If you’ve ever wanted to enchant your dinner table with something utterly unique and visually stunning, this Witches Hair Pasta (Squid Ink Pasta) Recipe is your new go-to magic spell. The rich, jet-black strands of pasta deliver not just a striking appearance but a subtle briny depth that pairs perfectly with the fragrant garlic oil sauce. It’s simple, elegant, and will captivate anyone lucky enough to try it, making your mealtime feel like a special occasion every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is half the fun and the secret to pulling off this Witches Hair Pasta (Squid Ink Pasta) Recipe flawlessly. Each ingredient plays an essential role, from flavor layering to texture, ensuring every bite feels indulgent yet effortlessly balanced.
- 6 large garlic cloves, finely chopped: Fresh garlic provides a warm, aromatic base that breathes life into the sauce.
- 1 tablespoon salt: Essential for perfectly seasoning the pasta water, which enhances the pasta’s taste from within.
- 1 lb dried squid ink spaghetti: The star ingredient, delivering a beautiful color and a subtle oceanic flavor that makes this dish so captivating.
- â…“ cup olive oil: A high-quality olive oil creates a silky texture and carries the garlic and chili flavors harmoniously.
- 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes: Adds just the right hint of heat to lift the dish without overpowering it.
- ½ cup reserved pasta cooking water (plus an extra cup if needed): Pasta water helps emulsify the sauce, giving it that perfect cling to the noodles.
How to Make Witches Hair Pasta (Squid Ink Pasta) Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Pasta
Bring a large pot of water to a roaring boil and sprinkle in the salt. The salt seasons the pasta from the inside, making every bite flavorful. Cook the squid ink spaghetti according to the package instructions until it reaches that ideal al dente texture — firm with just a little bite to it.
Step 2: Make the Garlic Oil Sauce
While your pasta is happily boiling, gently heat the olive oil in a large pan over low heat. It’s important to keep the heat low so the garlic releases its flavor slowly without turning bitter.
Step 3: Sauté the Garlic
Add the finely chopped garlic to the warm oil and cook it gently for about 4 minutes, stirring often. You want it golden and fragrant, not browned or burnt. This delicate step builds the foundation of the sauce’s robust flavor.
Step 4: Add Crushed Red Pepper Flakes
Sprinkle in the crushed red pepper flakes and let them infuse the oil for 30 seconds. The gentle heat from the flakes balances beautifully with the pungent garlic and subtle saltiness of the pasta.
Step 5: Create the Sauce Base
Before draining your pasta, scoop out a generous ½ cup of the cooking water and add it to the garlic oil mixture. This starchy water helps the sauce to bind and cling better to the noodles, giving you that irresistible glossy finish.
Step 6: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Drain the pasta, but save an extra cup of pasta water just in case the sauce needs loosening. Toss the pasta right into the pan with your aromatic garlic oil, mixing thoroughly so every strand is coated in black-gold deliciousness.
Step 7: Adjust the Sauce
If the sauce looks a little dry or not quite glossy enough, add a splash of the reserved pasta water bit by bit until you reach that perfect silky texture that hugs each noodle.
Step 8: Serve Immediately
Enjoy this Witches Hair Pasta (Squid Ink Pasta) Recipe fresh from the pan so the flavors and dramatic color shine their brightest. It’s a feast for the eyes and the palate alike!
How to Serve Witches Hair Pasta (Squid Ink Pasta) Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes can enhance both flavor and presentation without stealing the spotlight. A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds brightness, while a grating of Pecorino Romano cheese introduces a salty richness that cuts through the garlic and chili heat.
Side Dishes
This pasta pairs wonderfully with light, fresh sides such as a crisp lemony arugula salad or roasted vegetables like asparagus or cherry tomatoes, which bring a vibrant contrast to the dish’s deep umami.
Creative Ways to Present
For a truly enchanting dinner, serve the Witches Hair Pasta (Squid Ink Pasta) Recipe in stark white bowls or plates, highlighting the dramatic black noodles. A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil across the top just before serving adds a tantalizing sheen that invites your guests to dive right in.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers from this wondrous recipe, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The pasta will keep well for up to 2 days, retaining much of the magic in its flavors.
Freezing
Freezing Witches Hair Pasta (Squid Ink Pasta) Recipe isn’t the best option, as the texture of the pasta and sauce can change upon thawing. It’s better enjoyed fresh or refrigerated for short-term use.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the pasta in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or olive oil to revive the sauce’s smooth texture. Avoid microwaving as it can dry out the noodles and dull the flavors.
FAQs
What does squid ink taste like?
Squid ink has a subtle briny and slightly salty taste with a rich umami depth that adds complexity without being overpowering.
Can I use fresh pasta for this recipe?
Fresh squid ink pasta works beautifully but cooks faster than dried, so adjust the cooking time accordingly to avoid mushiness.
Is this dish spicy?
The crushed red pepper flakes add a gentle warmth, but you can adjust the amount to your preferred spice level or leave it out for a milder version.
Where can I buy squid ink pasta?
Squid ink pasta is often found in specialty grocery stores, Italian markets, or ordered online from gourmet food retailers.
Can I make the garlic oil sauce in advance?
While you can prepare the garlic oil ahead, it’s best assembled with freshly cooked pasta for the most vibrant flavor and texture.
Final Thoughts
This Witches Hair Pasta (Squid Ink Pasta) Recipe is truly a culinary adventure that transforms simple ingredients into something extraordinary. I encourage you to try making it at home – its elegant simplicity and mysterious charm are sure to impress your friends and family. Once you’ve tasted its magic, it might just become a beloved staple in your recipe collection.
Print
Witches Hair Pasta (Squid Ink Pasta) Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
Witches Hair Pasta is a striking and flavorful squid ink spaghetti dish infused with a gentle garlic oil sauce and a touch of crushed red pepper. This quick and elegant pasta recipe combines the briny depth of squid ink with aromatic garlic and a hint of spice, making it perfect for a visually impressive and delicious meal in just 25 minutes.
Ingredients
For the Pasta
- 1 lb dried squid ink spaghetti
- 1 tablespoon salt
For the Garlic Oil Sauce
- â…“ cup olive oil
- 6 large garlic cloves, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- ½ cup reserved pasta cooking water (plus an additional 1 cup reserved, if needed)
Instructions
- Prepare the Pasta: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add 1 tablespoon of salt, then cook the dried squid ink spaghetti according to the package instructions until it is al dente, typically around 8-10 minutes.
- Prepare the Garlic Oil Sauce: While the pasta cooks, heat â…“ cup of olive oil in a large pan over low heat to gently warm the oil without burning it.
- Cook the Garlic: Add the finely chopped garlic cloves to the warmed olive oil and cook gently for about 4 minutes, stirring often to prevent burning and to infuse the oil with garlic flavor.
- Add Red Pepper Flakes: Stir in 1 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes and cook for an additional 30 seconds to release their aroma into the sauce.
- Create the Sauce Base: Before draining the pasta, carefully remove ½ cup of the pasta cooking water and add it to the garlic oil mixture in the pan. Let it simmer gently to combine the flavors while the pasta finishes cooking.
- Combine Pasta with Sauce: Drain the cooked squid ink spaghetti, reserving an additional 1 cup of the pasta cooking water. Add the pasta to the garlic oil sauce in the pan and toss well to coat evenly.
- Adjust the Sauce Consistency: If needed, add some of the reserved pasta cooking water incrementally to loosen the sauce and ensure it evenly coats every strand of pasta.
- Serve: Serve the pasta immediately while hot to enjoy the best visual contrast and rich flavors. Garnish as desired and enjoy your Witches Hair Pasta!
Notes
- Be careful not to burn the garlic as it can turn bitter; cooking it gently over low heat is essential.
- Reserve enough pasta water to adjust the sauce’s consistency to your preference—it acts as a natural binder.
- Squid ink pasta has a distinctive briny taste and dramatic black color that pairs well with simple sauces like this garlic oil.
- This dish is best served immediately for optimal texture and flavor.
- You can add fresh parsley or grated cheese to garnish if you like, although this traditional version keeps it simple.
