Squid Ink Pasta with Seafood Mix

Squid Ink Pasta with Seafood Mix is a stunning and elegant dish known for its intense black color and rich, salty flavor. Made by adding squid or cuttlefish ink to the dough, this Pasta looks unique and provides a subtle taste of the sea, enhancing your meal to a gourmet level.

The seafood taste is subtle, so you can add seafood mix to accentuate the taste. You can add squid ink generously to get that calamari flavor if available.

If you want to try more pasta recipes, try my 15 Easy Pasta Recipe Collection, and I used my Homemade Chicken Seasoning in this recipe.

 

What is Squid Ink Pasta with Seafood Mix

Cooking squid-ink Pasta will be a unique experience in your household since you only use it occasionally. Cooking and trying this recipe at home will introduce a twist to our usual ingredients, and squid-ink Pasta can be a delightful addition. Let’s explore what makes this Pasta special and how you can enjoy it at home.

Squid ink pasta, or “pasta al nero di sepia,” originates from Italy, where seafood is a staple and black foods are revered for their luxurious appeal. The ink is harvested from squid or cuttlefish, giving the Pasta a deep, glossy black color. The ink imparts a delicate, salty flavor reminiscent of the sea but not overpowering, adding depth and complexity to your dish.

The Pasta is typically paired with seafood-based sauces, but it can shine with simple garlic, olive oil, and chili flakes, allowing the ink’s natural flavors to come through.

So why not give it a try? Dive into the deep, rich flavors of squid-ink pasta and enjoy a taste of the sea like never before!

How to Cook Squid Ink Pasta at Home

Cooking squid ink pasta is straightforward and pairs beautifully with various sauces. Here’s a simple recipe to get you started

What is Squid Ink Pasta with Seafood Mix Made of

• Squid ink spaghetti
• Seafood (such as shrimp, mussels, and calamari)
• Olive Oil
• Butter
• Garlic cloves, minced
• Chopped Red onion
• Cherry tomatoes, whole
• Red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
• Chicken Seasoning or Fish Seasoning
• Fresh parsley for garnish

How do you Make it

• Cook the Pasta: Put six cups of water in a large pot and add one teaspoon of salt and two tablespoons of oil. Let it boil, and then add the Pasta. Cook until al dente. You can also cook the Pasta in the Instant Pot, which I did with this Instant Pot Creamy Salmon Recipe.

• Cook the seafood mix: Melt the butter in a large frying pan and add the seafood mix. Let it saute for six minutes. Transfer to a plate, including the juices, and set it aside.

• Cook the sauce: Add olive oil to the same pan and cook the garlic, tomato, and onions. Saute until the whole cherry tomatoes are wilted; add the chicken seasoning.

• Combine with Pasta: Add the prepared Pasta and add the parsley. Add the leftover butter and let it melt.

• Season and Serve

Tips for Perfect Squid Ink Pasta

• Use Fresh Seafood: For the best flavor, opt for fresh seafood, as it perfectly complements the squid ink.
• Don’t Overcook: Cook the Pasta and the seafood sparingly. Al dente pasta and tender seafood will make the dish more enjoyable.
• Simple is Best: Keep the sauce simple to let the unique flavor of the squid ink pasta shine. Olive oil, garlic, and a bit of chili are often enough.

Frequently Asked Questions

Squid ink pasta is an intriguing and delicious dish with a unique taste and visual appeal. Here’s a closer look at what squid ink does to Pasta, what it tastes like, its health benefits, and its place in Italian cuisine.

How long do you cook the Seafood mix?

Please note that the store-bought seafood mix is pre-cooked, so it doesn’t take long to sauté them in the butter. Cook them for six minutes, the perfect time for the color change and for the butter to coat the seafood. The store-bought seafood mix is pre-cooked, so it doesn’t take long to saute’ them in the butter. Cook them for six minutes, just a perfect amount of time when the color changes and the butter coats the seafood.

What Does Squid Ink Do to Pasta?

• Color: Squid ink gives the Pasta a striking, jet-black color that sets it apart from any other pasta. This dramatic look makes it an eye-catching centerpiece for any meal.
• Flavor: Squid ink imparts a subtle briny and slightly salty taste that adds depth to the dish. It’s reminiscent of the sea but not overwhelmingly fishy, making it a great pairing with seafood sauces.

What Does Squid Ink Pasta Taste Like?

It has a sophisticated and balanced flavor profile, perfect for those who enjoy seafood or want something different. Squid ink pasta has a distinct yet mild flavor that is often described as:

• Briny and Salty: The ink provides a gentle brininess, similar to a light ocean breeze, enhancing the Pasta’s overall taste without overpowering it.
• Umami: Its umami-rich quality gives the Pasta a savory depth that complements seafood and simple sauces.
• Subtly Earthy: It also has subtle undertones, making it a versatile base for various flavors.

Do Italians Eat Squid Ink Pasta?

Yes, squid-ink Pasta is a popular dish in Italy, particularly in coastal regions and islands like Sicily and Venice. Known as “pasta al nero di sepia,” it’s a traditional delicacy often served with seafood. Italians appreciate its unique flavor, beautiful presentation, and connection to the sea, reflecting the country’s rich maritime heritage.
In Italian cuisine, squid ink pasta is typically served with garlic, olive oil, and fresh seafood like shrimp or clams, allowing the Pasta’s distinct flavors to shine.

How to Store

To store cooked squid ink pasta, follow the same process as storing regular Pasta:

• Let the cooked Pasta cool down and store it in the fridge for up to three days.
• If you want to freeze it, allow the Pasta to cool down, then freeze it in a sealed container. It will be suitable for up to three months.
• Let the Pasta cool down when reheating, then heat it in the microwave until warm.