A delicious centerpiece of Italian coastal cuisine, these Italian stuffed calamari are tender squid tubes filled with a savory mixture of breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, herbs, and garlic. Lightly seared and then finished in the oven with a white wine, butter, and lemon sauce, this dish delivers an elegant blend of Mediterranean flavors. Perfect for a special dinner, holiday gathering, or romantic seafood night at home.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Italian stuffed calamari is a satisfying yet light seafood dish that brings classic Italian flavors to your table. The stuffing is rich and aromatic with garlic, parsley, and cheese, while the white wine sauce adds brightness and depth. This dish is surprisingly simple to prepare, but its presentation and taste make it ideal for entertaining or elevating any meal. It’s also a great way to enjoy calamari beyond the usual fried rings.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 8 large calamari tubes, cleaned
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup dry white wine
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a bowl, mix together the breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, garlic, olive oil, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Carefully stuff each calamari tube with the breadcrumb mixture. Do not overfill, as the squid will shrink during cooking. Secure the open end of each tube with a toothpick.
- In a large skillet, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Sear the stuffed calamari for 2–3 minutes on each side until lightly golden.
- Transfer the seared calamari to a baking dish.
- In the same skillet, add the white wine, butter, and lemon juice. Simmer for 3–5 minutes to reduce slightly and infuse the flavors.
- Pour the sauce over the stuffed calamari in the baking dish.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the calamari are fully cooked and tender.
- Serve warm, spooning the pan sauce over the top.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes 4 servings.
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes
Variations
- Add Seafood to the Filling: Mix in finely chopped shrimp, crab, or scallops with the breadcrumb mixture for a heartier stuffing.
- Tomato Sauce Option: Replace the white wine sauce with a light marinara for a more traditional southern Italian variation.
- Spicy Version: Use extra red pepper flakes or add a spoonful of Calabrian chili paste to the filling.
- Cheese Swap: Try Pecorino Romano in place of Parmesan for a sharper, saltier flavor.
- Herb Twist: Use fresh basil or oregano alongside parsley for a different herb profile.
Storage/Reheating
Storage:
Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Reheating:
Reheat gently in a covered baking dish in the oven at 325°F (160°C) for about 10–12 minutes, or until warmed through. Avoid overcooking, as squid can become tough.
Freezing:
Not recommended, as the texture of the squid may change once frozen and thawed.
FAQs
What kind of calamari should I use?
Use large, cleaned calamari tubes, which are ideal for stuffing. You can find them fresh or frozen at most seafood counters.
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Yes, you can stuff and sear the calamari ahead of time. Store them in the refrigerator, then bake and add the sauce just before serving.
How do I prevent the calamari from becoming rubbery?
Avoid overcooking. The squid cooks quickly and should remain tender if baked for just 10–12 minutes after searing.
Can I use panko breadcrumbs?
Yes, panko adds a slightly crunchier texture to the filling. Use in the same quantity as regular breadcrumbs.
Is this dish gluten-free?
Not as written, but it can be made gluten-free by using gluten-free breadcrumbs.
Can I make this dish without wine?
Yes, substitute the white wine with seafood or vegetable broth and a splash of lemon juice for acidity.
What wine pairs well with this dish?
A dry white wine like Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc, or Vermentino complements the flavors beautifully.
Can I serve this with pasta?
Yes, serve it over angel hair or linguine tossed in olive oil and lemon for a complete meal.
Do I have to secure the calamari with toothpicks?
Toothpicks help keep the filling inside during cooking, but you can also use kitchen twine or gently pinch the ends closed if preferred.
What should I serve with stuffed calamari?
Serve with crusty bread, a side salad, roasted vegetables, or a light pasta for a balanced plate.
Conclusion
Italian stuffed calamari is a flavorful, elegant dish that showcases the best of Mediterranean cooking. With a savory breadcrumb filling, delicate white wine sauce, and tender calamari, it’s perfect for a refined dinner or special occasion. Easy to prepare yet impressive in taste and presentation, this recipe brings authentic Italian flair straight to your home kitchen.
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Italian Stuffed Calamari
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
Italian Stuffed Calamari is a classic Mediterranean seafood dish filled with a savory mixture of breadcrumbs, Parmesan, herbs, and garlic. Tender calamari tubes are seared, baked, and served in a buttery white wine and lemon sauce, making it an elegant and flavorful entree perfect for special occasions.
Ingredients
For the Stuffed Calamari:
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8 large calamari tubes, cleaned
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1/2 cup breadcrumbs
-
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
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1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
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Salt and pepper to taste
For the White Wine Sauce:
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1/2 cup dry white wine
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1 tablespoon butter
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1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
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In a bowl, combine breadcrumbs, Parmesan, parsley, garlic, olive oil, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly.
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Stuff each calamari tube with the breadcrumb mixture and secure ends with toothpicks.
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In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sear the stuffed calamari for 2–3 minutes per side until lightly golden.
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Transfer seared calamari to a baking dish.
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In the same skillet, add white wine, butter, and lemon juice. Simmer for 3–5 minutes.
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Pour sauce over the calamari in the baking dish.
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Bake for 10–12 minutes or until calamari is tender and cooked through.
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Serve warm with extra sauce spooned on top.
Notes
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Do not overstuff the calamari—leave room for expansion.
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Use toothpicks to secure the opening and prevent filling from spilling out.
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Serve with crusty bread or a light salad for a full meal.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: Do not overstuff the calamari—leave room for expansion. Use toothpicks to secure the opening and prevent filling from spilling out. Serve with crusty bread or a light salad for a full meal.
- Category: Dinner, Seafood
- Method: Baked, Sautéed
- Cuisine: Italian
