Black Pasta with Garlic Butter

Black pasta with garlic butter is a visually striking and elegantly simple dish that brings a touch of gourmet flair to your dinner table. Made with squid ink pasta, this recipe combines rich umami flavors with the comforting warmth of garlic-infused butter. Whether you’re looking to impress dinner guests or enjoy a luxurious weeknight meal, this dish delivers both flavor and sophistication.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This black pasta with garlic butter recipe is not only quick to prepare but also boasts a unique flavor profile that is both rich and delicate. The squid ink pasta adds a subtle brininess that pairs perfectly with the savory garlic butter sauce. It requires minimal ingredients, making it accessible, yet the result is something you’d expect from a fine-dining restaurant. This recipe is ideal for those who love seafood-inspired dishes but want something simple and fuss-free.

ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Black (squid ink) pasta

• Unsalted butter

• Garlic cloves, minced

• Olive oil

• Salt

• Freshly ground black pepper

• Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

• Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

• Lemon zest (optional, for brightness)

directions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the black pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve about ½ cup of pasta water before draining.

2. While the pasta is cooking, heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat.

3. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté until fragrant and lightly golden, about 1-2 minutes. Be careful not to burn the garlic.

4. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing it in the garlic butter sauce. Add a splash of reserved pasta water to help the sauce coat the pasta evenly.

5. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.

6. Remove from heat and garnish with chopped parsley, grated Parmesan cheese, and a sprinkle of lemon zest if desired.

7. Serve immediately.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 2 to 3 people and takes approximately 20 minutes from start to finish, including prep and cooking time.

Variations

• Seafood Addition: Add sautéed shrimp or scallops to make the dish more filling and enhance the oceanic flavor of the squid ink pasta.

• Spicy Twist: Incorporate red pepper flakes while sautéing the garlic for a hint of heat.

• Vegetarian Option: Omit the Parmesan or use a vegetarian hard cheese alternative.

• Lemon Butter Sauce: Add a few tablespoons of fresh lemon juice to the butter sauce for a citrusy balance.

• White Wine Enhancement: Deglaze the pan with a splash of white wine before adding the pasta for depth of flavor.

storage/reheating

Store any leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, add a splash of water or broth and warm gently in a skillet over low heat, stirring frequently. Avoid microwaving as it may cause the pasta to dry out or become rubbery.

FAQs

What is black pasta made of?

Black pasta, also known as squid ink pasta, is typically made from regular pasta dough infused with squid or cuttlefish ink, which gives it its distinctive dark color and subtle briny flavor.

Does black pasta taste different from regular pasta?

Yes, it has a mild seafood-like, umami flavor that sets it apart from plain pasta, though it’s still subtle enough to pair well with various sauces.

Can I use regular pasta instead?

Yes, but it will change the flavor profile. Regular pasta lacks the briny, umami notes of squid ink pasta, but the garlic butter sauce still works well with it.

Where can I find squid ink pasta?

Squid ink pasta is often available in specialty grocery stores, Italian markets, or online retailers.

Is black pasta suitable for vegetarians?

The pasta itself may not be vegetarian due to the squid ink. Always check the packaging, as some versions may use cuttlefish ink, which is not vegetarian.

Can I make black pasta at home?

Yes, you can make fresh black pasta by incorporating squid ink into your homemade pasta dough. However, it requires a pasta maker and some experience with pasta making.

What can I serve with black pasta?

A light salad or roasted vegetables pair nicely. A glass of dry white wine also complements the dish well.

Is this dish suitable for kids?

That depends on the child’s palate. The unique color and slight seafood taste may be unfamiliar, but the garlic butter can be appealing.

Can I freeze black pasta?

It is not recommended to freeze cooked black pasta, as it may lose its texture. However, uncooked squid ink pasta can be frozen if well wrapped.

What kind of butter should I use?

Use high-quality unsalted butter for the best flavor and to better control the saltiness of the dish.

Conclusion

Black pasta with garlic butter is a simple yet elegant recipe that brings a gourmet experience to your dining table. With its rich flavors and eye-catching appearance, it’s perfect for special occasions or when you want to elevate your weeknight dinner. Easy to make and endlessly customizable, this dish is sure to become a favorite for anyone who appreciates refined, seafood-inspired meals.