and balances the richness.
Pro Tips Before You Start
Don’t overcook the calamari — 2 to 3 minutes is enough to keep it tender.
Simmer the sauce gently to let flavors meld without burning the garlic.
Use good-quality tomatoes and olive oil for the best results.
Add the calamari last, just before serving.
Serve immediately — calamari becomes chewy if reheated too long.
How to Make Calamari Puttanesca
Step 1 – Prepare the base
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add minced garlic, anchovies (if using), and chili flakes. Sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
Step 2 – Build the sauce
Add crushed tomatoes, olives, and capers.
Stir well, season with salt and pepper, and simmer for 10–15 minutes until thickened.
Step 3 – Add the calamari
Stir in the cleaned calamari rings and tentacles.
Simmer gently for 2–3 minutes, just until tender.
Step 4 – Finish and serve
Stir in chopped parsley, taste for seasoning, and remove from heat.
Serve immediately with pasta, bread, or over rice.
What to Serve It With
Serve over spaghetti, linguine, or tagliatelle for a hearty meal.
Pair with garlic bread or toasted ciabatta to soak up the sauce.
Add a simple green salad or roasted vegetables on the side.
A crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc complements it beautifully.
Variations / Substitutions
Use shrimp, mussels, or clams instead of calamari for a seafood mix.
Make it spicier by adding more chili flakes or fresh red chili.
Swap anchovies for a splash of fish sauce for similar umami.
Add cherry tomatoes for sweetness and extra texture.
Use gluten-free pasta or serve over zucchini noodles for a lighter option.
Storage & Leftovers
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Reheat gently over low heat — avoid boiling to keep the calamari tender.
Not suitable for freezing as the calamari texture may toughen.
Best enjoyed fresh on the day it’s made.
FAQs
Can I use frozen calamari?
Yes, just thaw completely and pat dry before cooking to prevent excess liquid.
Why did my calamari turn rubbery?
It was likely overcooked — cook only 2–3 minutes or braise slowly for over 30 minutes.
Can I skip the anchovies?
Yes, but they add great flavor depth. If you skip them, add a bit more salt or capers.
Can I make this ahead?
You can make the sauce ahead and add calamari just before serving.
What type of pasta goes best?
Spaghetti or linguine work best, but you can also use penne or fettuccine.
Is this dish spicy?
It has a mild heat from red chili flakes — adjust to your taste.
Can I use fresh tomatoes?
Yes, about 4–5 ripe tomatoes, chopped, but simmer longer to reduce liquid.
Can I make it dairy-free?
It’s naturally dairy-free, so no changes needed.
Can I add wine to the sauce?
Yes, deglaze the pan with a splash of white wine before adding tomatoes.
How do I know when calamari is cooked perfectly?
It will turn opaque and slightly firm — this happens within 2–3 minutes.
Final Thoughts
Calamari Puttanesca is bold, comforting, and full of Italian soul — the perfect balance of spicy, salty, and savory flavors in every bite.
Serve it fresh, with a drizzle of olive oil and a side of bread, and it’ll instantly transport you to the Mediterranean coast.
