Croatian Squid Ink Pasta with Seafood (Crna Pašta)
A stunning dish that captures the essence of the Adriatic Sea, Croatian Squid Ink Pasta with Seafood, or Crna Pašta, is a feast for the senses. This recipe combines the rich, briny flavor of squid ink pasta with a medley of fresh seafood and a garlicky white wine sauce for an indulgent yet balanced meal.
Equipment
- Large pot
- Colander
- Large skillet
- Stirring spoon
Ingredients
- 12 oz squid ink pasta
- 8 oz squid cleaned and sliced into rings
- 8 large shrimp peeled and deveined
- 8 scallops
- 4 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1/2 cup white wine
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1 cup fish stock or clam juice
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped
- Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
- Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the squid ink pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the squid and cook until opaque, about 1-2 minutes per side. Remove the squid and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the shrimp and scallops, cooking until the shrimp turn pink and scallops are golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove from the skillet and set aside with the squid.
- Add the remaining olive oil to the skillet, and sauté the minced garlic and red pepper flakes until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Deglaze the skillet with white wine and let it reduce by half, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
- Stir in the fish stock or clam juice and bring to a simmer. Add the cherry tomatoes and cook for 5 minutes.
- Return the cooked seafood to the skillet, including any juices that have accumulated. Simmer everything together for another 3 minutes to let the flavors meld.
- Stir in the butter until melted and incorporated into the sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Add the cooked squid ink pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat in the sauce and warm through.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side.
Notes
For an authentic touch, source high-quality Croatian squid ink pasta if available.
Ensure all seafood is fresh and properly cleaned before cooking.
Adjust the level of red pepper flakes to suit your desired level of spiciness.
Serve with a crisp white wine that complements the delicate flavors of the seafood.