Pasta with Seafood Sauce (Paccheri con Sugo di Mare) and A Drive from Rome to Sperlonga
This pasta with seafood sauce is super easy to make yet the results are outstanding!
Continued from visiting Paris. I discovered this delicious pasta with seafood sauce when stopping for lunch in Terracina, Italy.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
For the seafood with pasta recipe, scroll to the bottom or click JUMP TO RECIPE.
Driving from Rome to Sperlonga
Where was I heading on that plane from Paris? I was on an evening flight to Rome (Fiumicino) to meet my cousin, Denisa, who was flying in at roughly the same time, from London. We were to meet at the airport, rent a car and stay at a hotel nearby.
Everything went as planned except we didn’t have access to the internet on our phones, or a map (long story), but short of one wrong turn, we arrived at our hotel with no problems and were ready to begin our short Italian holiday, after a good night’s sleep, of course.
In the morning, we had a typical Italian breakfast at the hotel which consisted of lots of fresh fruit choices, pastries, and more; and of course a frothy cappuccino!
It’s a good thing we wanted to get on the road early because this pool looked enticing, but we discovered that it would cost an extra 5 euros/hour to use it. This is the kind of extra expense that bewilders many tourists in Europe. Even Denisa and I were surprised and we’ve been to Italy many times.
Denisa had no time to plan our time in Italy due to her heavy work schedule. I had no time as it was so last minute, and I was travelling to so many places! So, we really just got in the car with an idea to head south within Lazio, and that was all. No hotel reservations, no itinerary, no wifi and no map. Yep, we’re Italian; not so great at organization. If you haven’t seen this, I think it’s pretty funny and quite fitting in this case:
HEAVEN is where: The police are British, the cooks are Italian, the mechanics are German,
the lovers are French, and it’s all organized by the Swiss.
HELL is where: The police are German, the cooks are British, the mechanics are French,
the lovers are Swiss and it’s all organized by the Italians!
We really hadn’t driven far at all when we noticed some interesting architecture and decided to stop. We were in Ostia Antica, which is very close to Fiumicino airport. We realized as we drove through, that the entire area was filled with Roman ruins and artifacts.
We entered a walled village, and although it was the middle of the week, it appeared that a wedding was taking place in the church. We wandered around to have a look. It was a very unique village, and we could only imagine how old it was.
We left and decided to take the coast road, and after stopping to dip our toes in the Tyrrhenian Sea we headed onto Via Appia, southbound.
We had pizza in mind for lunch, but as we drove we saw nothing that resembled anything like a restaurant or pizzeria (isn’t that always the case?)
We decided to go to Terracina for lunch as I’ve been there several times and we knew if we didn’t eat soon, all the places would be shut for the afternoon. Terracina is one of the beautiful seaside gems of the western Italian coastline, and I honestly wouldn’t have minded if we stayed there for our entire stay.
It wasn’t very busy in town, but there were a few people eating at La Marina Pizzeria, so we decided to eat here. Denisa wasn’t feeling fantastic, so she just wanted a salad and some bread, so it was up to me to decide on what I wanted.
I asked what totani were, since they were on the menu with pasta, and the nearest I could understand was that they were a type of squid, but they are not called calamari. So I ordered “paccheri con i totani locale con peperoni” (pasta with local squid and peppers- for lack of a better translation), instead of pizza, since seafood seemed to be more prominent on the menu.
You’ve probably deduced that I really enjoyed my lunch since it’s the featured recipe for this post, right? It was the perfect meal for a hot day with the light, quick sauce, seafood and veggies. I knew then I would have to try to re-create this pasta with seafood sauce recipe at home! Denisa had a few bites and agreed, it was delicious. (RECIPE BELOW)
We had a refreshing drink, a sgroppino, then the chef brought us a sweet, local wine to try. I took one sip and was back in France at Chateau Guynot! Although it was a locally made wine, it totally reminded me of the pineau I had been tasting in France, just three days earlier!
I was amazed at how similar the pineau and passito wines were, and how it seemed to make Denisa feel much better!
(An interesting side note: as we were having lunch here, our Zia Francesca and Zio Carmine (from Canada), cousin Gianfranco and Zia Iolanda were about 5 minutes away, visiting one of my mother’s good friends from France who happens to live in Terracina, but we didn’t know this until later!)
Temple of Jupiter Anxur
After lunch, I wanted to take Denisa to the top of the nearby hill to the ruins of an ancient Roman temple called Tempio di Giove Anxur (Temple of Jupiter Anxur), where I’d visited before, but didn’t mind seeing again. The views from the top alone, are worth the visit.
We watched a short video on the history of the site, then went exploring and picture-taking. The temple was built on this strategic site for protection, but also as a place of worship. This is also where Circe supposedly lived and turned enemies into animals. Here’s an interesting article which touches on mythology of the area.
We headed back down the hill to Terracina and were so happy to be in the air-conditioned car. It was such a hot day.
Sperlonga, a beautiful hilltop town by the sea.
We then made our way to Sperlonga, a place I often visit when I am in Italy. (We are only about an hour away from our mothers’ village in this location). Old town Sperlonga is a hilltop town where no cars are allowed in the center, simply because there are no streets. Which leads me to warn you about the parking situation in Sperlonga (or lack thereof). We circled about three times and almost got stuck in a tiny parking garage before we found a spot just outside the town. However, you’ll see it is probably worth seeking out a spot. Here are some photos of Sperlonga.
From the old town, there are steps down to the beach and the newer part of Sperlonga, so Denisa and I went for a walk on the beach, just before the sun set.
It seemed like the perfect time for a gelato, especially since we hadn’t had one yet.
A few more photos and we jumped back in the car. We connected with my mother’s friend and headed back to Terracina to spend the night there.
We just happened to be right on time for a late dinner. This is what a real Italian evening meal looks like, and you can see my most favorite food in the world: dry-cured, homemade Italian sausages!
Our trip continued with an Italian festa.
Now for that lovely pasta with seafood sauce recipe. It is such a simple recipe and tasted so much like the one in Sperlonga, I wouldn’t change anything.
Have you tried my seafood pasta with shrimp and scallops?
I used frozen calamari, but if you prefer, use fresh or even make it a real “sugo di mare” and add scallops and/or shrimp, for example. Here’s my version of that pasta with seafood sauce.
Paccheri con Sugo di Mare (Paccheri with Seafood Sauce)
inspired by La Marina Pizzeria in Terracina, Italy. serves 4
FULL PRINTABLE RECIPE BELOW
Ingredients
- extra virgin olive oil
- garlic
- fresh parsley
- tomato puree
- grape tomatoes or can of pomodorini tomatoes from Italy
- sweet red pepper
- salt
- pepper (hot pepper flakes are optional)
- calamari rings/tentacles (or seafood mix)
- paccheri pasta (or other similar shape)
- fresh basil leaves
Cook the Paccheri
Boil water for the pasta and cook as directed; while the pasta is cooking, make the sauce.
Make the Seafood Sauce
Place the olive oil, garlic and parsley in a large, deep sauté pan, bring heat up to high and before the garlic browns, add the tomato puree and stir quickly.
Cook for about 2 minutes, then add the tomatoes, red pepper slices and salt. Stir and continue to cok for 2 more minutes, then add the calamari and/or seafood.
Don’t overcook the seafood or it will be tough, just 3 or 4 minutes. Taste for salt, add freshly grated pepper and remove from heat.
Drain the pasta when it’s al dente, and stir the paccheri into the sauce. Mix gently, but well.
Add torn basil leaves and serve hot.
Enjoy your pasta with seafood sauce!
Don’t miss another post! Sign up for my free subscription for recipes and travel.
Paccheri con Sugo di Mare (Pasta with Seafood Sauce)
Ingredients
- 2 ½ Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic (2 crushed, one finely chopped)
- 1 tsp fresh parsley (chopped, as desired)
- 1 cup tomato puree (quality, from Italy)
- 1 ½ cups grape tomatoes (halved or 1 small can of pomodorini tomatoes from Italy)
- 1 small sweet red pepper (thinly sliced)
- ⅛ tsp salt
- ⅛ tsp pepper
- ⅛ tsp hot pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 lb calamari rings (and or tentacles, if fresh or seafood mix- I used frozen)
- 1 lb paccheri pasta (smooth or ribbed, use rigatoni or a large tube shaped pasta if you can’t find paccheri)
- 3 leaves fresh basil (torn)
Instructions
- Boil water for the pasta and cook as directed; while the pasta is cooking, make the sauce.
- Place the olive oil, garlic and parsley in a large, deep sauté pan, bring heat up to high and before the garlic browns, add the tomato puree and stir quickly.
- Cook for about 2 minutes, then add the tomatoes, red pepper slices and salt, stir and cook for 2 more minutes, then add the calamari or seafood.
- Cook for 3 or 4 minutes or until just cookied (don’t overcook the seafood or it will be tough). Taste for salt, add freshly grated pepper and remove from heat.
- Drain the pasta when it’s al dente, and stir into the sauce. Mix gently, but well. Add torn basil leaves and serve hot.
Notes
- Use fresh, quality ingredients for the best results.
Nutrition
I had written the following at the top of this post when the terrorist attacks in Paris had just happened. I’m moving it to the bottom now (Aug 2024.)
Why I won’t allow terrorism to change my travel plans.
I was in the midst of writing this post last Friday, when the terrorist attacks occurred in Paris. The sentence above was the beginning of my rant about Easy Jet charging me 55 euros. In light of what just happened in Paris, a nasty gate agent and having to pay double the cost of my flight in a baggage fee seems to be quite insignificant and unworthy of the space on this page.
So I’ve deleted the rest of what I’d written and I’m taking a different path. Before I begin to tell you about my next adventure in Europe, I’d like to write a few words about my thoughts regarding travel in 2015 and in the future. I’m disappointed if the terrorist events in Paris, and those in Lebanon and Syria have dissuaded people from traveling. I know there are other people out there making the decision that they will never travel again.
As long as we use simple common sense, I believe that we’re just as safe, or as vulnerable, in our own homes as we are when we’re overseas. I will continue to plan my travels just as I did before November 13, 2015 and I encourage you to do the same.
Christina’s Cucina is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.
I needed that mini vacation that you just provided for all of us. Your photo were captivating and that seafood dish is making my mouth water! Good job girl!
Thank you, Cathy!!
What a simple and magnificent dish! I love these types! I looooove your photos and remind me so much of my time in Italy and with my family! I’m glad you plan to continue your travels abroad, and I agree with you about safety. :)
Thank you, Patricia! Yes, Terracina and Sperlonga are beautiful places and I do love visiting over and over! I never tire of them. So glad you agree with me on the safety of travel! Thanks, again!
This is the first time I write or have given a comment. But I just wanted to say that you took such beautiful pictures and the food and drinks look delicious. Also thank you for given us encouragement to continue to travel. To be honest with you back when 911 occurred my husband and I were planning to travel for our 10th anniversary but me being afraid we cancelled next year will be our 25th Anniversary we are still undecided where we want to travel but seeing all the beautiful places you go we might just go and visit one of them. Thank you and many blessing to you.
I am so happy you did leave me a note, Erika! Your comment means so much to me, especially if you will still consider going abroad for your 25th anniversary! We were married a year before you and I remember all the warnings not to go to Germany because the rumor was that Americans were being mistreated there (during the Gulf War). Well, we went on our 6 week honeymoon, all over Europe, including Germany, and the people couldn’t have been lovelier! So kind and helpful and friendly! If we stop doing what we want out of fear, we’ll never get our of bed in the morning.
I do hope you plan a trip for your special anniversary next year, and if you do go to Europe, I might see you there because I’m planning to return! Happy early 25th anniversary! That’s a very special occasion!
Dear Christina, What a gorgeous post. I cannot get over the beauty there. Just stunning, and you captured it so well. Thank you. Sadly, I do believe sowing fear was on the agenda in Paris last week, and I think the best way to fight back is to refuse to live in fear to the extent that we are able. Such a delicious seafood dish you have posted today! Strangely this RI-born girl has never cooked calamari! Pass me two forks!
Really, you’ve never made or cooked with calamari? They’re so quick and easy! Thank you so much for your lovely compliments and yes, we simply cannot live in fear. Thank you so much, Allie!
Beautiful post, your photos take your readers along the journey with you and I love that.
Thank you so much, Sandi!
Haha, that heaven/hell bit you have up there is hilarious!I can’t wait til my youngsters at home grow up a little more so that we can travel abroad together. Beautiful dish!
I’ve loved that Heaven/Hell bit since the moment I first heard it many years ago, Kelly!
I don’t know how old your children are, but to me, they are always old enough to travel. I started flying with my son when he was 2 months old, and my daughter was 3 months. I think it’s much easier to travel with children when they’re younger to train them to be good travelers. When my daughter was 4 or 5, she asked, “Mommy, when are we going back to Germany and San Diego?” I loved that!
Christina, I couldn’t agree more with what you say that we should continue to travel.
It’s all naturally very subdued here in Paris, as we’re all stunned by what happened. So horrible. Already we can see that visitors are cancelling and even our friends are preferring to stay at home than go to restaurants. Even although it’s scary, we need to support Paris and continue to enjoy what life offers us.
And that is why we love coming in to see your such informative and beautifully photographed posts – to inspire us to travel to these places! Just by reading your first words about arriving in Rome, you reminded me of our trip in April. I’d completely forgotten that we were in the airport bus, passing this wonderful looking place, Ostia Antica (now I know its name, thanks!) and now I’m ready to cook up a plate of this fabulous and colourful pasta dish and think of the next trip to actually visit it! I didn’t realise how much we missed, even if we still had a great time. Thank you for taking us with us and for motivating us to continue with our travel plans.
Sorry this is long but for the amount of time you’ve taken posting this, it’s quite short :-) Jill x
Thank you for such a thoughtful reply, Jill. Yes, I agree, we must continue to live and cannot stay in what we think is our safety zone, because for all we know, something could happen in our homes (not necessarily violence). The worst part is, if we do stop going out, to restaurants and traveling, the terrorists will have won. That is something that cannot ever happen.
Oh there is so much to see all over Italy, as I’m sure you know. We missed a lot too, but you can’t do it all in one trip. I’m glad you enjoyed my post and I do truly appreciate your sentiments.