Baked Italian Stuffed Calamari is a sophisticated yet comforting dish that features tender squid tubes filled with a savory sausage and breadcrumb mixture. Simmered in a rich tomato sauce, this flavorful seafood recipe is a perfect centerpiece for a special dinner or celebration.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Tender and Flavorful: The squid remains tender while absorbing the rich tomato sauce.
- Sophisticated Yet Easy: Impressive enough for guests but simple to prepare.
- Classic Italian Flair: Combines the best of Italian sausage, herbs, and marinara.
- Customizable Filling: Adapt the stuffing with your favorite ingredients.
- One-Pan Meal: Sear and bake in the same skillet for easy cleanup.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 10-15 whole squid, medium to large, or tubes and tentacles only
- 8 ounces ground sweet Italian sausage
- 2 tablespoons minced fresh garlic
- 1 pinch crushed red pepper flakes
- ¼ cup plain breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese (or pecorino romano)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, plus extra for garnish
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 3 cups Italian gravy or marinara sauce
Directions
Step 1: Prepare the Squid
- Clean the squid by separating the tubes and tentacles.
- Chop the tentacles into small pieces and pat the tubes dry with paper towels.
Step 2: Cook the Sausage Mixture
- Heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat.
- Add the Italian sausage and cook for about 5 minutes, breaking it into small pieces.
- Stir in minced garlic and crushed red pepper flakes, cooking for 1 more minute.
Step 3: Make the Filling
- Transfer the sausage mixture to a food processor.
- Add chopped tentacles, breadcrumbs, parmesan, parsley, salt, and pepper.
- Pulse until the mixture is well combined, about 30-60 seconds.
Step 4: Stuff the Squid Tubes
- Fill each squid tube with the prepared sausage mixture. Avoid overfilling to prevent splitting.
- Pinch the ends of the squid tubes to seal them.
Step 5: Sear the Stuffed Squid
- Heat olive oil in the same skillet over medium heat.
- Place the stuffed calamari in the skillet in a single layer.
- Sear for 1-2 minutes on each side until lightly browned.
Step 6: Bake in Tomato Sauce
- Pour Italian gravy or marinara sauce over the calamari to cover them.
- Transfer the skillet to a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C).
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbling and the filling reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Step 7: Serve
- Sprinkle fresh parsley over the baked calamari.
- Serve hot with crusty bread, pasta, or a side salad.
Servings and Timing
- Yield: 8 servings
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Variations
- Vegetarian Option: Replace sausage with sautéed mushrooms or spinach mixed with ricotta cheese.
- Spicy Kick: Use hot Italian sausage and extra red pepper flakes for more heat.
- Seafood Medley: Add chopped shrimp or scallops to the filling for added seafood flavor.
- Cheese Alternative: Swap parmesan with asiago or fontina cheese for a unique flavor.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze stuffed calamari in sauce for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheating: Warm in a skillet over low heat or bake covered in the oven at 350°F until heated through.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen squid?
Yes, thaw the squid completely and pat dry before using.
2. What if I don’t have a food processor?
Chop the ingredients finely by hand and mix well to combine.
3. Can I use store-bought marinara sauce?
Absolutely, any high-quality marinara sauce works well in this recipe.
4. How do I prevent the squid from becoming tough?
Avoid overcooking—bake just until the filling reaches 165°F.
5. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, stuff the squid and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before cooking.
6. What can I serve with this dish?
Pair with pasta, risotto, polenta, or a fresh green salad.
7. Can I use different sausage?
Yes, hot Italian sausage, chicken sausage, or even chorizo can be used.
8. How do I keep the filling from falling out?
Ensure the squid tubes are not overfilled and pinch the ends securely.
9. Is this recipe gluten-free?
Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and marinara to make the dish gluten-free.
10. Can I cook this on the stovetop only?
Yes, simmer the stuffed calamari in sauce over low heat for 20-25 minutes instead of baking.
Conclusion
Baked Italian Stuffed Calamari in Tomato Sauce is a flavorful and elegant dish that’s surprisingly simple to prepare. Perfectly tender calamari tubes filled with a savory sausage mixture, baked in rich tomato sauce, make this a standout recipe for dinner parties or weeknight meals. Serve it with your favorite sides and enjoy a delicious taste of Italy at home!
Print
Baked Italian Stuffed Calamari in Tomato Sauce
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
Treat yourself to Baked Italian Stuffed Calamari in Tomato Sauce, featuring tender squid tubes filled with a savory mix of Italian sausage, breadcrumbs, and herbs, simmered in a rich marinara sauce. A delicious and impressive seafood dish perfect for dinner or special occasions.
Ingredients
For the Stuffed Calamari:
- 10–15 whole squid (medium to large size) or tubes and tentacles only
- 8 ounces ground sweet Italian sausage
- 2 tablespoons minced fresh garlic
- 1 pinch crushed red pepper flakes
- 1/4 cup plain breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (or Pecorino Romano)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (plus extra for garnish)
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
For the Tomato Sauce:
- 3 cups Italian gravy or marinara sauce
Instructions
- Prepare the Squid:
- Clean the squid, separating the tubes and tentacles.
- Chop the tentacles into small pieces and pat the tubes dry with paper towels.
- Preheat Oven and Skillet:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat on the stovetop.
- Cook the Sausage Filling:
- In the skillet, cook the Italian sausage for about 5 minutes, breaking it up as it cooks.
- Add minced garlic and crushed red pepper flakes, cooking for an additional minute.
- Prepare the Filling:
- Transfer the sausage mixture to a food processor.
- Add chopped tentacles, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, salt, and pepper.
- Pulse the mixture until well combined, scraping down the bowl as needed.
- Stuff the Calamari Tubes:
- Using a small spoon or piping bag, stuff the filling into each squid tube. Pinch the ends to close.
- Sear the Stuffed Calamari:
- Heat olive oil in the skillet over medium heat.
- Add the stuffed squid in a single layer and sear for 1–2 minutes per side until lightly browned.
- Bake in Sauce:
- Pour the marinara sauce over the calamari, ensuring they are covered.
- Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 15–20 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbling and the filling has reached an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Serve and Garnish:
- Sprinkle with additional fresh parsley.
- Serve warm with crusty bread, pasta, or a side salad.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Per Serving, 2 Tubes
- Calories: 259 kcal
- Sodium: 906 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Carbohydrates: 11 g
- Protein: 20 g
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