Hey there, seafood lovers! Get ready to dive into a scrumptious dish that brings the taste of the ocean right to your table. We’re talking about a delightful Shrimp and Calamari Pasta that’s not just a feast for your taste buds but also a visual treat. This recipe combines tender shrimp and calamari with perfectly cooked pasta, all tossed in a light garlic and olive oil sauce. It’s a perfect meal for a cozy dinner or a fancy weekend treat. So, let’s get cooking and enjoy this seafood masterpiece together!

Ingredients

Shrimp: Shrimp are the stars of this dish, bringing a sweet, briny flavor that’s hard to resist. They’re rich in protein and low in calories, making them a healthy choice. Make sure to use fresh or properly thawed frozen shrimp for the best taste and texture.

Calamari: Calamari, or squid, brings a tender and subtly sweet flavor to the pasta. Cooking it properly is key to maintaining its tenderness and preventing a rubbery texture. Calamari is also a great source of protein and provides essential nutrients such as vitamin B12 and zinc.

Pasta: You can use any pasta you love, but linguine or spaghetti works great here. Pasta is the backbone of this dish, providing a satisfying base that soaks up all the delicious flavors of the sauce.

Garlic: Garlic infuses the dish with a robust, aromatic flavor. It’s a must-have in this recipe, giving the sauce its characteristic depth and warmth.

Olive Oil: A high-quality olive oil is essential for this recipe. It not only helps in cooking the seafood but also adds a rich, fruity flavor to the pasta.

Cherry Tomatoes: Cherry tomatoes contribute a burst of sweetness and vibrant color to the dish. They’re rich in vitamins and antioxidants, making them a nutritious addition.

White Wine: A splash of white wine deglazes the pan, adding a subtle acidity that balances the seafood’s richness. Opt for a dry white wine that you enjoy drinking.

Lemon: Lemon juice and zest brighten up the dish with a fresh, tangy flavor. It complements the seafood perfectly and adds a lovely zing.

Fresh Herbs: Fresh parsley and basil bring a vibrant, herbaceous note to the pasta. They add both flavor and a beautiful green color that makes the dish pop.

Red Pepper Flakes: For a bit of heat, red pepper flakes are perfect. They add just the right amount of spice without overwhelming the delicate flavors of the seafood.

Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the flavors of any dish. Salt and pepper bring out the natural flavors of the ingredients and make the dish come alive.

Recipe Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Ingredients

Start by cleaning and deveining the shrimp. Slice the calamari into rings. Mince the garlic, halve the cherry tomatoes, and chop the fresh herbs. Zest and juice the lemon.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

Boil a large pot of salted water. Add the pasta and cook until al dente, following the package instructions. Drain the pasta, reserving a cup of the cooking water, and set it aside.

Step 3: Sauté the Seafood

In a large skillet, heat a generous amount of olive oil over medium heat. Sauté the minced garlic for about 1 minute until fragrant. Add the shrimp and calamari, cooking until the shrimp turns pink and the calamari is tender, around 3-4 minutes. Take the seafood out of the skillet and set it aside.

Step 4: Make the Sauce

If needed, add a little more olive oil to the same skillet. Add the cherry tomatoes and cook until they begin to blister and release their juices. Pour in the white wine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan, and let it reduce by half.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Place the shrimp and calamari back into the skillet. Add the cooked pasta and toss to combine. Gradually pour in the reserved pasta water until you achieve a smooth, cohesive sauce. Mix in the lemon zest and juice, red pepper flakes, and chopped herbs. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Divide the pasta among plates, making sure to get plenty of shrimp and calamari on each serving. Garnish with additional herbs and lemon wedges. Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious Shrimp and Calamari Pasta!

Wellness Perks

This Shrimp and Calamari Pasta is not only a treat for your taste buds but also a healthy meal option. Shrimp and calamari are excellent sources of lean protein, essential for muscle repair and growth. They’re also rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are great for heart health. The olive oil in the sauce provides healthy monounsaturated fats, which can help reduce bad cholesterol levels. Garlic, cherry tomatoes, and fresh herbs add antioxidants and vitamins that boost your immune system and overall well-being. Plus, this dish is relatively low in calories, making it a great option for a light yet satisfying meal.

High in Lean Protein:

Both shrimp and calamari are excellent sources of lean protein. Protein is essential for muscle repair and growth, helping maintain muscle mass and strength, especially as you age. This makes the dish a great option for those looking to increase their protein intake without consuming excessive calories.

Rich in Omega-3 Fatty Acids:

Shrimp and calamari are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are known for their heart health benefits. Omega-3s help reduce inflammation, lower the risk of heart disease, and improve cholesterol levels. They also support brain health, enhancing cognitive function and potentially reducing the risk of mental decline.

Low in Calories and Fat:

Shrimp and calamari are high in protein and nutrients while being low in calories and fat, making this dish a healthy choice for those aiming to maintain or lose weight. Olive oil, rich in healthy monounsaturated fats, enhances flavor without introducing unhealthy fats.

Packed with Vitamins and Minerals:

Shrimp and calamari provide essential vitamins and minerals such as vitamin B12, zinc, and selenium. Vitamin B12 plays a vital role in maintaining nerve function and is essential for the production of DNA and red blood cells. Zinc supports immune function and wound healing, while selenium is an antioxidant that helps prevent cell damage.

Boosts Immune System:

The garlic in the recipe is not only flavorful but also packed with immune-boosting properties. Garlic has been shown to enhance the function of the immune system, helping the body fight off illnesses and infections.

Rich in Antioxidants:

Cherry tomatoes and fresh herbs like parsley and basil are rich in antioxidants, which protect the body from damage by free radicals. Antioxidants help reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease and cancer and promote overall health.

Supports Digestive Health:

The fiber in cherry tomatoes and the fresh herbs used in the recipe aids in digestion and promotes a healthy gut. Fiber helps regulate bowel movements, prevent constipation, and maintain a healthy weight.

Hydration and Detoxification:

Lemon juice, used in the recipe, provides a good dose of vitamin C and antioxidants. It aids in hydration, promotes healthy skin, and supports the body’s detoxification processes. Lemon juice also enhances the absorption of iron from other foods, contributing to better overall nutrition.

Balances Blood Sugar Levels:

Opting for whole grain pasta or pasta alternatives can help stabilize blood sugar levels. Whole grains have a lower glycemic index than refined grains, resulting in slower digestion and a more gradual increase in blood sugar levels. This is advantageous for managing diabetes and lowering the risk of insulin resistance.

Promotes Satiety and Reduces Overeating:

The combination of protein, healthy fats, and fiber in this dish promotes feelings of fullness and satiety. This can help reduce overall calorie intake by preventing overeating and unhealthy snacking, supporting weight management goals.

By incorporating these wellness perks, this Shrimp and Calamari Pasta recipe not only delights your taste buds but also supports your overall health and well-being.

Print Recipe

Shrimp and Calamari Pasta

This Shrimp and Calamari Pasta is a delightful seafood dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Tender shrimp and calamari are tossed with pasta in a light garlic and olive oil sauce, with fresh herbs and lemon adding a vibrant touch. It’s a healthy, satisfying meal that’s easy to prepare and sure to impress.

Prep Time15

Cook Time20

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: Italian

Servings: 4 person

Calories: 450kcal

Ingredients

1 lb shrimp cleaned and deveined
1 lb calamari sliced into rings
12 oz pasta linguine or spaghetti
4 cloves garlic minced
1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
1/2 cup dry white wine
1 lemon zested and juiced
1/4 cup fresh parsley chopped
1/4 cup fresh basil chopped
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
1/4 cup olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Clean and prep the shrimp and calamari. Mince garlic, halve cherry tomatoes, chop herbs, and zest and juice the lemon.
Cook pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain, reserving a cup of pasta water.
In a skillet, heat olive oil and sauté garlic. Add shrimp and calamari, cooking until shrimp is pink and calamari is tender. Remove from skillet.
In the same skillet, add more olive oil if needed. Cook cherry tomatoes until blistered. Add white wine and reduce by half.
Return shrimp and calamari to skillet. Add cooked pasta, reserved pasta water, lemon zest and juice, red pepper flakes, and herbs. Toss to combine. Season with salt and pepper.
Serve immediately, garnishing with extra herbs and lemon wedges.