Black Seafood Pasta Recipe Using Italian Cuttlefish Ink

Black seafood pasta is a traditional Italian dish made by combining pasta with cuttlefish ink, which gives it:

• A rich black color

• A subtle, briny, ocean-like depth

• A luxurious, gourmet finish

In Italy, you’ll often find it served with fresh seafood like:

• Mussels

• Shrimp

• Octopus

• Squid

It’s elegant, coastal, and deeply rooted in Mediterranean cooking.

Why Use Real Italian Cuttlefish Ink?

The quality of the ink makes all the difference.

For this recipe, we recommend using:

Natural Cuttlefish Ink – Nero di Seppia

Available Here

This organic ingredient is extracted from the ink sac of Sepia officinalis (common cuttlefish), harvested from the Mediterranean Sea and Eastern Atlantic.

It’s thick, deep black, and used across Italy for:

• Pasta

• Risotto

• Seafood sauces

• Natural culinary coloring

Ingredients include: cuttlefish ink, water, sea salt, thickener; nothing artificial.

That’s what gives this dish its authentic Italian soul.

Black Seafood Pasta Recipe (With Mussels, Shrimp & Octopus)

This is the kind of meal that feels like a celebration, perfect for date nights, dinner guests, or when you simply want to cook something extraordinary.

Servings: 2–3

Time: 35–40 minutes

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the pasta:

• 250g spaghetti or linguine

• 1–2 tablespoons Natural Cuttlefish Ink (Nero di Seppia)

• Salt for boiling water

For the seafood mix:

• 200g shrimp (peeled and deveined)

• 200g mussels (cleaned)

• 150g cooked octopus (sliced into pieces)

For the sauce:

• 3 tablespoons olive oil

• 3 garlic cloves (thinly sliced)

• ½ teaspoon chili flakes (optional)

• ½ cup dry white wine

• 1 ladle of pasta water

• Fresh parsley (chopped)

• Black pepper to taste

• Lemon zest or juice for finishing

Step-By-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.

Cook your spaghetti or linguine until just al dente.

Before draining, reserve about 1 cup of pasta water.

Step 2: Prepare the Mussels

In a large pan, heat a tablespoon of olive oil and add the mussels.

Pour in a splash of white wine, cover, and steam for 4–5 minutes until they open.

Discard any mussels that remain closed.

Set aside.

Step 3: Sauté Garlic and Seafood

In the same pan, add olive oil and sliced garlic.

Let it cook gently until fragrant (not browned).

Add:

• Shrimp

• Octopus pieces

Cook for 2–3 minutes until the shrimp turns pink.

Step 4: Add the Cuttlefish Ink

Now comes the magic.

Stir in Natural Cuttlefish Ink – Nero di Seppia.

The sauce will immediately deepen into a glossy black seafood base.

Add a ladle of pasta water and stir until smooth.

This creates that silky restaurant-style texture.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Add the drained pasta directly into the pan.

Toss well until every strand is coated in the black ink sauce.

Return the mussels to the pan.

Simmer for 1–2 minutes so all flavors come together.

Step 6: Finish Like an Italian Chef

Top with:

• Fresh parsley

• Black pepper

• Lemon zest or a squeeze of juice

Serve immediately, preferably with a glass of chilled white wine.

What Does Cuttlefish Ink Pasta Taste Like?

A lot of people ask this before trying it.

Cuttlefish ink doesn’t taste “fishy.”

Instead, it adds:

• A subtle ocean depth

• Umami richness

• A smooth, briny finish

It’s sophisticated, not overpowering, the perfect match for shrimp, mussels, and octopus.

Tips for the Best Black Seafood Pasta

• Use high-quality ink like Tita Italia’s Nero di Seppia

• Don’t overcook seafood; keep it tender

• Pasta water is essential for a silky sauce

• Finish with lemon for balance and brightness

A Dish That Brings Italy to Your Table

This Black Seafood Pasta Recipe is more than just a meal. It’s an experience.

The bold color, the fresh seafood, and the authentic cuttlefish ink create something truly unforgettable.

If you want to explore more ingredients like this, don’t miss the Tita Italian Gourmet Food Collection, where traditional Italian flavors meet premium quality.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is black seafood pasta made of?

Black seafood pasta is made with pasta, seafood like shrimp and mussels, and cuttlefish ink, which gives the dish its dark color and rich ocean flavor.

2. Does cuttlefish ink pasta taste fishy?

No, cuttlefish ink has a mild, briny taste that adds depth and umami without being overly fishy.

3. Can I cook black pasta without fresh cuttlefish?

Yes, you can make black seafood pasta using natural cuttlefish ink as an ingredient, without needing whole cuttlefish.

4. What seafood pairs best with cuttlefish ink pasta?

Shrimp, mussels, octopus, squid, and scallops all pair beautifully with cuttlefish ink sauce.