Description
This striking squid ink pasta recipe combines black pasta strands with vibrant cherry tomatoes and fresh basil for a visually appealing and delicious meal. It’s an easy, gourmet-feeling dish perfect for busy weeknights and family-friendly dining.
Ingredients
- 12 oz (340 g) squid ink pasta
- 2 cups (300 g) cherry tomatoes, halved
- 0.5 cup fresh basil, packed, roughly chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons (45 ml) good quality olive oil (or avocado oil)
- 0.25 cup (25 g) Parmesan cheese, grated (optional) (or nutritional yeast for dairy-free)
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil, add pasta, and cook according to package directions until al dente (meaning tender but with a slight bite), about 8-10 minutes. Reserve about 1 cup (240 ml) of pasta water before draining the pasta.
- Saute Aromatics and Tomatoes: While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant (about 1 minute), taking care not to burn it. Add the halved cherry tomatoes and cook, stirring occasionally, until they begin to burst and soften (about 5-7 minutes), gently pressing some with the back of a spoon to release juices.
- Combine and Finish: Add the drained squid ink pasta to the skillet with the tomatoes. Toss well to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce. If the sauce seems too dry or clings too tightly, add a splash of reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency. If the sauce looks too thin, let it simmer for another minute to reduce slightly. Stir in most of the fresh basil just before serving.
Notes
For best texture and flavor, seek out artisanal squid ink pasta, organic cherry tomatoes, and fresh, local basil. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick, or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice at the end to enhance flavors. Use pre-minced garlic or a garlic press to save prep time, and cook the pasta and sauce simultaneously for faster meal preparation. For a protein boost, stir in cooked shrimp, grilled chicken, or cannellini beans; for more vegetables, add sauteed spinach or mushrooms at the final step.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approximately 240 g)
- Calories: 480 calories
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 500 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 68 g
- Fiber: 6 g
- Protein: 16 g
- Cholesterol: 10 mg