What does squid ink do to pasta?

Squid ink turns the pasta a rich black color and infuses it with a briny, ocean-like flavor . It adds depth and umami, making the dish feel more savory and sophisticated—perfect for seafood pairings.

Is squid ink pasta unhealthy?

No, squid ink pasta is generally considered healthy when enjoyed in moderation. It contains antioxidants and nutrients from both the ink and the seafood. Paired with olive oil and fresh ingredients, it’s a nutritious, well-balanced dish.

What does squid ink taste like?

Squid ink offers a mild, salty, and slightly earthy flavor , often compared to the taste of the sea. It’s not overpowering, and when paired with garlic, white wine, and seafood, it creates a well-rounded, savory profile.

What sauce is best with squid ink pasta?

A white wine and garlic sauce is ideal—it enhances the seafood without masking the squid ink’s subtle taste. Light olive oil, butter, lemon juice, and fresh herbs complete the sauce, creating a clean, vibrant finish.

Squid Ink Pasta: The Best Halloween Dinner Recipe of 2025

Name: Squid Ink Pasta: The Best Halloween-Inspired Italian Seafood Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1/4 cup olive oil; 1 lb medium shrimp, peeled (tails optional); 12 medium scallops; 3 garlic cloves, thinly sliced; 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes; Salt and black pepper to taste; 3/4 cup dry white wine; 1/3 cup chopped tomato; 1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped; 1/4 cup lemon juice (from 1–2 lemons); 1 tbsp unsalted butter; 1 lb squid ink pasta

Squid Ink Pasta: The Best Halloween-Inspired Italian Seafood Recipe

Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

This squid ink pasta with shrimp and scallops is a bold and briny Italian seafood dish—perfect for Halloween or elegant dinners.

Author: Emily Parker
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
Category: Dinner
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

Scale

1/4 cup olive oil

1 lb medium shrimp, peeled (tails optional)

12 medium scallops

3 garlic cloves, thinly sliced

1/2 tsp red pepper flakes

Salt and black pepper to taste

3/4 cup dry white wine

1/3 cup chopped tomato

1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped

1/4 cup lemon juice (from 1–2 lemons)

1 tbsp unsalted butter

1 lb squid ink pasta

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook squid ink pasta until al dente.

2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high. Sear shrimp 1 minute per side, remove.

3. Sear scallops 2 minutes per side, remove.

4. Add garlic to skillet and sauté until golden.

5. Stir in red pepper flakes, salt, black pepper, white wine, chopped tomato, and parsley.

6. Simmer until reduced by half (about 8–10 minutes).

7. Add lemon juice and butter. Return shrimp and scallops to the pan.

8. Drain pasta, toss it in the skillet with the seafood and sauce.

9. Serve hot with lemon zest or fresh herbs.

Notes

Use Rustichella D’Abruzzo brand pasta for best results.

Dry-packed scallops are preferred for proper searing.

This dish is ideal for Halloween due to its black and orange colors.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bowl
Calories: 366
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 500mg
Fat: 13g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Unsaturated Fat: 7g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 22g
Cholesterol: 120mg

Find it online: https://www.flavourrecipe.com/squid-ink-pasta/