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Fish Taco with Peach Salsa

Fish Taco with Peach Salsa

You do not need hours of cooking and standing in the kitchen to create one amazing meal. You really do not! That is the whole point of this blog. 99% of my recipes are easy because I do not have hours to stand and cook, read more

TOP 10 Weeknight Pasta Recipes

TOP 10 Weeknight Pasta Recipes

Collection of the best pasta recipes on my blog. Easy, simple and delicious dinner ideas that you must try. Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo Tomato Pesto Pasta with Shrimps and Zucchini Pasta, Cheese with Chicken and Peas Beef and Cheese Pasta Spaghetti Aglio e Olio Spinach Fettuccine read more

Pasta with Sautéed Calamari

Pasta with Sautéed Calamari

Pasta with Sautéed Calamari

If you’re craving a fresh, light seafood dinner that’s easy to make and bursting with flavor, this Pasta with Sautéed Calamari is a must-try. This pasta is one of my husband’s and our boys’ all-time favorites—and once you taste it, you’ll see why. It’s simple, satisfying, and comes together in under 30 minutes.

While squid (or calamari) might not be everyone’s first pick when it comes to seafood, this recipe just might change your mind. 

I’ll admit, I can be a bit selective when it comes to seafood—but when calamari is cooked just right, with a splash of lemon and tossed with warm linguine or spaghetti, it’s irresistible.

Pasta with Sautéed Calamari

🐙 Why This Calamari Pasta Works

  • Quick-cooking: Calamari takes just minutes to cook properly.
  • Flavor-forward: Lemon juice, garlic, and fresh herbs bring brightness.
  • Simple prep: Minimal ingredients, maximum flavor.
  • Family-approved: Even picky eaters tend to go back for seconds.

How to Cook Calamari in a Skillet

  • Getting calamari just right comes down to timing. Here’s how to make it tender and flavorful every time:
  • Use high heat: Sauté over medium-high to high heat for only 2 to 3 minutes. The moment it turns opaque and lightly golden, it’s ready.
  • Dry before cooking: Pat dry with paper towels to avoid steaming instead of searing.
  • Add aromatics at the end: Garlic, lemon juice, chili flakes, or chopped herbs should be added last to avoid overcooking the squid and dulling their flavor.

Pasta with Sautéed Calamari

🍽 Sautéed vs. Fried Calamari: What’s the Difference?

  • While fried calamari is a beloved appetizer, sautéed calamari is lighter, healthier, and better suited for pairing with pasta or rice. 
  • Sautéing preserves the delicate flavor of the squid and allows the other ingredients—like fresh herbs, lemon, and olive oil—to shine through. 
  • It’s a Mediterranean-inspired option that’s wholesome, elegant, and easy enough for a weeknight dinner.

🍋 A Few Tips Before You Start:

  • Choose fresh or well-cleaned frozen calamari for the best texture and taste.
  • Don’t walk away while it’s cooking—just a few seconds too long can make it rubbery.
  • Want a little kick? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes when sautéing the garlic.

This dish is everything a seafood pasta should be—light, zesty, and full of coastal charm. And the best part? It doesn’t take much to make it taste like something you’d order at a seaside restaurant.

delicious dinner

📸 If you make this Pasta with Sautéed Calamari, I’d love to see how it turns out! Tag me on Instagram @sandraseasycooking and use the hashtag #sandraseasycooking so I can share your beautiful plates with our food-loving community.

Craving more? Check out my Seafood Recipes and Pasta Collection for more crowd-pleasing meals that are easy to make and packed with flavor.

Yield: Serves 4

Pasta with Sautéed Calamari

Pasta with Sautéed Calamari

Easy and flavorful Pasta with Sautéed Calamari made in minutes! A light seafood pasta dish with lemon, garlic, and tender squid—perfect for weeknights.

Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil (15 ml)
  • 2 teaspoons garlic, finely chopped (6 g)
  • 1 lb squid, cleaned and sliced into rings (450 g), tentacles left whole
  • ½ teaspoon dried parsley (0.5 g)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • ½ tablespoon olive oil (7 ml)
  • 1 lb pasta, such as spaghetti or linguine (450 g)
  • ½ tablespoon unsalted butter (7 g)
  • Juice of 1 lemon (about 3 tablespoons / 45 ml)
  • Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish (about 2 tablespoons / 8 g)

Instructions

  1. Boil water in a large pot and add 1 tablespoon of salt. Drop in your pasta—any variety will work. Cook until al dente, then drain, reserving about ⅓ cup of pasta water.
  2. In a large frying pan, heat the olive oil over high heat until it’s almost smoking. Reduce the heat to medium-low and add the minced garlic, letting it infuse the oil. Sauté for about 10–15 seconds, just until fragrant—be careful not to burn it.
  3. Carefully add the cleaned, sliced squid to the pan. Season with a couple of pinches of salt and black pepper, then add lemon zest and dried parsley. Cook, tossing frequently, for about 2 to 4 minutes, just until the squid turns opaque and tender. Do not overcook, or it may become rubbery. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
  4. In a separate sauté pan (or clean out the same one), heat a little olive oil, then add the cooked pasta, stirring to coat.
  5. Pour in the reserved pasta water, then add the sautéed squid. Stir well to combine, then add the butter, and finally, lemon juice. Let everything simmer together for 1–2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
  6. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh chopped parsley and an optional drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil.

Notes

  • Don’t walk away while cooking squid—it only takes a few minutes to go from tender to tough.
  • For extra richness, add a drizzle of good quality olive oil just before serving.
  • Serve with crusty bread and a glass of white wine for a light and satisfying meal.
  • This recipe can be doubled or tripled for family servings. One standard pack of linguine is typically 454g (1 lb), which serves about 4–5 people, but if you have family who loves pasta like mine, then I would use two packs of pasta.

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

4

Serving Size:

1

Amount Per Serving: Calories: 402Total Fat: 10gSaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 268mgSodium: 127mgCarbohydrates: 51gFiber: 3gSugar: 2gProtein: 26g

This data was provided and calculated by Nutritionix. Nutrition information isn’t always accurate, but we try our best.

Did you make this recipe?

Please leave a comment on the blog or share a photo on Pinterest

 

Egg, Cheese and Ham Wrap

Egg, Cheese and Ham Wrap

Egg, Cheese and Ham Wrap is the most requested breakfast at my house. My kids have been off from school for more than a couple of days after winter break due to the icy roads, and snow so they are asking me constantly to make read more

Mixed Greens Salad with Pineapple

Mixed Greens Salad with Pineapple

When it comes to delicious salads, most of the time I go with this tasty Mixed Greens Salad with Pineapple. It is really easy and satisfying, to say the least. Nonetheless, it is healthy, and a great to eat it for dinner or even before read more

Beef Enchiladas

Beef Enchiladas

Beef Enchiladas

Craving Mexican food? Honestly, who isn’t? From refried beans to sizzling fajitas, there’s just something irresistible about a plate full of bold, comforting flavors. And today, I’m sharing my family’s favorite beef enchiladas — easy, hearty, and packed with cheesy goodness.

This version might not be perfectly traditional, but it’s lighter, flavorful, and 100% satisfying. Plus, it’s a weeknight dinner winner that everyone at my table loves!

Why You’ll Love These Beef Enchiladas

  • Lightened Up: I drain all the excess oil from the beef and skip frying the tortillas, making them lighter without sacrificing flavor.
  • Extra Hearty: I toss in a handful of black beans, optional, but highly recommended! This will add texture and protein.
  • Saucy & Cheesy: A generous amount of red enchilada sauce and melty cheese makes every bite utterly delicious. You will never eat a soggy enchilada again.
  • Family-Approved: This simple method has been a hit in my home for years — even the pickiest eaters go back for seconds.

 

Recipe steps

These easy beef enchiladas are comforting, simple, and endlessly customizable. Whether it’s a casual family dinner or a gathering with friends, they bring everyone to the table — and keep them coming back for seconds.

Seriously, writing this made me hungry. And to be honest, I made them twice this week just to test my own recipe, and I am still craving them. I know you’re going to love them too! 🌮💛

Family Dinner

More Easy Dinner Recipes You’ll Love

Beef Enchiladas

If you try this recipe, be sure to leave a comment and rate it below — I’d love to hear what you think!

Also, please tag me on Instagram @sandraseasycooking and make sure to use hashtag #sandraseasycooking because I would love to see it and share it with my audience, and it is awesome feedback as well.

Bakeware that I LOVE making Beef Enchiladas is STAUB Ceramics Rectangular Baking Dish Set

Beef Enchiladas

Yield: 4 Servings

Beef Enchiladas

Beef Enchiladas Recipe

Easy, cheesy beef enchiladas made with seasoned ground beef, black beans, and a rich red enchilada sauce — a comforting family favorite perfect for any night of the week.

Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Additional Time for meat 10 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes

Ingredients

  • 1 pound (450g) lean ground beef
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped (about 100g)
  • 1 teaspoon (2g) chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon (1g) cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon (1g) garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 cup (170g) canned black beans, rinsed and drained (optional)
  • 1 cup (240ml) red enchilada sauce (plus extra for dipping, about 1/2 cup or 120ml more if needed)
  • 8 soft flour tortillas (regular size, about 20cm/8-inch diameter)
  • 2 cups (200g) shredded Mexican blend cheese (or cheddar)

Garnish:

  • Fresh cilantro, chopped, ( I always use fresh parsley cause I don’t like cilantro)
  • Sour Cream
  • Pico De Gallo
  • Green onions
  • Lime

Pico De Gallo:

  • 3 ripe tomatoes, finely diced (about 300g)
  • 1/2 small red onion, finely chopped (about 50g)
  • 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely diced (adjust to heat preference, I haven't used it but you could)
  • 1/4 cup (15g) fresh cilantro, chopped (again I used parsley)
  • Juice of 1 lime (about 2 tablespoons or 30ml)
  • Salt to taste

Instructions

Cook the Beef

  1. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and onion until the beef is browned and fully cooked.
  2. Drain any excess grease to keep the dish lighter.


Season the Beef

  1. Stir in the chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Add the black beans, if using, and a few tablespoons of enchilada sauce.
  2. Mix well and let it simmer for a few minutes.

Prepare the Tortillas

  1. Lightly warm the tortillas to make them easier to roll. If they roll easier than skip this part.

Assemble the Enchiladas

  1. Spoon the beef mixture into the center of each tortilla, sprinkle with a little cheese, and roll them up tightly.
  2. Pour about half of the cup of sauce on the bottom and dip the rolled tortilla with filling in the sauce, then push it to the edge.
  3. Place them seam-side down in a baking dish. Please continue with the rest of them. If you need a drizzle more enchilada sauce on the bottom to finish dipping, then add it.

Top and Bake

  1. Pour the remaining enchilada sauce evenly over the rolled tortillas and sprinkle with the remaining cheese.
  2. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Garnish and Serve

  1. Top with chopped cilantro (or parsley) before serving.
  2. Add sour cream, avocado slices, green onions, Pico de Gallo, or a squeeze of lime if you like!


Pico De Gallo:

  1. In a medium bowl, combine the diced tomatoes, onion, (jalapeños), and cilantro. Note: Remove the seed part from the tomatoes.
  2. Squeeze in the lime juice and sprinkle with salt.
  3. Gently toss everything together until well combined.
  4. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld before serving.

Notes

Tips for the Best Beef Enchiladas

  • I use good tortillas. I really like Mission flour tortillas, but Kroger also has pretty good tortillas/wraps. You can make this with low-carb tortillas or gluten-free ones.
  • Don’t Overfill: Keep the filling moderate so the enchiladas stay intact.
  • Customize: Add diced green chilies, corn, or jalapeños for extra flavor.
  • Meal Prep Friendly: Assemble ahead of time and refrigerate until ready to bake.

Storage and Reheating

  • Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • To reheat, cover with foil and warm in the oven at 350°F until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions.

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

4

Serving Size:

1

Amount Per Serving: Calories: 645Total Fat: 25gSaturated Fat: 12gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 11gCholesterol: 61mgSodium: 1017mgCarbohydrates: 76gFiber: 9gSugar: 6gProtein: 29g

This data was provided and calculated by Nutritionix. Nutrition information isn’t always accurate, but we try our best.

Did you make this recipe?

Please leave a comment on the blog or share a photo on Pinterest