Go Back
Squid Ink Pasta with Shrimp

Squid Ink Pasta with Shrimp

Craving something unique? Dive into the rich flavors of Squid Ink Pasta with Shrimp. This easy weeknight dinner features creamy, flavorful sauce and succulent shrimp, making it a delightful choice for any occasion. Serve it up tonight for a dish that impresses!
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Pasta
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 550

Ingredients
  

  • 12 oz squid ink pasta
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 5 medium garlic cloves
  • 2 large roasted peppers
  • 12 oz shrimp
  • ½ tsp sea salt
  • ½ tsp paprika
  • ¼ tsp red pepper flakes
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan
  • 1 tbsp chopped parsley

Equipment

  • Saucepan
  • Skillet
  • Large Pot
  • Grater
  • Baking Sheet
  • Chef's Knife
  • Peeler
  • Wooden Spoon

Method
 

  1. Remove the roasted peppers from the jar and discard the liquid. Place them on the cutting board and chop them very finely, almost into a puree. Transfer them into a small bowl and set aside.
  2. Start heating up the water for the pasta in a large pot over medium-high heat. You want enough water to allow the pasta to move freely while cooking.
  3. In a large skillet, add the olive oil and minced garlic. Cook for about one minute over medium heat until the garlic is fragrant but not browned.
  4. Add the finely chopped roasted peppers to the skillet and sauté for around 3 to 4 minutes, allowing them to meld with the garlic.
  5. Now it's time to add the shrimp, sea salt, paprika, and red pepper flakes. Cook for another 3 to 4 minutes, stirring gently until the shrimp turns opaque and pink throughout.
  6. While the shrimp is cooking, add the squid ink pasta to the boiling water along with a generous pinch of salt. Cook according to the package instructions until al dente.
  7. Once the shrimp is cooked, add the heavy cream and grated Parmesan to the skillet. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer gently while stirring often to combine. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
  8. When the pasta is ready, drain it and add it directly to the shrimp sauce. Stir well, incorporating the pasta into the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a little reserved pasta water to achieve your desired consistency.
  9. Serve immediately, garnishing with extra Parmesan and a sprinkle of chopped parsley. Enjoy the dish while it's hot for the best flavor!

Notes

  • Salt your pasta water: Salting the water before cooking the pasta infuses it with flavor, enhancing the overall dish.
  • Don’t overcook the shrimp: Keep an eye on your shrimp as they can easily overcook, turning rubbery. Cook them just until they are opaque and pink.
  • Avoid rinsing the pasta: Rinsing removes the starch that helps the sauce cling to the noodles, so skip this step.
  • Use pasta water for thinning: If your sauce feels too thick, a splash of reserved pasta water can help loosen it while adding flavor.