Pasta con Pomodoro e Calamari

Pasta con Pomodoro e Calamari is a delightful Italian dish that combines tender calamari with a robust tomato sauce, creating a harmonious blend of flavors. Served over al dente pasta, it offers a refreshing taste of the Mediterranean that is both satisfying and healthy.

Ingredients

• Spaghetti - 160 grams
• Calamari, cleaned and cut into rings - 200 grams
• Cherry tomatoes, halved - 250 grams
• Garlic, minced - 2 cloves
• Extra virgin olive oil - 2 tablespoons
• Fresh basil leaves - 10 leaves
• Salt - to taste
• Black pepper - to taste
• Red pepper flakes - 1/4 teaspoon (optional)
• Parmesan cheese, grated - for serving (optional)

Steps

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, until fragrant but not browned.
3. Add the halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet, along with a pinch of salt and black pepper. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes begin to soften and release their juices.
4. Add the calamari rings to the skillet and cook for another 3-4 minutes, stirring gently until the calamari is opaque and cooked through. If using, add the red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.
5. Stir in the reserved pasta water to the sauce to achieve the desired consistency. Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet and toss everything together. Cook for an additional 2 minutes to combine the flavors.
6. Remove from heat and stir in the fresh basil leaves. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
7. Serve hot, with grated Parmesan cheese on top if desired.

Nutrition

• Calories: 540
• Protein: 25 g
• Carbs: 75 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 450 mg
• Cholesterol: 50 mg
• Total Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Water: 0.15 L

Health Benefits

• High in protein from calamari, supporting muscle health.
• Rich in antioxidants from tomatoes, promoting heart health.

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