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:
- 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