You won’t believe it but this fancy-looking Squid Ink Pasta only takes 30 minutes to make! Perfect for your spooky Halloween party or simply for serving an impressive dish to guests, this recipe is a guaranteed hit with family and friends.
Here’s how to make this elegant-looking dish at home, even if you have zero experience in the kitchen!
What Is Squid Ink Pasta?
Squid ink pasta is any kind of pasta that has been enhanced with ocean squid extract and turns black in color. You can also get squid ink from the cuttlefish. The ink is added to the dough and changes the color of the pasta.
What Does Squid Ink Pasta Taste Like?
Not only does it look amazing but it tastes delicious, too. Squid ink pasta has a salty, briny taste that pairs perfectly with seafood dishes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- squid ink pasta
- salt and pepper
- olive oil
- minced garlic
- tomato paste
- cherry tomatoes
- cooking wine
- butter
- lemon
- basil
(Note: Full recipe is at the bottom of the post)
How to Cook Black Squid Ink Pasta
Step 1: Cook the pasta
- Boil a pot of salted water.
- Cook the pasta until perfectly al dente. Drain the water, reserving at least 1/2 cup on the side.
Step 2: Cook the tomatoes
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Toss garlic in and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Toss in tomato paste and cook for 30 seconds to 1 minute, stirring often.
- Add tomatoes and cooking wine. Season with salt and pepper. Cook for 3 minutes, until tomatoes are softened.
Step 3: Mix everything together
- Add cooked pasta, butter, lemon zest, lemon juice, and half of the reserved pasta water.
- Cook for 2 to 3 minutes, until the pasta is coated in the sauce. Season with salt and pepper. Add more pasta water if the sauce appears too dry.
- Remove from heat, stir, serve, and enjoy!
Serving Suggestions
Bread for scooping the delectable sauce is always a great side to serve with this pasta dish. You can also try these veggies:
What Wine Goes Well With Squid Ink Pasta?
Italian Verdicchio or Pinot Grigio are excellent wine choices for squid ink pasta because they’re light. You can also try a chilled Chianti.
How to Store Leftover Squid Ink Pasta?
Leftover cooked squid ink pasta should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator and eaten within 2-3 days.
Pasta that has been cooked but has not been mixed with sauce should be tossed with olive oil prior to being stored to avoid clumping. It can last 3-4 days in the fridge.
Frequently Asked Questions About Squid Ink Pasta
Where to Buy Squid Ink Pasta
You can find squid ink pasta at Trader Joe’s and food specialty stores. You can also shop online if your local stores don’t carry it. Fresh pasta has more flavor than dry varieties.
Is Squid Ink Pasta Healthy?
There is research to support that squid ink is effective at killing pathogens like bacteria, fungi, and viruses. It also has antibiotic effects and may have anti-cancer properties, too.
Does Squid Ink Pasta Stain Teeth?
The ink typically comes from cuttlefish and not squid. Both cuttlefish and squid ink are safe for consumption and will not permanently stain teeth.
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Easy Squid Ink Pasta Recipe
Ingredients
- 12 ounces squid ink pasta found in Italian grocery stores or specialty food shops
- salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons minced garlic
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
- 1/3 cup cooking wine
- 3 tablespoons butter unsalted
- 2 lemons zested and juiced
- 1/2 cup fresh basil chopped
Instructions
Cook the pasta
- Boil a pot of salted water.
- Cook the pasta until perfectly al dente. Drain the water, reserving at least 1/2 cup on the side.
Cook the tomatoes
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Toss garlic in and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Toss in tomato paste and cook for 30 seconds to 1 minute, stirring often.
- Add tomatoes and cooking wine. Season with salt and pepper. Cook for 3 minutes, until tomatoes are softened.
Mix everything together
- Add cooked pasta, butter, lemon zest, lemon juice, and half of the reserved pasta water.
- Cook for 2 to 3 minutes, until the pasta is coated in the sauce. Season with salt and pepper. Add more pasta water if the sauce appears too dry.
- Remove from heat, stir, serve, and enjoy!
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