This calamarata pasta is a traditional Italian dish made with fresh calamari, tomatoes and al dente pasta. Calamarata refers to both the name of the pasta and the squid rings in the pasta sauce!

The calamarata pasta in a black pan with a silver spoon.

If you love calamari, these other pasta dishes are favorites including Italian seafood linguine and classic seafood pasta.

I love Italian seafood and fish dishes and this calamarata pasta is a favorite from Southern Italy. This Neapolitan pasta dish features calamarata pasta but is also the name of the sauce made with calamari rings.

It really is helpful when the correct pasta shape is paired with the right sauce in an Italian pasta dish. The rings of pasta and rings of calamari are perfect together in this pasta calamari!

Why You’ll Love Pasta Calamarata

Easy and flavorful: This classic Italian calamarata is a quick and easy recipe made with only 8 simple ingredients. It’s loaded with fresh ingredients and seafood flavor.
Simple with complex texture: The dish may be straightforward but the seafood sauce and calamari shaped pasta paired with ring shaped calamari will make your tastebuds dance!
Versatile: This traditional dish originating from Campania is usually served in the summer for a first course or ‘primo’, but can be made year round for a main dish.

Ingredients

Calamari: Also known as squid. Fresh is best but a high quality frozen and defrosted calamari will work.
Cherry tomatoes: Or grape tomatoes.
Garlic: Fresh garlic will add the best flavor.
Olive oil: I prefer to use extra virgin olive oil.
Hot pepper flakes: Also called chili pepper flakes. You can also use a hot pepper.
Fresh parsley: Fresh basil could also be used.
Calamarata pasta: Paccheri or mezze maniche could be used.

How to Make Calamarata Pasta

In a large cold pan add olive oil, finely chopped garlic, parsley and hot pepper flakes. Heat on medium until fragrant. Cook pasta in boiling salted water until al dente.

The chopped spices and olive oil in the pan.

Add the calamari rings (squid) to the garlic mixture on the stove with a pinch of salt and cook.

The sliced calamari on a board and in the pan.

Then move the mixture to a clean bowl.

In the same frying pan heat the remaining olive oil, remaining garlic and hot pepper. Add the halved tomatoes and cook on high heat stirring often.

Tomatoes in the pan before and after cooked.

Lower heat to low, add the calamari mixture back to the pan and heat through.

The calamari added to the tomatoes in the pan.

Add the cooked al dente pasta, reserved pasta water and then heat on high tossing continuously until well combined and creamy. Serve with fresh chopped parsley.

The pasta added to the pan with the calamari and tomatoes.

Tips and Variations

Cleaning the calamari: If you are not keen on cleaning and slicing calamari yourself, ask your fishmonger to do it for you. It’s relatively simple, though!
Tomato sauce: For a richer sauce, add a spoonful of tomato paste or for something more saucy add some tomato puree.
Splash of white wine: For additional flavor in the sauce, add ¼ cup dry white wine when cooking the calamari.
Reserve pasta water: I love to add up to ½ cup of water to the sauce as the starch helps bind the pasta with the other ingredients in the dish.
Kid-friendly: Omit the red pepper flakes.
Avoid adding Parmesan cheese: It can be tempting to add to this pasta dish, but an authentic seafood pasta does not have added Parmigiano Reggiano cheese.

Pasta in the pan and some on a white plate.

What is calamarata?

It’s a traditional Neapolitan pasta shape. The calamarata pasta name refers to its shape which resembles calamari (squid rings). This specialty pasta has nice ridges and grooves which makes it perfect to soak up delicious sauces!

Where can I purchase calamarata pasta?

While you might not find this on the common grocery store shelf, you can usually find it in specialty stores. In the United States, Home Goods or World Market are two places to find it. You can also buy it online.

Are calamari and squid one and the same?

Yes but also no. Calamari are squid, but they are only one type of squid. You will not want to use a large squid for this recipe. Make sure to purchase the right kind!

How to serve calamarata pasta with squid and tomatoes?

This versatile seafood can be served as a main dish although it is commonly served as a first course like fritto misto followed by main dishes like Italian herb roasted chicken or Italian stuffed meatloaf. If you are Italian-American you might even consider serving it on Christmas Eve during the feast of the seven fishes.

More Italian Pasta Recipes

If you are a seafood lover like we are, then I hope you enjoy this Calarmarata Pasta too! Buon Appetito!