Squid Ink Pasta Dramatic (Printable)

Elegant black squid ink pasta in rich cream sauce with garlic, white wine, and Parmigiano-Reggiano. Serves 4 in 35 minutes.

# What You'll Need:

→ Pasta

01 - 14 oz squid ink pasta (dried or fresh)

→ Cream Sauce

02 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
03 - 1 small shallot, finely chopped
04 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
05 - 5 fl oz dry white wine
06 - 1 cup heavy cream
07 - 1 teaspoon lemon zest
08 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

→ Garnish

09 - 1.75 oz grated Parmigiano-Reggiano
10 - 1 tablespoon chives, finely chopped
11 - Lemon wedges (optional)

# How To Make It:

01 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the squid ink pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta cooking water, then drain.
02 - While the pasta cooks, melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the shallot and sauté for 2–3 minutes until translucent.
03 - Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
04 - Pour in the white wine and simmer for 2–3 minutes, allowing the alcohol to evaporate and the mixture to reduce slightly.
05 - Reduce heat to low. Stir in the heavy cream and lemon zest. Simmer gently for 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. Season with salt and pepper.
06 - Add the drained pasta to the sauce, tossing to coat. If the sauce is too thick, add a bit of reserved pasta water, a tablespoon at a time, until silky and glossy.
07 - Remove from heat. Serve immediately, topped with grated Parmigiano-Reggiano, chopped chives, and a squeeze of lemon if desired.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The velvety sauce clings to each black strand creating a perfect balance that makes guests think youve been hiding culinary school credentials.
  • It comes together in just 35 minutes but looks like something that would take hours at a high-end restaurant.
02 -
  • Reserve more pasta water than you think youll need, as the starchy liquid is your secret weapon for rescuing a sauce thats too thick or broken.
  • The sauce will continue to thicken after removing from heat, so err on the side of slightly too thin rather than too thick.
03 -
  • If you cant find squid ink pasta locally, order it online or make your own by adding 4 teaspoons of squid ink to regular pasta dough for an even more intense flavor.
  • Finish with a few drops of high-quality olive oil just before serving to add a beautiful sheen and an extra layer of richness that elevates the entire dish.
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