Squid Ink Pasta Dramatic (Printable Version)

Black squid ink pasta in a luxurious cream sauce with garlic, white wine, and fresh garnishes. An elegant Italian main dish.

# Needed Ingredients:

→ Squid Ink 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 - 2/3 cup dry white wine
06 - 1 cup heavy cream
07 - 1 teaspoon lemon zest
08 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

→ Garnish

09 - 1/2 cup grated Parmigiano-Reggiano
10 - 1 tablespoon chives, finely chopped
11 - Lemon wedges (optional)

# Steps:

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 -
  • It looks impossibly fancy but takes only 35 minutes from start to serve.
  • The cream mellows the squid ink into something subtle and rich, not intimidating or fishy.
  • One pan, minimal cleanup, and everyone remembers what you cooked.
02 -
  • Reserve that pasta water before draining—it's starchy and creates the silky texture that transforms a good sauce into an unforgettable one.
  • Low heat after the cream goes in is non-negotiable; high heat will break the sauce and leave you with separated, grainy results.
03 -
  • Don't walk away from the pasta water—keeping it nearby means you can adjust sauce consistency on the fly instead of panicking mid-plate.
  • If you find yourself with leftover pasta and sauce, resist reheating; this is best served the moment it comes together, fresh and warm.
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