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Black Pasta with Squid Ink

This striking dish features black pasta coated in a rich, umami-laden squid ink sauce. The process involves cooking the pasta to al dente, creating a fragrant garlic and chili oil base, and tossing everything together with fresh parsley and a splash of lemon or white wine for brightness. The final dish has a glossy, dark appearance with a tender yet slightly chewy texture that captures the essence of seaside dining.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Seafood
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

  • 400 g black pasta (squid ink pasta) preferably dried for best texture
  • 2 cloves garlic finely minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes adjust to taste
  • 1/4 cup white wine or lemon juice for brightness
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil extra virgin recommended
  • 1/4 cup chopped parsley fresh, added at the end
  • to taste sea salt for seasoning
  • 1 tsp squid ink use fresh or canned quality ink

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Wide pan or skillet
  • Ladle or small cup
  • Tongs or pasta fork

Method
 

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the black pasta and cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it reaches al dente and turns a deep, inky black.
  2. While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a wide skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and chili flakes, cooking until fragrant and slightly golden, about 30 seconds. The garlic should smell aromatic and the oil will shimmer.
  3. Pour in the white wine or a squeeze of lemon juice and let it simmer, reducing slightly and filling the kitchen with a bright, citrusy aroma.
  4. Drain the pasta, reserving about a cup of the starchy cooking water. This will help loosen the sauce if needed.
  5. Add the cooked pasta directly into the skillet with the garlic and chili oil. Stir to coat the noodles evenly with the fragrant oil.
  6. Stir in the squid ink, dispersing it gradually into the pasta, and add a splash of reserved pasta water if the sauce feels too thick or sticky. Mix thoroughly until the noodles are glossy and evenly coated with the inky black sauce.
  7. Cook everything together for another minute, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to cling beautifully to each strand of pasta.
  8. Remove from heat, then toss in chopped parsley and drizzle with a little more olive oil. Season with sea salt to taste, adjusting for flavor.
  9. Serve immediately on warm plates, showcasing the glossy, dark noodles topped with fresh parsley and a hint of olive oil. Enjoy the dramatic, seaside-inspired flavors!