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Black Pasta with Squid Ink

Black pasta with squid ink is a striking dish where al dente pasta is tossed in a velvety, smoky ink sauce infused with garlic, white wine, and olive oil. The intense black color and briny flavor create a dramatic visual and oceanic taste experience, finished with a glossy, tender texture that feels both luxurious and comforting.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Seafood
Calories: 420
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 400 grams black pasta or regular pasta with squid ink preferably fresh or high-quality dried
  • 2 cloves garlic finely chopped
  • 60 ml white wine preferably dry
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil extra virgin recommended
  • 1 cup pasta water reserved from cooking pasta

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Wide skillet or frying pan
  • Ladle or small cup
  • Wooden spoon or spatula

Method
 

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil and add the black pasta. Cook until just al dente, about 9-11 minutes, until it has a slight bite and a deep, glossy black color.
  2. While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a wide skillet over medium heat. Add finely chopped garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, until fragrant and slightly golden, filling the kitchen with a warm aroma.
  3. Add squid ink and a splash of white wine to the skillet. Stir gently to combine, then let it simmer for about 2 minutes, watching the sauce turn velvety with an intense smoky, briny aroma filling the air.
  4. Drain the pasta, reserving about a cup of the starchy cooking water. Add the drained pasta directly into the ink sauce in the skillet and toss gently to coat, allowing the color to deepen and flavors to meld, about 1 minute.
  5. If the sauce feels too thick or gloopy, add a little of the reserved pasta water, one tablespoon at a time, stirring constantly until it becomes silky and coats the pasta evenly.
  6. Once coated and heated through, taste the pasta and adjust seasoning if needed. The sauce should be velvety, with a smoky oceanic flavor and glossy appearance, ready to serve immediately.

Notes

Ensure not to overcook the pasta to maintain a tender yet firm bite. Stir the sauce gently to prevent clumping and to keep the color deep and uniform. Use good quality squid ink for the best flavor and color intensity.