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    Home » Recipes » Pasta with meat or seafood

    Pasta With Squid Ink Cuttlefish

    Published: Feb 17, 2022 · Modified: May 1, 2025. This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy.

    Recipe Jump to Video
    Though spooky it may look, you will love this pasta with black ink cuttlefish recipe. You can really taste the sea, no comparison to the commercial black pasta. And it is not difficult to make.
    Though spooky it may look, you will love this pasta with black ink cuttlefish recipe. You can really taste the sea, no comparison to the commercial black pasta. And it is not difficult to make.
    Though spooky it may look, you will love this pasta with black ink cuttlefish recipe. You can really taste the sea, no comparison to the commercial black pasta. And it is not difficult to make. #yourguardianchef #italianfood #italianrecipe #pasta #seafood

    This squid ink pasta sauce, spaghetti al nero di seppia, may look spooky but it is delicious. It is made with regular pasta served with a black ink sauce. You can taste the sea, no comparison to the commercial black pasta, and it is not difficult to make. It is usually called squid ink pasta, but in reality, it is made with cuttlefish ink.

    pasta with black ink squid
    Jump to:
    • Squid vs cuttlefish ink
    • Ingredients
    • Step by step instructions with images
    • Top tips
    • Where you buy the squid ink
    • FAQ
    • Recipes you might also like
    • 📋 Pasta With Squid Ink Cuttlefish

    Squid vs cuttlefish ink

    The black ink is the substance the cephalopods (squid, calamari cuttlefish, octopus) fire when in danger.

    Black pasta is often called squid ink pasta. However, this name is not correct. The ink used for the pasta is found in cuttlefish, not in squid.

    I have never seen a squid ink sac inside a squid, so I am not sure why it is called squid ink.

    For more Fake Italian Recipes on the web check out my Web Story: This Is Why You Should NEVER trust Italian recipes online

    The cuttlefish ink taste is very similar to the clam's, vongole's, a sweet sea flavor.

    To learn more about the difference between squid and cuttlefish, you can read the article: What Are Calamari Squid Cuttlefish and Octopus.

    For seafood ideas for the Feast of Seven Fishes, check out this Web Story.

    Squid Ink

    Ingredients

    Besides the cuttlefish ink, the other ingredients you need are:

    • Fresh cuttlefish: fresh or frozen squids are also okay if you cannot find fresh cuttlefish. Better if they are already cleaned. Ask your fishmonger to clean them for you. Even if they are cleaned, ensure all the cartilage is removed from inside the tube. Use also the legs but remove the beak in the center.
    • Extra virgin olive oil: make sure you use a good quality olive oil with a low level of acidity
    • Onion: a medium size onion to add flavor
    • Tomato paste: the tomato paste gives the black ink a deeper color and flavor, so do not skip this ingredient. Tomato sauce is not the same, as you need a concentrated paste.
    • Dry white wine: it is optional but highly recommended
    • Salt and pepper: to add to the sauce
    • Linguini or Spaghetti: they are the best type of pasta to use for an ink sauce. They will absorb the black color of the ink, and they can be rolled around the cuttlefish, creating the perfect bite
    • Coarse salt to boil the pasta

    See recipe card for quantities.

    Step by step instructions with images

    1. Dice the onion and stir-fry it in an olive oil-coated pan.
    2. In the meantime start boiling the water for the pasta, adding 1 tablespoon of coarse salt.
    3. Once the onions become translucent, add the cuttlefish.
    4. As soon as they start to turn opaque white, add a few tablespoons of tomato sauce or tomato extract to give some colour.
    5. You can also add ½ cup of white wine
    6. Pierce the ink bag with a pin, making sure the ink does not squirt out of the pan.
    7. Stir for a few seconds,
    8. Remove the pan from the heat to make sure the squid doesn’t overcook.
    Making the black ink sauce
    1. Once the linguini has finished boiling (which should be about now, and always 1 minute less than what is recommended on the box), drain them and toss them into the pan containing the squid ink sauce.
    2. Stir well, and they are ready to be served.
    pasta with black ink

    Top tips

    • If you are using frozen squids, they should have been defrosted in the fridge overnight.
    • Squid and cuttlefish do not need to cook for very long.
    • Before adding the ink, it is best to wear some plastic gloves.
    linguini with black ink on a fork

    Where you buy the squid ink

    You can buy the Black Ink or Nero di Seppia on Amazon or at your fishmonger.

    It comes sealed in little bags, and you only need one bag for 1 lb -500 gr of pasta.

    Be careful when you open the bag, though, as the ink stains are difficult to remove from clothes…and hands.

    Pasta with black ink squid 3_3_1

    FAQ

    Why it is called Squid Ink Pasta?

    Black pasta is often called squid ink pasta. However, this name is not correct. The ink used for the pasta is found in cuttlefish, not in squid. I have never seen a sizable squid ink sac inside a squid, so I am not sure why it is called squid ink

    What is the flavor of squid ink pasta?

    The ink taste is similar to the clam's, vongole's, and a sweet sea flavor.

    What is squid ink pasta made of?

    It is made with regular pasta dough mixed with cuttlefish ink. Its black color makes it unique. Although, if it is not a brand I know and trust rather create the same black effect by mixing regular pasta with homemade black ink sauce. I will rather be sure there are only natural ingredients.

    What does the ink sac look like?

    This is what the ink sacs look like, and if you are using fresh ink from a Cuttlefish, you need to be very careful of the risk of stains. Always wear gloves!

    squid-ink-pasta-5_4_1

    Recipes you might also like

    If you are looking for more Italian Seafood recipes, you can check the category:
    Seafood

    Also check the recipes below:

    • Shrimp tomato pasta
    • Linguine With Clams
    • Shrimp Zucchini Pasta
    • Fish Pie with a Mediterranean Twist
    • Healthy Cod Recipe
    • Homemade Paella Seafood And Sausage
    • Swordfish Wheel
    • Baked Swordfish and Braciolette
    • Whole Sea Bream Recipe Cooked in Salt
    • Stuffed Calamari Recipe
    • Fried calamari

    If you are making this Pasta with Black Ink, leave your comment below I would like to hear from you. You can find more delicious ideas if you FOLLOW ME on Facebook, YouTube, Pinterest and Instagram or sign up to my newsletter.

    Pasta with black ink

    📋 Pasta With Squid Ink Cuttlefish

    5 from 7 votes
    Laura Tobin
    Servings 6 people
    Prep Time 5 minutes mins
    Cook Time 10 minutes mins
    Total Time 15 minutes mins
    Print Recipe Save Saved! Pin Recipe
    Though spooky it may look, you will love this pasta with black ink cuttlefish recipe. You can really taste the sea, no comparison to the commercial black pasta. And it is not difficult to make.
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Equipment

    • All-Clad Fry Pan
    • Cutting board set
    • Plastic Gloves
    • Wooden Turner Set

    Ingredients
     

    • 1 lb linguine pasta or spaghetti
    • 3 tablespoon olive oil
    • 1 onion onion
    • 3 fresh cuttlefish alternatively frozen squids 500 gr
    • 1 tablespoon concentrated tomato paste
    • 1 tablespoon sea coarser salt to boil the pasta
    • salt & pepper
    • 3 sacs cuttlefish ink
    • ½ cup dry white wine optional

    Instructions
     

    • Dice the onion and stir-fry it in an olive oil-coated pan.
      3 tablespoon olive oil, 1 onion onion
    • In the meantime start boiling the water for the pasta, adding 1 tablespoon of coarse salt.
      1 tablespoon sea coarser salt
    • Pour the linguini when the water starts to boil
      1 lb linguine pasta
    • Wear some disposable plastic gloves
    • Once the onions become translucent, add the chopped cuttlefish
      3 fresh cuttlefish
    • As soon as they start to turn opaque white, add 1 tablespoon of tomato paste
      1 tablespoon concentrated tomato paste
    • add one whole bag of squid ink and stir
      3 sacs cuttlefish ink
    • Add ½ cup of white wine (optional) and season with salt and pepper. Let the wine evaporate for few seconds
      ½ cup dry white wine, salt & pepper
    • Stir for a few seconds. If the linguini are still not cooked, remove the pan from the heat to make sure the squid doesn’t overcook.
    • Once the linguini has finished boiling (always 1 minute less than what is recommended on the box), drain them
    • Toss them into the pan containing the squid mixture.
    • Stir well, and they are ready to be served immediately

    Video

    Notes

    • If you are using frozen squids, they should have been defrosted in the fridge overnight.
    • Squid and cuttlefish do not need to cook for very long.
    • Before adding the ink, it is best to wear some plastic gloves.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 344kcalCarbohydrates: 56gProtein: 10gFat: 8gSaturated Fat: 1gSodium: 1190mgPotassium: 195mgFiber: 2gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 40IUVitamin C: 0.6mgCalcium: 16mgIron: 1.1mg
    Tried this recipe?Please consider Leaving a Review!
    important notes on ingredients

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Sarah

      October 30, 2017 at 4:28 pm

      5 stars
      What a completely intriguing recipe! I've never had cuttlefish before but would definitely try this!! Love it!

      Reply
      • Laura

        October 30, 2017 at 4:58 pm

        If you like seafood, you will love it

        Reply
    2. Jacque

      October 30, 2017 at 3:48 pm

      5 stars
      This looks awesome! Perfect dinner for Halloween 🙂

      Reply
      • Laura

        October 30, 2017 at 4:54 pm

        Isn't it?

        Reply
    3. Suzy

      October 30, 2017 at 4:03 pm

      5 stars
      What a fun idea!

      Reply
      • Laura

        October 30, 2017 at 4:54 pm

        Fun and deliciouse

        Reply
    4. Traci

      October 30, 2017 at 4:23 pm

      5 stars
      Whoah, this really is spooky...nice job! I've played with squid ink back in culinary school. Using it to dye the noodles for Halloween?...brilliant!

      Reply
      • Laura

        October 30, 2017 at 4:55 pm

        I love the flavour too

        Reply
    5. Ginny

      October 30, 2017 at 4:37 pm

      5 stars
      I'm scared! Seriously this is so unique!

      Reply
      • Laura

        October 30, 2017 at 4:59 pm

        Thanks. Definitely not the usual Halloween cookie

        Reply
    6. Solmaz

      November 15, 2018 at 7:45 pm

      5 stars
      I made it and it was great.

      Reply
      • Laura

        November 16, 2018 at 5:23 am

        Thank you, I am delighted to hear it

        Reply
    7. Joanne Kee

      May 02, 2022 at 6:02 am

      Hi, How much is 3 sacs of squid ink? I've a bottle so I need to scoop it so I would like to know at least how many tablespoon?thanks!

      Reply
      • Laura

        May 02, 2022 at 3:22 pm

        Hello Joanne, a sac of ink is very little. About 1 tea spoon. I never bought ink in a bottle and I wonder if it is diluted. Check the label and add only few tea spoons. If the color of the sauce is not black enough, add some more. Hope that helps. Let me know

        Reply
    5 from 7 votes (1 rating without comment)

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    Laura Giunta Tobin

    Hi, I’m Laura. Welcome to my blog! While many talk about Italian food, I’ve lived it firsthand. Here, I share real Italian home cooking, just as it’s made in Italy. Won’t you join me?

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