Best Squid Ink Pasta Recipe at Home

Discover the ultimate recipe for squid ink pasta recipe that transforms a simple dinner into an extraordinary culinary experience. This exquisite black pasta not only looks stunning but also imparts a delicate flavor that will satisfy seafood lovers. Originating from coastal Mediterranean cuisine, this elegant dish may seem expensive, but you’ll find it incredibly affordable thanks to our step-by-step instructions.

What is Squid Ink Pasta Recipe ?

Pressed ink pasta combines classic Italian pasta-making traditions with a special ink cut from squares. This natural dye turns ordinary pasta an attractive deep black and has become increasingly popular in Upscale restaurants around the world. Don’t let its exotic appearance fool you; the bold ink adds a subtle sea salt flavor that enhances the dish rather than overpowering it. Prepared with fresh ingredients and advanced techniques, your homemade version will rival any restaurant’s offering.

Listen to the Step-by-Step Guide for Squid Ink Pasta Recipe :

Quick Squid Ink Pasta Recipe Overview :

Kitchen Tools for Squid Ink Pasta Recipe :

• Pasta machine (optional but helpful) or rolling pin
• Large pot for boiling pasta
• Wide sauté pan
• Sharp chef’s knife
• Cutting board
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Fine mesh strainer
• Kitchen tongs
• Wooden spoon
• Mixing bowls

Ingredients :

For the pasta (if making from scratch):

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 3 large eggs
• 2-3 tablespoons squid ink (available at specialty food stores or fishmongers)
• ½ teaspoon salt

For the seafood sauce:

• 1 pound mixed seafood (shrimp, calamari rings, mussels, or clams)
• 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 medium shallot, finely diced
• ½ cup dry white wine (such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc)
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
• Juice of half a lemon
• ¼ cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Directions

Squid Ink Pasta Recipe Preparation Steps :

Step 1: Prepare the Pasta Dough (or use store-bought)

1. On a clean work surface, create a mound with the flour and form a well in the center.
2. Crack the eggs into the well, add the squid ink and salt.
3. Using a fork, gradually incorporate the flour into the egg mixture, working from the inside out.
4. Once the dough becomes too thick to mix with a fork, use your hands to knead it for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
5. Wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap and let it rest at room temperature for 30 minutes.

Step 2: Roll and Cut the Pasta

1. Divide the rested dough into 4 equal portions.
2. Working with one portion at a time (keep others covered), flatten it slightly and run through the pasta machine at its widest setting.
3. Fold the dough in thirds, rotate 90 degrees, and pass through again. Repeat this process 3-4 times.
4. Gradually adjust the machine to thinner settings until you reach your desired thickness.
5. Cut the sheets into your preferred pasta shape (linguine or tagliatelle work well).
6. Dust with flour to prevent sticking and set aside on a floured surface or tray.

Step 3: Prepare the Seafood

1. Clean and devein shrimp if needed, leaving tails on for presentation if desired.
2. If using squid, ensure it’s cleaned and cut into rings.
3. Scrub mussels or clams thoroughly, discarding any that are already open or damaged.
4. Pat all seafood dry with paper towels.

Step 4: Create the Sauce

1. Heat olive oil in a large sauté pan over medium heat.
2. Add shallots and cook until translucent, about 2 minutes.
3. Add garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking for another minute until fragrant.
4. Pour in the white wine and allow it to simmer until reduced by half, about 3-4 minutes.
5. If using mussels or clams, add them first and cover for 2 minutes.
6. Add remaining seafood and cook until just done (about 3-4 minutes).
7. Remove from heat and stir in butter, lemon juice, and parsley.
8. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 5: Cook and Combine

1. Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil and add 1 tablespoon salt.
2. For fresh pasta, cook for only 2-3 minutes until al dente. For dried squid ink pasta, follow package instructions.
3. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining.
4. Transfer pasta directly to the sauce pan using tongs.
5. Gently toss everything together, adding small amounts of pasta water if needed to achieve desired consistency.
6. Allow the pasta to finish cooking in the sauce for about 1 minute.

Squid Ink Pasta Recipe Pro Tips :

• Wear disposable gloves when handling squid ink to avoid staining your hands.
• The pasta dough might seem sticky at first due to the ink, but resist adding too much extra flour.
• Fresh seafood makes all the difference in this dish – visit your local fishmonger on the day you plan to cook.
• The pasta water should taste properly salty – like seawater – to properly season your pasta.
• Don’t overcook your seafood, as it will continue to cook slightly when combined with the hot pasta.

Chef’s Notes

• If making homemade pasta seems daunting, quality dried squid ink pasta is readily available at specialty food stores and Italian markets.
• For a richer sauce, add a splash of heavy cream after the wine has reduced.
• The dramatic black color makes this dish perfect for entertaining guests – serve family-style in a large, shallow bowl for maximum impact.

Nutrition Facts :

Calories

Each serving provides approximately 520 calories, making it a satisfying main course without being overly heavy.

Carbohydrates

With 58g of carbohydrates per serving, this dish offers substantial energy, primarily from the pasta.

Protein

The 32g of protein per serving comes mainly from the seafood components, making this a well-balanced meal.

What to Serve With Squid Ink Pasta Recipe ?

• Simple arugula salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette
• Crusty artisan bread for soaking up the delicious sauce
• Grilled lemon halves for squeezing over individual servings
• Roasted cherry tomatoes for color contrast and complementary flavor
• A chilled glass of the same dry white wine used in cooking

What Not to Do When Making Squid Ink Pasta Recipe :

• Don’t overcook the pasta – fresh pasta cooks in a fraction of the time of dried pasta
• Avoid rinsing the pasta after cooking, as this removes starch needed to help the sauce adhere
• Don’t overcrowd the pan when cooking seafood – work in batches if necessary
• Resist the urge to add cheese – contrary to many pasta dishes, seafood pasta traditionally skips the cheese
• Don’t use an aluminum bowl when working with squid ink as it can cause a chemical reaction
• Avoid heating the sauce over high heat once the seafood is added to prevent toughening

Frequently Asked Questions :

What sauce goes well with squid ink pasta ?

Light, oily sauces complement Squad Ink Ink pasta perfectly, highlighting the delicate ocean flavors. White wine and garlic butter sauces work exceptionally well as a light tomato sauce with seafood. Creamy sauces also pair well, but it’s recommended to keep the delicate flavor of the ink light to avoid overpowering it.

What does squid ink do to pasta ?

The squeezed ink gives the pasta an attractive black color and a subtle, vibrant flavor that enhances its harmony with seafood. Beyond its beauty, the ink adds a touch of ugliness and complexity, a characteristic unlike ordinary pasta. The ink contains glutamate, which naturally enhances the enchanting properties of your dish.

What does squid ink taste good with ?

Squid Ink is great for all types of seafood, especially shellfish such as shrimp, scallops, and oysters. It also adds a distinctive flavor to Mediterranean flavors such as garlic, olive oil, fresh herbs, and citrus. The vivid quality of the ink complements these ingredients naturally and without interference.

What protein goes with squid ink pasta ?

Seafood proteins make the perfect combination with Squad Inc. pasta. Shellfish are traditional choices, such as shrimp, scallops, clams, and oysters. White fish, such as cod and sea bass, are also good choices. For unhealthy options, chicken can be a great choice when prepared with complementary flavors like lemon and herbs.

Is squid ink pasta healthier than regular pasta ?

Nutritionally, Squad Ink pasta is similar to regular pasta with a few added benefits. The amount of antioxidants, iron, and glutamic acid in the ink is revealed. While the calorie and carbohydrate content doesn’t differ significantly, these additional nutrients give Squad Ink pasta a slight nutritional advantage over regular pasta.

Is too much squid ink bad for you ?

Squid ink is completely safe for cooking. The amount used in pasta and cooking is small and poses no health risk to most people. However, people with seafood allergies are advised to exercise caution, as squid ink may cause allergic reactions in those who are potentially allergic to it.

Is squid ink pasta good with tomato sauce ?

While tomato sauce can be used with Squad Ink pasta, many cooks prefer a lighter sauce that doesn’t overpower the delicate flavor of the ink. When using tomato sauce, choose a light, fresh sauce rather than a rich, heavy one. A simple sauce made from fresh cherry tomatoes quickly cooked with garlic and olive oil makes an excellent combination.

Best Squid Ink Pasta Recipe at Home

Recipe by dinnersrecipes.comCourse: Main CourseCuisine: ItalianDifficulty: Intermediate

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

25

minutes

Cooking time

45

minutes

Calories

520

kcal

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• 3 large eggs

• 2-3 tablespoons squid ink

• ½ teaspoon salt

• 1 pound mixed seafood

• 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 medium shallot, finely diced

• ½ cup dry white wine 

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes

• Juice of half a lemon

• ¼ cup fresh parsley, finely chopped

• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Directions

• Prepare the Pasta Dough
• Roll and Cut the Pasta
• Prepare the Seafood
• Create the Sauce
• Cook and Combine

Recipe Video

Notes

• If making homemade pasta seems daunting, quality dried squid ink pasta is readily available at specialty food stores and Italian markets.
  For a richer sauce, add a splash of heavy cream after the wine has reduced.
  The dramatic black color makes this dish perfect for entertaining guests – serve family-style in a large, shallow bowl for maximum impact.