Tagliatelle con calamari e scampetti – Classic
This is the traditional, time-tested version of the dish. It stays true to its origins, using well-established techniques and ingredients that define its authentic flavor. A perfect starting point for exploring its evolution.
Country: 
Italy Region / Locale: Italian Servings: Serves 4
Italy Region / Locale: Italian Servings: Serves 4Italy’s culinary tradition is brought to life in ‘Tagliatelle con Calamari e Scampetti’, a sumptuous seafood pasta dish hailing from the coastal regions. Tagliatelle, flat ribbon noodles known for their rich texture, embrace the briny sweetness of tender calamari and shrimp-like scampetti. Infused with the freshness of Mediterranean herbs, this dish captures the essence of Italian seaside dining. Often enjoyed with a glass of crisp white wine, this harmony of pasta and ocean treasures is a delight for the senses.
Ingredients
- Tagliatelle – 400 g / 14 oz
- Calamari, cleaned and sliced – 300 g / 10.5 oz
- Scampetti (or small shrimp), peeled – 200 g / 7 oz
- Extra virgin olive oil – 4 tbsp
- Garlic, minced – 2 cloves
- Cherry tomatoes, halved – 250 g / 9 oz
- White wine – 1/2 cup / 120 ml
- Lemon zest – 1 tsp
- Parsley, chopped – 2 tbsp
- Chili flakes – 1/4 tsp
- Salt and pepper – to taste
Instructions
- Boil a large pot of salted water. Add tagliatelle and cook until al dente.
- In a large pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and chili flakes, sauté until fragrant.
- Add calamari and scampetti, cooking until just opaque, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Stir in cherry tomatoes, cooking until they are soft and beginning to blister.
- Pour in white wine and let it reduce by half.
- Add cooked tagliatelle to the pan, toss with lemon zest, parsley, salt, and pepper.
- Serve immediately, garnishing with extra parsley and a drizzle of olive oil.
Substitutions
- Scampetti -> Regular shrimp
- Tagliatelle -> Fettuccine
- Cherry tomatoes -> Diced plum tomatoes
Enhancements in the Next Evolution
- Use fresh pasta for a more authentic texture.
- Add a hint of saffron to the white wine for extra depth.
- Include a splash of seafood stock to enhance the oceanic flavors.
Curious to see how this dish evolves? Discover refined flavors and enhanced techniques in the next version.
