Squid Pasta with Tomato Wine Sauce

4 servingsmediumItalian
Squid Pasta with Tomato Wine Sauce

Tender calamari simmered in a rich tomato and white wine reduction, tossed with linguini or spaghetti. Garlic and shallot build a savory base while parsley brightens the finished dish. The squid cooks quickly at the end, staying tender and mild.

Ingredients

4 servings
  • 1 ½ pounds squid, cleaned, cut as directed
    shrimp1:1proteinadds shellfish

    cooks faster, milder flavor

  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
    butter0.75:1fatadds dairy

    2

    Full guide →
  • 4 tablespoons olive oil
    butter0.75:1fatadds dairy

    2

    Full guide →
  • 2 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
  • 1 shallot, thinly sliced
  • 28 ounces tomato sauce, canned
  • ¼ cup water
  • 1 cup white wine
    dry vermouth1:1swap

    adds subtle botanical notes

    Full guide →
  • ½ cup parsley leaves, chopped
    fresh basil1:1herb

    changes flavor profile

    Full guide →
  • 1 pound linguini or spaghetti
    pappardelle1:1pasta

    wider noodles catch more sauce

  • salt, to taste(optional)
  • black pepper, freshly ground, to taste(optional)

Instructions

  1. 1

    Cut squid bodies in half lengthwise, then in half widthwise. If tentacles are large, halve them lengthwise. Set aside.

  2. 2

    Heat olive oil in a large saute pan over medium-high heat. Add garlic and shallot, cook about 5 minutes until softened.

  3. 3

    Add tomato sauce, water, and white wine. Cook over high heat for 5 minutes until sauce reduces and thickens.

  4. 4

    Season with salt and pepper. Stir in all but 1 tablespoon parsley, lower heat, and simmer uncovered about 15 minutes.

  5. 5

    Meanwhile, bring salted water to boil in a large pot. Add pasta and cook until tender, at least 7 minutes. Drain well.

  6. 6

    Add calamari to tomato sauce and cook 3 to 5 minutes until just cooked through.

  7. 7

    Taste for seasoning and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Add drained pasta and toss well.

  8. 8

    Garnish with remaining parsley and serve.

Tips

Tip 1

Do not overcook the calamari or it will become tough and rubbery.

Tip 2

Use freshly ground black pepper for best flavor.

Good to Know

Storage

Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container up to 2 days. Reheat gently over low heat with a splash of water.

Make Ahead

Prepare the tomato sauce up to 1 day ahead. Cook pasta just before serving to avoid sogginess.

Serve With

Plate immediately while warm. Drizzle with extra olive oil if desired.

See pairing guide →

Common Mistakes

Watch

Do not cook the calamari longer than 5 minutes to avoid toughness.

Watch

Do not drain pasta too thoroughly or it may stick together.

Substitutions

white wine
dry vermouth1:1swap

adds subtle botanical notes

Full guide →
linguini or spaghetti
pappardelle1:1pasta

wider noodles catch more sauce

parsley
fresh basil1:1herb

changes flavor profile

Full guide →
olive oil
butter0.75:1fatadds dairy

2

Full guide →
squid
shrimp1:1proteinadds shellfish

cooks faster, milder flavor

Full guide →
Find more substitutions →