Squid ink pasta is amazingly flavorful and easy to make. This easy black spaghetti recipe comes together in 30 minutes with no hassle or stress. Perfect for busy weeknights!
Squid ink pasta is tossed with a flavorful cherry tomato sauce and served with pan-seared shrimp and creamy burrata cheese. I am sure it will become your new favourite pasta recipe!
Squid Ink Pasta
Have you ever tried squid ink pasta? This is my absolute favourite kind of pasta for seafood like shrimp, crab or salmon. It is visually impressive and unique. Don’t let the color turn you down! This pasta has a fantastic flavor and when served with the right sauce, it is incredible.
You can find it in big supermarkets, gourmet grocery stores or at amazon. The recipe is easy to make and this dramatic pasta dish will be on the table in 30 minutes. While the pasta is cooking, you cook shrimp and make the sauce. A simple yet very tasty pasta.
What does squid ink pasta taste like
Squid ink pasta has a slightly briny flavor and pleasant savory taste with the hint of sea which makes it the perfect kind of pasta for seafood. It goes so well with dishes like Shrimp scampi, Salmon Florentine, Tuscan Salmon or Shrimp cakes.
It is really fun to eat this pasta! Come on, how often do you eat black pasta? The recipe was inspired by my Black Spaghetti recipe with Shrimp which is also very delicious and easy to make.
Squid ink pasta ingredients
Let’s chat about the ingredients for this culinary adventure! To make this black squid ink pasta you will need:
- Squid ink pasta- You can buy it in Walmart, amazon or Italian specialty stores. If you can get pasta, use it. Fresh pasta always tastes better.
- Shrimp- Use shrimp or prawns. Jumbo and extra large are more juicy and fat. And, of course, if you can get wild-caught shrimp, use them. They are more flavorful and healthier.
- Unsalted Butter- Both butter and olive oil will work well.
- Garlic cloves- Feel free to increase the amount of garlic for a richer flavor.
- Cherry tomatoes- You don’t need to peel or cut them.
- Honey- If you don’t have it on hand, use brown sugar or white sugar.
- Lemon juice and zest- Feel free to adjust the amount of juice to your liking.
- Parsley- You can substitute it with fresh basil leaves.
- Black pepper and salt
- Red chili flakes-It is an optional ingredient. Alternatively you can use pepperoncino (Italian hot chili pepper).
How to make squid ink pasta
The best part about this pasta is that it will be ready in less than 30 minutes.
- Cook pasta. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions. Before you drain the pasta reserve 1 cup of pasta water for the sauce. You can also use chicken stock instead of pasta water. Drain and keep aside.
- Pan-fry shrimp. While pasta is cooking, pan sear the shrimp. Simply melt butter in a large skillet, add the shrimp and cook about 4 minutes (2 minutes per side). Transfer to plate or keep together with the cooked pasta.
- Make the sauce. In the same skillet prepare the sauce. Add the tomatoes, season with red chili flakes and salt. Cook until they begin to pop. Add the garlic and cook further for 50 seconds or until fragrant. Pour the pasta water into the skillet and stir in lemon juice, zest and honey. Cook until the sauce thickens slightly. Add the cooked pasta and shrimp and toss to coat evenly. Don’t forget to serve it with burrata cheese. It brings this pasta dish on the next level. Enjoy!
Squid ink pasta sauce
The pasta sauce for this unique pasta doesn’t need to be complicated or fussy. I have made this cherry tomato sauce so many times and it never disappoints. It works with regular pasta as well. I highly recommend to add it to your cooking repertoire.
However, if you don’t like tomato sauces, resort to my rich and creamy Alfredo sauce.
More pasta recipes
One pan shrimp scampi with orzo
Rasta pasta- a vibrant Caribbean pasta recipe
If you like this black spaghetti recipe be sure to leave a comment or give this recipe a rating!
Squid Ink Pasta
Ingredients
- Squid ink pasta-0.5 pound 250 g
- Shrimp peeled and deveined- 1 pound (500 g)
- Unsalted Butter- 3 tablespoons
- Garlic cloves minced-1 tablespoon
- Cherry tomatoes- 4 cups
- Honey-1 tablespoon
- Lemon juice and zest from one small lemon
- Red chili flakes-½ teaspoon optional
- Parsley finely chopped-2 tablespoons
- Black pepper and salt- to taste
For Serving:
- Fresh burrata cheese balls at room temperature-2
- Parmesan cheese shaved-as needed
Equipment
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the squid ink pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining. Drain and keep aside.
- In a large skillet melt butter over medium heat. Add the shrimp, season with salt and black pepper. Saute for 1-2 minutes on each side, then transfer to a plate.
- Put the tomatoes in the same skillet. Season with salt and red chili flakes. Cook until the tomatoes start to pop, about 3-4 minutes. Add the garlic and cook until fragrant, about 40-50 seconds.
- Reduce the heat to low, add ¼ cup of reserved pasta water, honey , lemon juice and zest. Season with salt and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes or until the sauce thicken slightly.
- Add the cooked pasta and shrimp. Mix well. If needed , add more pasta water to thin the sauce.
- Divide the pasta between the bowls and top with burrata and shaved parmesan cheese. Enjoy!
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