The Best Squid Ink Pasta Recipe

The Best Squid Ink Pasta Recipe is a striking and flavorful dish that combines the unique briny flavor of squid ink with pasta, often paired with seafood. This recipe will guide you through making a delicious squid ink pasta with shrimp and cherry tomatoes, perfect for a special occasion or a unique dinner at home.

Squid Ink Pasta Recipe

Ingredients

For the Pasta:

• 12 ounces squid ink pasta (spaghetti or linguine)
• Salt (for boiling water)

For the Sauce:

• 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
• ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
• ½ cup chopped onion
• 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved (or grape tomatoes)
• 4 cloves garlic, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme (or ½ teaspoon dried thyme)
• ½ cup dry white wine (such as Pinot Grigio)
• ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• Freshly ground black pepper and kosher salt to taste
• ⅓ cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
• Fresh basil or parsley for garnish

Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta:

• Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the squid ink pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve about ½ cup of the pasta cooking water before draining the pasta.

2. Prepare the Sauce:

• While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 2 minutes, or until softened.
• Next, stir in the halved cherry tomatoes and garlic. Cook for an additional 3-5 minutes, allowing the tomatoes to soften and release their juices.
• Add the shrimp to the skillet, seasoning with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Cook for about 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally until the shrimp turn pink and are cooked through.

3. Combine Pasta and Sauce:

• Once the shrimp are cooked, pour in the white wine and let it simmer for about 2 minutes, allowing the alcohol to evaporate slightly.
• Add the cooked squid ink pasta directly into the skillet with the shrimp and tomato mixture. Toss everything together gently, adding some reserved pasta cooking water as needed to create a silky sauce that coats the pasta.

4. Finish and Serve:

• Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. If desired, sprinkle crumbled feta cheese over the top for added creaminess.
• Serve immediately, garnished with fresh basil or parsley.

Tips for Success

• Pasta Options: Squid ink pasta can be found in specialty stores or online; however, you can also use regular spaghetti or linguine if preferred.
• Seafood Variations: Feel free to add other seafood such as calamari or scallops to enhance flavors.
• Wine Substitute: If you prefer not to use wine, you can replace it with additional lemon juice or broth for acidity.

The Best Squid Ink Pasta Recipe

The Best Squid Ink Pasta Recipe is a luxurious and visually stunning dish that combines the rich flavors of seafood with the unique taste of squid ink. Start by cooking your squid ink pasta in salted boiling water until al dente, then drain and set aside. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat and sauté finely chopped garlic and chili flakes for a minute until fragrant. Add fresh seafood, such as shrimp or calamari, and cook until just tender. Deglaze the pan with white wine, letting it simmer for a few minutes to reduce slightly.

Next, stir in 2 tablespoons of squid ink, creating a silky black sauce with a subtle briny flavor. Toss the cooked pasta into the skillet, mixing everything together until the pasta is coated in the sauce. Garnish with fresh parsley, a squeeze of lemon juice, and a drizzle of olive oil for brightness. This squid ink pasta is bold, flavorful, and perfect for an elegant dinner, bringing both striking color and gourmet taste to the table.

Conclusion

This squid ink pasta recipe is not only visually stunning but also offers a delightful combination of flavors that will impress your guests. With its rich sauce and tender shrimp, it’s sure to become a favorite in your culinary repertoire! Enjoy your homemade squid ink pasta!