Calamari Puttanesca is a bold and flavorful Mediterranean dish featuring tender calamari simmered in a rich tomato sauce with olives, capers, garlic, and red pepper flakes. This quick and easy seafood recipe is perfect for a weeknight meal or an elegant dinner, bringing the vibrant flavors of Italian coastal cuisine to your table.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy – Ready in just 25 minutes, making it perfect for busy nights.
- Authentic Mediterranean flavors – A rich combination of olives, capers, garlic, and tomatoes.
- Healthy and low-carb – A great protein-packed meal that fits into a balanced diet.
- Versatile – Serve over pasta, rice, or enjoy on its own with crusty bread.
- Elegant yet simple – A restaurant-quality dish that’s easy to prepare at home.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Fresh calamari, cleaned and sliced into rings
- Olive oil
- Garlic, minced
- Red pepper flakes
- Crushed tomatoes
- Green olives, pitted and halved
- Black olives, pitted and halved
- Capers, rinsed
- Dried oregano
- Sea salt
- Black pepper
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Dry white wine (optional)
Directions
- Sauté the Garlic: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and red pepper flakes, sautéing until fragrant.
- Simmer the Sauce: Pour in the crushed tomatoes and white wine (if using), stirring well. Let the sauce simmer for 5 minutes.
- Add the Flavorful Ingredients: Stir in the olives, capers, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Continue cooking for another 5 minutes.
- Cook the Calamari: Gently add the calamari rings to the sauce, stirring to coat. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the calamari is just tender. Be careful not to overcook, as it can become rubbery.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat, sprinkle with fresh parsley, and serve immediately.
Servings and Timing
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Servings: 4 servings
- Calories: 210 kcal per serving
Variations
- Spaghetti Puttanesca: Serve the calamari and sauce over spaghetti or linguine for a classic Italian dish.
- Extra Heat: Add more red pepper flakes or a pinch of chili powder for a spicier kick.
- Tomato-Free Option: Use a white wine and garlic butter sauce instead of tomato sauce.
- Vegetable Addition: Stir in cherry tomatoes, spinach, or bell peppers for added texture and nutrition.
- Lemon Twist: Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the dish before serving for extra brightness.
Storage and Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
- Freezing: Freezing is not recommended, as calamari can become tough when reheated.
- Reheating: Warm gently over low heat on the stove, adding a splash of water or broth if needed. Avoid microwaving to prevent overcooking the calamari.
FAQs
Can I use frozen calamari?
Yes, just thaw it completely and pat dry before cooking.
How do I keep calamari from getting rubbery?
Cook it quickly (2-3 minutes) over medium heat or simmer it for a longer time (30+ minutes) to break down the texture. Anything in between can make it tough.
What type of olives work best?
A mix of green and black olives adds depth of flavor, but you can use one or the other if preferred.
Can I make this dish without wine?
Yes, simply omit the wine or replace it with a splash of seafood broth or water.
What should I serve with calamari puttanesca?
It pairs well with crusty bread, pasta, rice, or even a fresh green salad.
Can I add anchovies?
Absolutely! Traditional puttanesca often includes anchovies for an umami boost.
Is this dish spicy?
It has a mild heat from the red pepper flakes, but you can adjust the spice level to your preference.
Can I prepare this ahead of time?
You can make the sauce in advance, but cook the calamari just before serving to keep it tender.
What’s the best way to clean fresh calamari?
Remove the head, tentacles, and inner cartilage, then rinse thoroughly under cold water.
Can I substitute calamari with another seafood?
Yes, shrimp or white fish can be used instead of calamari.
Conclusion
This Calamari Puttanesca is a vibrant and delicious seafood dish packed with Mediterranean flavors. With tender calamari, briny olives, and a rich tomato sauce, it’s a quick and satisfying meal that feels both elegant and comforting. Serve it over pasta, with crusty bread, or on its own for a flavorful dining experience. Try it today and bring a taste of the Mediterranean to your table!
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Calamari Puttanesca
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A bold and flavorful Mediterranean seafood dish featuring tender calamari simmered in a rich tomato sauce with olives, capers, and aromatic herbs. Perfect for a quick yet impressive meal!
Ingredients
- 1 lb fresh calamari, cleaned and sliced into rings
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1/4 cup green olives, pitted and halved
- 1/4 cup black olives, pitted and halved
- 1 tbsp capers, rinsed
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp sea salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup dry white wine (optional)
Instructions
- Sauté the Aromatics – Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and red pepper flakes, sautéing until fragrant.
- Simmer the Sauce – Pour in the crushed tomatoes and white wine (if using), stirring well. Simmer for 5 minutes.
- Add the Flavorful Ingredients – Stir in olives, capers, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Cook for another 5 minutes.
- Cook the Calamari – Add the calamari rings to the sauce, stirring gently. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the calamari is just tender.
- Garnish & Serve – Remove from heat, sprinkle with fresh parsley, and serve immediately.
Notes
- Be careful not to overcook the calamari, as it can become rubbery.
- Serve over pasta, crusty bread, or alongside a fresh green salad.
- For extra depth, add anchovies or a splash of balsamic vinegar to the sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing, Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian, Mediterranean
