Jump to Recipe Print RecipeA tantalizing aroma wafted through my kitchen when I first decided to create this dish. The combination of luscious shrimp and perfectly seared scallops nestled atop squid ink pasta felt like the perfect homage to Italian culinary artistry. This Shrimp & Scallop Squid Ink Pasta comes together in just under 30 minutes, making it not only a visually stunning centerpiece but also an effortless option for a weeknight dinner or special occasion. The rich and creamy white wine sauce elevates the dish, hugging each strand of pasta in a divine embrace. Plus, the unique color of the squid ink adds an unexpected twist that delights both the eyes and the palate. Who wouldn’t want to serve a dish that’s as fun to eat as it is to make? Let’s dive into this incredible recipe and explore how you can impress your loved ones with a dish that’s sure to become a favorite! Why is This Dish a Showstopper? Visual Appeal: The striking black hue of squid ink pasta creates an unforgettable dining experience, instantly elevating your table’s aesthetic. Quick and Easy: These stunning flavors come together in under 30 minutes, making it a perfect choice for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings. Decadent Flavor: With a rich white wine cream sauce that wraps around tender shrimp and scallops, each bite offers a delightful blend of flavors that are simply irresistible. Versatile and Adaptable: Whether you prefer seafood or want to swap in chicken, this recipe allows for personal twists while still delivering that luxurious comfort. If you’re looking for seafood pasta ideas, you might also enjoy my Butter Shrimp Pasta or a creamy take on pasta with the Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli Soup. Impressive Presentation: Perfect for dinner parties, guests will be captivated by its sophisticated flair, yet it requires minimal effort, making you look like a culinary hero! Shrimp & Scallop Squid Ink Pasta Ingredients For the Pasta • Squid Ink Spaghetti – This unique pasta offers a striking color and subtle briny flavor that pairs perfectly with seafood. For the Seafood • Scallops – Tender and sweet, these need to be patted dry before searing for the best texture. • Shrimp – Choose jumbo shrimp for a meaty bite; remember to pat them dry for optimal searing. For the Aromatics • Shallot – Finely minced, this ingredient adds a mild onion flavor that cooks quickly. • Garlic – Fresh and minced, garlic brings a lovely aromatic depth to the sauce. For the Sauce • Butter – Used in several stages for sautéing and creating a rich, smooth sauce. • Flour – Helps to thicken the sauce, creating that sought-after creamy texture. • White Wine – Essential for deglazing the pan, adding acidity to cut the richness of the cream. • Lemon Zest – A sprinkle of this brightens the dish and enhances the sauce’s flavor profile. • Heavy Cream – This luxurious ingredient wraps around the pasta and seafood, creating a decadent sauce. For the Finishing Touches • Crushed Red Pepper – Add sparingly for a hint of heat; adjust according to your spice tolerance. • Parmesan Cheese – Finely grated helps to incorporate umami richness into the sauce easily. • Parsley – Roughly chopped for garnish, it adds a pop of color and freshness. • Fine Sea Salt & Pepper – Essential seasonings to elevate all the other flavors in the dish. • Shaved Parmesan Cheese – Use it as a garnish for that elegant touch. • Grape Tomatoes – Halved for presentation, they lend freshness and a burst of color to the plate. This collection of Shrimp & Scallop Squid Ink Pasta ingredients is your first step towards culinary delights that are sure to impress! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Shrimp & Scallop Squid Ink Pasta Step 1: Boil the Pasta Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil over high heat. Add the squid ink spaghetti and cook according to package instructions, typically around 8–10 minutes, until al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta and toss it immediately with 2 tablespoons of butter to prevent sticking and to enhance its flavor. Step 2: Sear the Scallops In a large skillet, heat 4 tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat until it begins to bubble. Carefully add the scallops, ensuring they’re patted dry for optimal searing. Cook the scallops for 2 minutes on each side until they develop a golden-brown crust; then, remove them from the skillet and set aside. Step 3: Cook the Shrimp In the same skillet, add the shrimp, ensuring they are also patted dry. Sauté over medium-high heat until the shrimp turn pink, approximately 3–4 minutes. Once cooked through, remove them from the skillet and set aside with the scallops, allowing the pan to retain the flavorful drippings. Step 4: Sauté the Aromatics Reduce the heat to medium and in the remaining butter, add the finely minced shallots and garlic. Cook for about 2 minutes, stirring frequently, until fragrant and translucent, making sure not to let them brown. This step infuses the base of your creamy sauce for the Shrimp & Scallop Squid Ink Pasta. Step 5: Create the Roux Sprinkle the flour into the skillet, stirring continuously for about 1 minute to create a roux. This will thicken the sauce beautifully. Gradually pour in the white wine, using a wooden spoon to scrape the flavorful bits from the bottom of the pan, and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Step 6: Finish the Sauce Once boiling, stir in the lemon zest and heavy cream into the pan, followed by crushed red pepper and grated Parmesan cheese. Season with fine sea salt and black pepper to taste. Allow it to simmer for about 3–5 minutes until the sauce thickens and becomes luxurious, perfectly coating the pasta. Step 7: Combine Ingredients Return the cooked shrimp and seared scallops to the skillet, gently stirring to coat them in the creamy sauce. Heat everything together for an additional 2–3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully while keeping the seafood tender. Step 8: Serve the Dish Plate your squid ink pasta, and generously top it with the shrimp and scallop mixture. Drizzle additional sauce over the top for extra richness. Garnish with shaved Parmesan cheese, freshly halved grape tomatoes, and a sprinkle of chopped parsley to add a vibrant finish to your elegant Shrimp & Scallop Squid Ink Pasta. Storage Tips for Shrimp & Scallop Squid Ink Pasta Fridge: Store any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 5 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream if needed to loosen the sauce. Freezer: If you want to freeze your Shrimp & Scallop Squid Ink Pasta, it’s best to do so before adding the seafood. Freeze the pasta and sauce separately in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Reheating: For best results, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Sauté the thawed sauce and add in the seafood to warm through, ensuring it doesn’t overcook. Avoid Overcooking: When reheating, keep a close eye as seafood can become tough if heated too long. Enjoy within a couple of days for optimal freshness! Expert Tips for Shrimp & Scallop Squid Ink Pasta Pat Seafood Dry: Before cooking, always pat your scallops and shrimp dry. This technique enhances the searing process, preventing steaming and ensuring a beautiful crust. Watch Cooking Time: Seafood cooks quickly! Sear scallops for just 2 minutes on each side and shrimp until pink—overcooking them will lead to rubbery textures. Adjust Spice Levels: When adding crushed red pepper to your sauce, start with a small amount. You can always add more, but it’s tough to fix an overly spicy dish. Prep Ingredients First: Gather and prepare all your ingredients before starting. This will streamline your cooking process and help you avoid any last-minute scrambles. Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh parsley and garlic will significantly enhance the flavors of your Shrimp & Scallop Squid Ink Pasta, making it a standout dish. Don’t Skip the Lemon Zest: The bright acidity from lemon zest cuts through the richness of the sauce, elevating the overall flavor profile of this elegant pasta dish. Shrimp & Scallop Squid Ink Pasta Variations Feel free to customize your dish with these fun twists that add excitement and flavor! Non-Seafood Swap: Replace shrimp and scallops with cooked chicken or sautéed seasonal vegetables. This creates a delightful alternative while maintaining a satisfying texture. Gluten-Free Choice: Use gluten-free pasta to cater to dietary restrictions. The squid ink adds flair without sacrificing flavor, ensuring a delicious experience for everyone. Briny Boost: Enhance the dish’s flavor with a handful of capers or olives for a deliciously briny twist. These additions bring an unexpected depth that perfectly complements the creamy sauce. Heat Variation: Adjust the heat level by substituting crushed red pepper with fresh jalapeños or even a dash of hot sauce. This adds a fun kick that will make your taste buds dance! Creamy Light: For a lighter option, swap heavy cream with half-and-half. This will still give you a rich sauce while reducing the calorie count without sacrificing taste. Vegetarian Delight: Create a vegetarian version by using sautéed mushrooms and spinach in place of the seafood. Team this with the luxurious sauce and you have a hearty dish that still appeals to the carnivores! Flavor Infusion: Experiment with using white wine infused with herbs or a splash of vermouth in the sauce for an added layer of complexity and flavor. It’s a little change that can make a big difference! These variations not only elevate your Shrimp & Scallop Squid Ink Pasta but also keep mealtime interesting! If you’re looking for more seafood options, don’t forget to check out my delightful Butter Shrimp Pasta for another family favorite! Make Ahead Options Preparing your Shrimp & Scallop Squid Ink Pasta ahead of time is a terrific way to save precious moments during busy weeknights! You can pre-cook the squid ink spaghetti and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For the seafood, sear the scallops and shrimp ahead, letting them cool completely before refrigerating for up to 24 hours; just remember to briefly reheat them in the sauce to retain their tenderness and flavor. As for the sauce, you can prepare it in advance too—just allow it to cool and refrigerate, ensuring the creaminess remains intact. When ready to serve, simply combine everything in a skillet, and warm gently before plating your stunning Shrimp & Scallop Squid Ink Pasta for a restaurant-quality meal with minimal effort! What to Serve with Elegant Shrimp & Scallop Squid Ink Pasta? To elevate your seafood experience, complement this creamy, rich dish with sides that tantalize the taste buds and add refreshing contrast. Garlic Bread: The buttery, garlicky flavors of crisp garlic bread are perfect for soaking up every last drop of the delicious sauce. Arugula Salad: A fresh arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette adds a peppery kick, balancing the rich pasta beautifully with its bright flavors. Roasted Asparagus: Tender roasted asparagus drizzled with olive oil provides a lovely crunch and vibrant color to your plate. The slight bitterness contrasts well with the creaminess of the pasta. Chardonnay: A chilled glass of Chardonnay mirrors the wine in your sauce, making it a seamless pairing to enhance the dish’s flavor profile while offering its own depth. Pesto and Tomato Bruschetta: Create small bruschetta topped with fresh tomatoes and basil-pesto for a delightful starter that adds a fresh, herby note before the main course. Lemon Sorbet: For dessert, a light and zesty lemon sorbet acts as a perfect palate cleanser following this sumptuous seafood dish—refreshing and vibrant! Shrimp & Scallop Squid Ink Pasta Recipe FAQs What type of squid ink pasta should I use? Absolutely! You’ll want to look for high-quality squid ink spaghetti, which you can usually find at specialty grocery stores or online. This pasta not only has a unique dark hue but also offers a subtly briny flavor that pairs beautifully with seafood. Ensure it’s fresh, and check the expiration date for best results! How do I store leftover Shrimp & Scallop Squid Ink Pasta? Very simple! Store your leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. When you reheat, consider adding a splash of cream or a bit of water to loosen the sauce for a creamy consistency. This will keep the dish moist and delicious! Can I freeze Shrimp & Scallop Squid Ink Pasta? Yes, you can freeze it! However, I recommend freezing the pasta and sauce separately to maintain their textures. Place them in airtight containers; they’ll last for up to 3 months in the freezer. To reheat, thaw the sauce overnight in the fridge, then gently warm it on the stove, adding the seafood just until heated through. Why are my scallops not searing properly? A common issue! First, make sure your scallops are thoroughly patted dry before placing them in the skillet; any moisture will steam them instead of creating a beautiful crust. Additionally, ensure the pan is hot enough before adding the scallops, and avoid crowding the skillet, as this can lower the pan’s temperature. Can I substitute the seafood in this recipe? Absolutely! If seafood isn’t your thing, feel free to swap in cooked chicken or even sautéed vegetables for a delightful twist. Keep the cooking method the same to maintain that rich, creamy sauce! Just remember, if you switch to chicken, adjust the cooking times accordingly. Are there any dietary concerns related to this recipe? Great question! This Shrimp & Scallop Squid Ink Pasta contains seafood, so it may not be suitable for those with shellfish allergies. If you’re serving this dish to guests, it’s always best to ask about dietary restrictions. For gluten-free options, substitute the squid ink pasta with gluten-free pasta to keep everyone included! Indulge in Shrimp & Scallop Squid Ink Pasta in 30 Minutes A quick and visually stunning Shrimp & Scallop Squid Ink Pasta recipe that’s rich in flavor, perfect for dinner parties or special occasions. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 10 minutes minsCook Time 20 minutes minsTotal Time 30 minutes mins Servings: 4 servingsCourse: DinnerCuisine: ItalianCalories: 600 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Pasta8 oz Squid Ink Spaghetti offers a striking color and subtle briny flavorFor the Seafood12 oz Scallops patted dry before searing12 oz Jumbo Shrimp patted dry for optimal searingFor the Aromatics1 medium Shallot finely minced2 cloves Garlic fresh and mincedFor the Sauce6 tbsp Butter used in several stages2 tbsp Flour helps to thicken the sauce1 cup White Wine deglazes the pan1 tsp Lemon Zest brightens the dish1 cup Heavy Cream creates a decadent sauceFor the Finishing Touches1/4 tsp Crushed Red Pepper add sparingly for a hint of heat1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese finely grated2 tbsp Parsley roughly chopped for garnishto taste Fine Sea Salt & Pepper essential seasonings1/4 cup Shaved Parmesan Cheese garnish for an elegant touch1 cup Grape Tomatoes halved for presentation Equipment large potlarge skilletwooden spoon Method Step-by-Step InstructionsBring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the squid ink spaghetti and cook until al dente, about 8–10 minutes. Drain and toss with 2 tablespoons of butter.In a skillet, heat 4 tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat. Add the scallops and cook for 2 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.In the same skillet, add the shrimp and sauté until pink, about 3–4 minutes. Remove and set aside with the scallops.Reduce heat to medium and add the shallots and garlic to the remaining butter. Cook for about 2 minutes until fragrant.Add flour to the skillet, stirring continuously for about 1 minute, then pour in white wine and bring to a gentle boil.Stir in lemon zest and heavy cream, followed by crushed red pepper and Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper; simmer for 3–5 minutes until thickened.Return shrimp and scallops to the skillet, stirring to coat them in the sauce. Heat together for 2–3 minutes.Plate the squid ink pasta, top with the shrimp and scallop mixture, drizzle additional sauce, and garnish with shaved Parmesan, grape tomatoes, and parsley. Nutrition Serving: 1servingCalories: 600kcalCarbohydrates: 60gProtein: 40gFat: 30gSaturated Fat: 18gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 150mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 750mgFiber: 3gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 6mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 3mg NotesPat seafood dry to enhance searing. Watch cooking times to avoid rubbery textures. Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
