Spooky Squid Ink Pasta with Shrimp and Scallops

Halloween is perfect time for squid ink pasta! Adults are joining in on the fun with themed parties and spooky culinary creations. While Halloween may not be as widespread in Italy as it is in North America, the holiday spirit is catching on. Italian shops are stocking up on eerie decorations, jack-o-lanterns, and even children’s costumes. Though Italian kids don’t go door-to-door for candy, many schools and communities now host Halloween parties for the little ones.

This Halloween, why not treat your taste buds to something extraordinary? Enter our Spooky Squid Ink Pasta with Shrimp and Scallops. The striking black pasta, courtesy of squid ink, isn’t just visually arresting – it brings a subtle briny flavor that perfectly complements seafood. We recommend using Rustichella D’Abruzzo brand for an authentic taste experience.

To create this Halloween masterpiece, we’ve sourced vibrant orange shrimp and scallops with their bright orange roe intact. The contrast of black pasta and orange seafood creates a stunning presentation that’s perfect for your Halloween dinner party.

When selecting seafood for pasta dishes, remember that bigger isn’t always better. Opt for medium, bite-sized shrimp, typically sold in the 21-25 count per pound range. In Italy, it’s common to leave the tails on, but feel free to remove them if you prefer. Always choose shrimp in the shell and ensure they smell fresh, with no sour or ‘fishy’ odors.

For scallops, fresh is best if you live near the coast and have a trustworthy seafood vendor. Otherwise, quick-frozen scallops are a great alternative. Thaw them overnight in the refrigerator for best results. Look for dry-packed or chemical-free scallops to avoid excess liquid during cooking. In Italy, scallops often come attached to half their shell with the roe intact – a rare find in the US, but worth seeking out for an authentic touch.

To highlight the striking black and orange color scheme, we’ve opted for a garlic white wine sauce instead of a red sauce. This light and simple sauce allows the fresh seafood flavors to shine through. The result? A Halloween dish that’s as delicious as it is visually stunning.

Spooky Squid Ink Pasta with Shrimp and Scallops

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1 pound medium shrimp, shells removed and deveined (tails optional)
• 12 medium scallops
• 3 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 3/4 cup dry white wine
• 1/3 cup ripe, chopped seeded tomato
• 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley leaves
• 1/4 cup juice from 1 to 2 lemons
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 1 pound squid ink pasta (see note)

Directions

1. Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. In a heavy skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat until it’s lightly smoking. Add the shrimp and sauté until they turn opaque, about 1 minute per side. Remove them to a plate. Reheat the oil and cook the scallops until they’re opaque and lightly browned, about 2 minutes per side. Transfer the scallops to the plate with the shrimp. Now, add garlic to the pan and cook, stirring frequently, until it turns golden (about 2 minutes). Sprinkle in the red pepper flakes, black pepper, and salt. Pour in the wine, add the chopped tomato and parsley, and cook over high heat until the liquid reduces by half (8 to 10 minutes). Squeeze in the lemon juice, add the butter, and return the seafood to the skillet, mixing everything together. Keep this warm while you prepare the pasta.
2. Cook the squid ink pasta in the pot of boiling salted water until it reaches al dente perfection. Drain the pasta thoroughly, then return it to the pot along with the seafood mixture. Toss everything together well, ensuring the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce and seafood. Serve immediately for the best flavor and presentation.

Notes

You can find squid ink pasta at Italian specialty stores or online. We highly recommend the squid ink pasta from Rustichella D’Abruzzo for an authentic taste experience.