Description
Black Squid Ink Pasta with Garlic Shrimp & “Bloody” Tomato Drizzle is a dark, alluring dish that combines the deep flavors of squid ink pasta with the richness of garlic butter shrimp. It’s an elegant yet creepy creation that’s perfect for a Halloween-themed dinner. The squid ink gives the pasta a deep, black hue, while the addition of shrimp, garlic, and lemon makes it a savory, irresistible treat. The real fun begins when you add the “bloody” tomato drizzle, creating a visually stunning dish that’s sure to be a conversation starter at your Halloween gathering.
Ingredients
12 oz (340g) black squid ink pasta (spaghetti, linguine, or tagliatelle)
2 tbsp olive oil
3–4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
1 lb (450g) shrimp, peeled & deveined (or substitute scallops / calamari rings)
½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
½ cup dry white wine or broth
2 tbsp butter
Zest & juice of ½ lemon
Salt + pepper
Fresh parsley (optional, but spooky green works great!)
“Bloody” Drizzle (Optional but very Halloween)
1 cup marinara or crushed tomatoes
1 tsp balsamic vinegar or red wine
Pinch sugar or chili flakes
Optional Spooky Garnishes
Mozzarella balls + olive slices → fake eyeballs
Fake tentacles → stir in sautéed calamari
Black sesame seeds → “flea” effect
Dry ice for fog (if serving in cauldron-style bowl)
Instructions
Cook pasta
Boil salted water, cook squid ink pasta until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water.
Cook shrimp (or other seafood)
In a skillet, heat olive oil, sauté garlic & red pepper flakes 1 min.
Add shrimp, salt & pepper, cook until pink (about 2–3 min per side).
Deglaze with white wine, simmer 1–2 min.
Stir in butter + lemon zest + juice. Remove from heat.
Make “bloody drizzle” (optional)
Warm tomato sauce + vinegar until slightly thickened. Set aside.
Combine
Toss pasta in the shrimp pan, add a splash of pasta water if needed.
Serve
Twirl pasta onto plates, top with shrimp, drizzle tomato sauce like blood splatter.
Add spooky garnishes if desired (eyeballs, tentacles, etc.).
Notes
This striking black squid ink pasta is perfect for a spooky Halloween dinner! Top with seafood, garlic, or a sprinkle of parmesan for extra flavor. Serve with a side of “bloody” tomato sauce or a green pesto drizzle for a hauntingly delicious presentation! 🕸️🖤
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course, Pasta
- Method: Boiling, Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Keywords: spooky squid ink pasta, black pasta for Halloween, squid ink pasta recipe