Squid Tomato Pasta

Pasta with tomato sauce became soul food for us after I discovered the Italian Marinara Sauce, the classic one or the recipe adapted by me. If you want it a bit more hearty, like the seafood pasta, but you don't have a great variety of mollusks nor the budget, I propose the most handy, cheap, filling and very tasty option. That is, use squid. I usually keep 1-2 bags of squid rings in the freezer and, mostly, use them combined with pasta. You're probably wondering why I use frozen squid - I've tried fresh too, but I probably don't have the necessary skills yet to cook it in such a way that it's not hard and rubbery - I'd be grateful if you had little secrets for boiling the raw squid.

I discovered that frozen squid rings are already pre-cooked, so they are easy to prepare, they have a good texture and are always handy in the freezer.

Ingredients
Frozen squid rings
500 g
Tomatoes sauce
500 g
I recommend Marinara sauce, homemade or store bought - worst case, use mashed tomatoes
White onion
1 piece
Garlic cloves
4 pieces
Olive oil
50 ml
you can also add 10g of butter
Pasta
500 g
Parmesan
20 g
for serving
Step by step
Step 1

Here are the squid rings that I normally use in recipes.

I keep in the freezer and thaw a few hours before cooking the dish.

Squid Tomato Pasta - Step 1
Step 2

Thaw, then wash well 2-3 times.

Squid Tomato Pasta - Step 2
Step 3

Place in a sieve to drain. I check each one and make sure they don't have any hard parts. I recommend not skipping this step, I can't stand feeling hard parts in my food and I'm usually paranoid about this :)

Squid Tomato Pasta - Step 3
Step 4

You can leave the rings whole or cut into halves, quarters etc.

Squid Tomato Pasta - Step 4
Step 5

When the calamari strips are ready, we can actually start the cooking.

In a frying pan, heat the olive oil (and the butter, optional) and add the finely chopped onion and garlic. Cook for 3-4 minutes, very careful not to brown them too much or burn.

Squid Tomato Pasta - Step 5
Step 6

Add the squid and stir thoroughly.

Squid Tomato Pasta - Step 6
Step 7

Let cook properly, for 8-10 minutes, over medium heat, stirring periodically.

Squid Tomato Pasta - Step 7
Step 8

Now add the mashed tomatoes or the semi-prepared sauce. I usually have stocks in the freezer or homemade canned tomato sauce.

You can find all the details here:

Classic Marinara pasta and pizza sauce recipe

My pasta sauce recipe

Squid Tomato Pasta - Step 8
Step 9

Stir properly and simmer for another 5 minutes, then turn off the heat and set aside.

Squid Tomato Pasta - Step 9
Step 10

Now boil your favorite pasta according to the instructions on the package.

Squid Tomato Pasta - Step 10
Step 11

Drain the pasta and toss it, hot like this, in the pan with tomato sauce and squid.

Squid Tomato Pasta - Step 11
Step 12

Mix with a wooden spoon or spatula.

Squid Tomato Pasta - Step 12
Step 13

I recommend not skipping the grated Parmesan when serving. It's the one that gives the final touch for a complete taste.

Enjoy!

Squid Tomato Pasta - Step 13
Quantity: 1 kg (3-4 servings)
Prep time:
30 min
Difficulty: easy
Ready in: 30 min