Vietnam
Squid ink spaghetti is one of the most iconic yet misunderstood Italian pasta dishes. In this guide, you’ll learn how to prepare the best squid ink spaghetti recipe at home, step by step, with chef-level tips for perfect results every time.
1. What is squid ink spaghetti?
Squid ink spaghetti is a type of black spaghetti pasta made either with squid ink mixed directly into the dough or tossed with a squid ink–based sauce after cooking. This pasta is deeply rooted in coastal Italian cuisine, especially in regions where seafood plays a central role in daily cooking.
Unlike regular spaghetti, squid ink spaghetti recipe pasta stands out for its striking jet-black appearance. The ink adds subtle ocean notes and a natural salinity that pairs beautifully with seafood, olive oil, garlic, and white wine.
2. What is so special about squid ink pasta?
The allure of spaghetti and squid ink goes beyond its gothic aesthetics. Here is why this squid ink spaghetti pasta stands out:
- Umami Depth: The ink provides a natural saltiness and a rich umami profile that regular pasta lacks.
- Aromatic Profile: It carries a faint, pleasant “scent of the sea” without being overwhelmingly fishy.
- Texture: High-quality squid ink spaghetti recipe often has a slightly firmer, more velvety texture when cooked al dente.
- Visual Impact: It is arguably the most “Instagrammable” pasta dish, making it a favorite for fine-dining restaurants and special occasions.
3. Ingredients for the best squid ink spaghetti recipe
Below is a carefully selected ingredient list designed to create a well-balanced squid ink spaghetti recipe that highlights both flavor and texture.
| Category | Ingredients | Quantity (For 4 People) |
| Main Pasta | Black spaghetti pasta (Squid ink infused) | 400g |
| Seafood | Fresh shrimp, scallops, or calamari rings | 500g |
| Aromatics | Garlic (minced), Shallots (finely chopped) | 4 cloves / 1 small |
| Liquid Base | Dry white wine (Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc) | 120ml |
| Fat | Extra virgin olive oil, Unsalted butter | 3 tbsp / 1 tbsp |
| Seasoning | Red chili flakes, Sea salt, Black pepper | To taste |
| Freshness | Fresh parsley, Lemon juice/zest | 1 bunch / 1 lemon |
| Ink (Optional) | Extra squid ink (if you want a darker sauce) | 1 tsp |
This ingredient balance ensures the spaghetti with squid ink recipe remains elegant, not heavy.
See more: How to make squid pasta recipe like an Italian restaurant
4. How to make the best squid ink spaghetti recipe step by step
Follow this professional guide to master the squid ink pasta recipe at home.
4.1. Step 1: Prepare seafood and ingredients
Start by patting your seafood dry with paper towels. Moisture prevents proper searing, which is essential for flavor. Slice garlic thinly and set aside. Finely chop parsley and keep it fresh for the final garnish.
If using extra squid ink, dissolve it in a small bowl with warm pasta water to avoid clumps later.
4.2. Step 2: Cook squid ink spaghetti properly
Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Salt generously until it tastes like the sea. Cook the squid ink spaghetti recipe according to package instructions, usually 1 minute less than al dente.
Reserve one cup of pasta water before draining. This starchy liquid is key to building a silky sauce.
4.3. Step 3: Build a balanced squid ink sauce
Heat olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and cook gently until fragrant, never browned. Add chili flakes if using.
Deglaze the pan with white wine and let it reduce by half. Stir in dissolved squid ink, mixing slowly to form a glossy black sauce. Keep heat moderate to prevent bitterness. This step defines the depth of your squid ink pasta recipe.
4.4. Step 4: Toss spaghetti with seafood and sauce
Add seafood to the pan and cook briefly until just opaque. Overcooking will make it rubbery.
Transfer cooked spaghetti directly into the sauce. Add pasta water gradually while tossing to emulsify the sauce. The goal is a smooth coating, not a pool of liquid.
4.5. Step 5: Final seasoning and elegant plating
Season with sea salt and black pepper. Finish with fresh parsley and a drizzle of olive oil.
Serve immediately. For presentation, twirl pasta neatly in the center of a wide plate to showcase the rich black color of the black spaghetti pasta.
5. Video guide how to cook squid ink spaghetti at home
6. Squid ink pasta dishes and creative ideas
Once you master the base recipe, you can explore many squid ink pasta ideas.
6.1. Squid ink spaghetti with shrimp
A classic pairing. The sweetness of the shrimp balances the salty depth of the ink. Garnish with lemon zest to brighten the flavors.
6.2. Squid ink spaghetti recipe with scallops
For a more luxurious meal, pan-sear scallops separately until they have a golden crust, then place them atop the plated pasta. This adds a beautiful textural contrast.
6.3. Squid ink spaghetti with mixed seafood
Commonly known as Frutti di Mare, this version includes mussels, clams, and calamari. It turns the spaghetti and squid ink into a true Mediterranean feast.
6.4. Vegetarian squid Ink pasta option
While the pasta itself contains ink (an animal product), you can skip the seafood toppings. Instead, use roasted cherry tomatoes, artichokes, and sautéed mushrooms to provide a meaty texture and acidic balance.
7. Chef tips to elevate squid ink spaghetti like restaurant
To make squid ink spaghetti recipe look and taste like it came straight from an Italian restaurant, small technical details matter just as much as ingredients.
- Keep the ingredient list minimal so the squid ink flavor stays clean and refined. Too many additions can mask its natural umami.
- Always reserve pasta water and add it gradually. This helps emulsify the sauce and gives the spaghetti a silky, glossy finish.
- Control the heat carefully once squid ink is added. High heat can turn the sauce bitter and dull its deep black color.
- Finish with fresh herbs and olive oil, never cheese. Squid ink pasta shines best with light, seafood-friendly flavors.
- Plate with intention by twirling the pasta neatly in the center. This simple technique instantly creates a fine-dining look.
These chef-level touches transform a home-cooked dish into a restaurant-style squid ink spaghetti recipe experience.
8. What to serve with squid ink spaghetti?
To round out your dining experience, pair your squid ink pasta dishes with complementary sides.
8.1. Fresh italian salads
A simple Arugula salad with shaved Parmesan and a lemon vinaigrette cuts through the richness of the ink and olive oil.
8.2. Wine pairings for squid ink pasta
Choose crisp, high-acid white wines. A Vermentino, Assyrtiko, or a dry Rosé works beautifully to cleanse the palate between bites of the savory black spaghetti pasta.
8.3. Simple vegetable sides
Roasted asparagus or sautéed broccolini with garlic provides a crunch and earthy notes that complement the seafood.
8.4. Seafood side dishes
If you are hosting a multi-course dinner, start with a light Carpaccio or a plate of grilled octopus to set the maritime theme.
9. Long Phuong Porcelain – a trusted supplier of spaghetti plates for restaurants
Presentation is essential when serving visually striking dishes like squid ink spaghetti recipe pasta. Long Phuong Porcelain specializes in high-quality porcelain plates designed for pasta, seafood, and fine dining.
With clean lines, durable glaze, and customizable designs, Long Phuong porcelain helps restaurants and home chefs elevate every plate. A white or neutral porcelain surface enhances the dramatic contrast of black pasta, making your dish instantly more appealing.
10. FAQs
10.1. What is squid ink pasta good with?
It pairs best with seafood (shrimp, clams, scallops), garlic, olive oil, lemon, and white wine. Acidic components like tomatoes also balance the savory ink.
10.2. Is spaghetti with squid ink good?
Yes. It offers a balanced, savory flavor that is rich but not overwhelming.
10.3. How much squid ink to add to pasta?
About 1 teaspoon per serving is enough. Too much can cause bitterness.
10.4. Is squid ink pasta safe to eat?
Yes, it is completely safe and widely used in Italian cooking.
10.5. Does squid ink spaghetti recipe taste fishy?
No. The flavor is mild and savory, not strongly fishy.
10.6. Can I make squid ink pasta without seafood?
Yes, you can toss the pasta with garlic, olive oil, and herbs. However, the ink itself is an animal byproduct, so it is not vegan.
10.7. Why is my squid ink pasta bitter?
Overheating squid ink or using too much can create bitterness. Always cook gently.
Related articles
- How to make pasta carbonara recipe
- How to make chicken Alfredo pasta easily
- Best 5+ stylish pasta bowl set
- 30+ famous Italian cuisine dishes
- Easy broccoli pasta recipe for a quickly
Long Phuong Group Joint Stock Company
- Phone number: (+84) 989 595 866
- Email: export@longphuong.vn
- Factory: Hap Linh Industrial Cluster, Hap Linh, Bac Ninh, Vietnam
- Showroom Ha Noi: 59 Cua Bac, Ba Dinh Ward, Hanoi, Vietnam
- Showroom Ha Noi: 37 Cua Nam, Cua Nam Ward, Hanoi, Vietnam
- Showroom TP. Ho Chi Minh: 127 Le Thi Rieng, Ben Thanh Ward, Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam
CEO of Long Phuong Group Joint Stock Company, with more than 20 years of exploration and research to obtain the best formulas and professional experience, Long Phuong Porcelain has produced more than 400 designs of all kinds of household porcelain, Significant contributions to Vietnam's ceramic industry.
