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Baked Italian Stuffed Calamari in Tomato Sauce

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  • Author: Asma
  • 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

Units Scale

For the Stuffed Calamari:

  • 1015 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

  1. 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.
  2. Preheat Oven and Skillet:
    • Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
    • Heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat on the stovetop.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. Stuff the Calamari Tubes:
    • Using a small spoon or piping bag, stuff the filling into each squid tube. Pinch the ends to close.
  6. 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.
  7. 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).
  8. 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