Rich & Mysterious Squid Ink Pasta
Squid Ink Pasta: An Extravagant Dish with Rich Flavors!
Pasta is wonderfully simple to make, a complete meal in one dish, and so versatile that I never tire of making it. You can have this ready in just 30 minutes while chatting with friends. Everyone who tries it devours the plate and gives a big thumbs-up!
Ingredients- 1 red onion, diced
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- 10 olives
- 2 Tbsp olive oil
- 1 can chicken broth
- 3/4 cup milk
- 4 Tbsp heavy cream
- 2 Tbsp parsley flakes
- 20 cooked cocktail shrimp
- 140g squid ink pasta
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Start by bringing a pot of water to a boil for the pasta. Once boiling, add the squid ink pasta (140g, about 1 serving) and begin cooking. Finely dice 1 red onion and prepare 1 Tbsp of minced garlic. Have about 10 green olives ready (you can find these at places like E-mart Traders). Heat 2 Tbsp of olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, sautéing until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.
Step 2
Once the onions are tender and translucent, pour in 1 can of chicken broth and bring it to a simmer. Then, add 3/4 cup of milk and 4 Tbsp of heavy cream to create a smooth, creamy sauce. The chicken broth is usually seasoned, so you might not need extra salt. However, taste and adjust with salt if needed according to your preference.
Step 3
Squid ink pasta often takes a bit longer to cook than regular pasta. Follow the package instructions, or cook it to your preferred tenderness. (I tend to cook mine a little softer). When the pasta is al dente, drain it but do NOT rinse it under cold water. Add the drained pasta directly to the prepared sauce. Stir in 2 Tbsp of parsley flakes and let it simmer together for another minute or two, allowing the pasta to absorb the sauce.
Step 4
Turn off the heat and add about 20 cooked cocktail shrimp to the pan. Since the shrimp are already cooked, adding them at the end prevents them from becoming tough or rubbery, ensuring a tender texture. For an even more luxurious touch, you can slice the shrimp in half before adding them. This allows the sauce to coat them beautifully, enhancing the flavor.
Step 5
Serve the finished squid ink pasta in a beautiful bowl. Sprinkle generously with freshly grated Parmesan cheese for an extra layer of flavor. For an optional garnish, you can lightly pan-fry white asparagus in butter and arrange it on top for a more elegant presentation. (I used it for decoration).
