Squid Ink Pasta Dramatic (Printable version)

Striking black pasta in a velvety cream sauce with white wine and citrus, finished with Parmesan and fresh herbs.

# What you need:

→ 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 - 1.75 oz grated Parmigiano-Reggiano
10 - 1 tablespoon chives, finely chopped
11 - Lemon wedges (optional)

# How to Make It:

01 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil.
02 - Cook the squid ink pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta cooking water, then drain.
03 - 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.
04 - Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
05 - Pour in the white wine and simmer for 2–3 minutes, allowing the alcohol to evaporate and the mixture to reduce slightly.
06 - 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.
07 - 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.
08 - Remove from heat. Serve immediately, topped with grated Parmigiano-Reggiano, chopped chives, and a squeeze of lemon if desired.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The dramatic presentation makes ordinary weeknight dinners feel like you are dining at a seaside restaurant in Venice
  • The sauce comes together in minutes but tastes like it simmered for hours
02 -
  • Squid ink pasta stains everything it touches so wear an apron you actually care about
  • The sauce will continue thickening off the heat so pull it a tiny bit earlier than you think is necessary
03 -
  • Add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the shallot if you want subtle warmth that plays off the cream
  • A splash of the pasta cooking water is almost always necessary to achieve that restaurant quality glossy finish
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