Squid Ink Pasta with Garlic Shrimp and White Wine
Dramatic black squid ink pasta tossed with succulent shrimp sautéed in garlic, white wine, and lemon. A striking, restaurant-quality dish with briny sweetness balanced by bright acidity and a hint of heat from red pepper flakes. Ready in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
- 12 oz squid ink pasta, driedregular pasta1:1pasta
removes briny flavor and visual drama
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveinedsea scallops1:1proteinshellfish-free
similar cooking time and sweetness
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes(optional)
- ½ cup dry white wine
- ¼ cup lemon juice, fresh
- salt, to taste
- black pepper, to taste
- fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
- Parmesan cheese, grated(optional)
Instructions
- 1
Cook squid ink pasta in salted boiling water according to package instructions. Drain and reserve about 1/2 cup pasta water.
- 2
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes.
- 3
Add shrimp and red pepper flakes if using. Cook 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque.
- 4
Pour in white wine and lemon juice, stirring to deglaze the pan and incorporate browned bits. Simmer 3-4 minutes until slightly reduced.
- 5
Add cooked pasta to the skillet with shrimp and sauce. Toss to coat evenly, adding reserved pasta water as needed.
- 6
Season with salt and pepper. Garnish with fresh parsley and Parmesan cheese if desired.
Tips
Reserve pasta water before draining—the starch helps the sauce coat the noodles.
Do not overcook shrimp to avoid rubbery texture; cook just until opaque.
Use fresh shrimp for best flavor and texture.
Squid ink pasta pairs best with lighter sauces that highlight its briny flavor.
Good to Know
Refrigerate leftovers in airtight container up to 2 days. Reheat gently with splash of pasta water over medium-low heat.
Peel and devein shrimp up to 8 hours ahead. Mince garlic up to 4 hours ahead. Do not cook pasta or shrimp in advance.
Plate immediately while hot. Pair with crisp white wine such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc.
Common Mistakes
Do not skip reserving pasta water to avoid a dry dish that won't coat properly.
Do not use jarred minced garlic to avoid muted flavor and changed texture.
Do not overcrowd the skillet when cooking shrimp to avoid steaming instead of searing.
Substitutions
Dairy-Free Swaps
General Alternatives
similar cooking time and sweetness
removes briny flavor and visual drama