If you have ever wanted to impress your friends or family with a pasta dish that is as visually striking as it is delicious, the Witches’ Hair Pasta (Squid Ink Pasta) Recipe is your perfect go-to. This enchanting black pasta, imbued with the rich briny flavors of squid ink, creates a dramatic plate that’s balanced by the sweetness of cherry tomatoes and the subtle heat from garlic and red pepper flakes. Whether you add succulent shrimp or calamari or keep it vegetarian, this recipe transforms a simple dinner into a magical affair. Trust me, once you try this, it will become a beloved favorite for any occasion when you want to stand out at the table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully simple yet essential, each playing a unique role in creating the perfect symphony of flavor and texture in the Witches’ Hair Pasta (Squid Ink Pasta) Recipe. From the squid ink pasta’s unique color and taste to the freshness and brightness that cherry tomatoes and lemon wedges bring, every component matters.
- 12 oz squid ink pasta (spaghetti or linguine): The star of the dish giving it that striking black color and unique oceanic flavor.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Adds richness and helps gently cook the garlic and tomatoes.
- 4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced: Provides a fragrant base with a bit of sharpness to balance the squid ink.
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): Brings a gentle heat to elevate the dish without overpowering the delicate flavors.
- 1/2 cup dry white wine: Adds acidity and depth, helping to create a silky sauce.
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved: Their natural sweetness contrasts beautifully with the pasta’s briny notes.
- 1/2 pound shrimp or calamari (optional): Adds protein and enhances the seafood theme of the dish.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning and balancing flavors.
- Chopped fresh parsley and grated Parmesan for garnish (optional): Adds freshness and a savory finish.
- Lemon wedges for serving: To add a zesty brightness that lifts the whole dish.
How to Make Witches’ Hair Pasta (Squid Ink Pasta) Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a lively boil and add your squid ink pasta. Cook it just until al dente following the package instructions—this ensures a perfect texture, giving a pleasant bite that holds up beautifully to the sauce.
Step 2: Prepare the Sauce Base
While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in the sliced garlic and red pepper flakes, then sauté them gently for one to two minutes until your kitchen is filled with that intoxicating garlic aroma. This step is crucial for layering flavor early on.
Step 3: Add Cherry Tomatoes and Wine
Next, add your halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet and cook them for about three to four minutes until they start to soften and release their juices. Pour in the dry white wine and let it simmer for another two to three minutes, allowing the alcohol to cook off and the flavors to meld.
Step 4: Incorporate Seafood (Optional)
If you’re including shrimp or calamari, add them now. Cook just until they turn opaque and tender, usually a couple of minutes, so they remain juicy and fresh without becoming rubbery—a perfect match for the rich pasta sauce.
Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Drain your pasta, keeping about half a cup of the salty cooking water. Toss the pasta into the skillet with your sauce, mixing everything together over gentle heat. Add reserved pasta water a little at a time to achieve a silky, luscious sauce that clings beautifully to each strand of pasta. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
How to Serve Witches’ Hair Pasta (Squid Ink Pasta) Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishing your Witches’ Hair Pasta elevates both flavor and presentation. Fresh chopped parsley adds a pop of green freshness, while a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese introduces a salty, nutty richness. Don’t forget to add a wedge of lemon on the side for that final bright zing that cuts through the dish’s richness.
Side Dishes
This pasta pairs gorgeously with a crisp green salad dressed simply in lemon and olive oil, or a crusty garlic bread to soak up any leftover sauce. Light sides keep the focus on the pasta’s bold flavors while rounding out the meal splendidly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dramatic Halloween or themed meal, top the pasta with edible glitter or scatter some sliced black olives for a spooky effect. Roasted purple cauliflower florets can add both visual interest and an extra dimension of flavor. Presentation is your playground with this dish, so have fun making it truly unforgettable.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Witches’ Hair Pasta can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Be sure to cool it down before sealing to maintain freshness.
Freezing
While freezing is possible, it’s not the best way to preserve the pasta’s texture and flavor. If you must freeze, place the cooled pasta with a bit of sauce in a freezer-safe container and consume within one month for best results.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or white wine to loosen the sauce and prevent the pasta from drying out. This helps recapture that freshly made silky texture.
FAQs
What does squid ink pasta taste like?
Squid ink pasta has a unique briny, slightly salty flavor reminiscent of the sea, with a subtle depth that is richer than regular pasta. It pairs wonderfully with seafood and bright, acidic ingredients.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Simply omit the shrimp or calamari and skip the Parmesan if you want a fully plant-based version. The cherry tomatoes, garlic, and olive oil provide plenty of flavor to keep it satisfying.
Where can I buy squid ink pasta?
Squid ink pasta is often available at specialty grocery stores, Italian markets, or online. If you can’t find the pasta itself, squid ink can sometimes be purchased separately to add to regular pasta dough at home.
Is it okay to omit the white wine?
If you prefer not to use alcohol, you can substitute with a splash of vegetable broth mixed with a little lemon juice for acidity. It won’t be quite the same but still delicious.
How spicy is this recipe?
The recipe includes just a pinch of red pepper flakes to offer a gentle warmth. If you love spicy food, feel free to increase the amount, but it’s perfect as is for most palates.
Final Thoughts
I cannot recommend the Witches’ Hair Pasta (Squid Ink Pasta) Recipe enough for anyone eager to impress with a dish that dazzles as much with flavor as it does with appearance. It’s easier to make than you might think, and the magical black noodles paired with fresh, bright ingredients make every bite an adventure. Go ahead and bring a little enchantment to your dinner table—you won’t regret it!
Print
Witches’ Hair Pasta (Squid Ink Pasta) Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
Witches’ Hair Pasta, also known as Squid Ink Pasta, is a striking and flavorful Italian dish featuring black squid ink pasta tossed in a garlicky, slightly spicy cherry tomato and white wine sauce. This visually captivating recipe is perfect for Halloween or any occasion where you want a dramatic yet delicious seafood pasta. Optional shrimp or calamari adds protein and enhances the briny depth of flavor, with fresh parsley, Parmesan, and lemon providing a bright finishing touch.
Ingredients
Pasta and Sauce
- 12 oz squid ink pasta (spaghetti or linguine)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 cup dry white wine
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
Seafood (Optional)
- 1/2 pound shrimp or calamari
Seasoning and Garnish
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
- Grated Parmesan for garnish (optional)
- Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the squid ink pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Drain, reserving about 1/2 cup of the pasta water for later use.
- Sauté Garlic and Red Pepper Flakes: While the pasta cooks, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced garlic and red pepper flakes, sautéing for 1–2 minutes until fragrant but not browned to avoid bitterness.
- Cook Cherry Tomatoes: Add the halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet and cook for 3–4 minutes until they soften and release their juices, forming the base of the sauce.
- Add White Wine and Simmer: Pour in 1/2 cup of dry white wine and allow it to simmer for 2–3 minutes, letting the alcohol evaporate and the flavors meld together.
- Cook Seafood (Optional): If using shrimp or calamari, add it to the skillet now and cook until just done—shrimp will turn pink and opaque, squid will become tender, about 3-4 minutes.
- Toss Pasta with Sauce: Add the drained pasta to the skillet, tossing to combine with the sauce. Use the reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce and achieve a silky consistency.
- Season and Garnish: Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley, grated Parmesan cheese, and a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness.
Notes
- For a more dramatic “witchy” presentation, top with edible glitter, sliced black olives, or roasted purple cauliflower.
- Squid ink pasta adds a briny depth, so adjust seasoning carefully to avoid overpowering the dish.
- Skip the seafood for a vegetarian version, keeping the rich flavors from the garlic, tomatoes, and wine.
- Use fresh parsley and lemon wedges to add freshness and balance to the rich sauce.
