Pasta is such a lovely word. It is a comfort food that is loved and enjoyed by most. You may eat it plain with just some extra virgin olive oil and sauteed garlic or with countless varieties of sauces. There are so many different types of pasta, and all to be enjoyed!

Today I went to “The Flatiron” section of Manhattan and visited one of #Mario Battali’s gourmet groceries called “#Eataly.” Such a beautiful place to visit and shop for your Italian groceries. You can literally spend hours in there, it’s a chefs dream! There are many various sections set up inside  where you can shop, eat or just enjoy a glass or two of wine. As I was meandering throughout the place I wanted to purchase something different to try.

I came upon the pasta section where they sell fresh made pasta- so many varieties. But the one that caught my attention was the squid ink pasta. Being a huge seafood lover I wanted to try this beauty, and  I have to say, DELICIOUS! Nothing beats fresh pasta.

Since I love seafood so much I also purchased some large shrimp and squid to serve with my pasta. They go together so well, plus they cook up very quickly. So when I came home I prepared everything I needed for this meal, cherry tomatoes, thinly sliced garlic, extra virgin olive oil and had  a meal in around 10 minutes! How easy was that?

So I have to recommend if you are in the NYC area to visit #Eataly on 23rd Street and 5th Avenue or even in your hometown where they sell squid ink pasta to try it out.

Some nutritional information about squid ink pasta that you might find interesting is that it protects white blood cell production, which ultimately gives immunity a helpful boost. It is also high in iron, another great reason for women, especially, to choose squid ink pasta over white or whole wheat pasta. I have to suggest, this would be a great pasta to serve around Halloween. Just a thought.

With that said, add some color and better nutrients to your daily intake. Make every forkful of food work for you and as always, enjoy!

Squid Ink Pasta with Shrimp and Squid

Ingredients: Serves 2

• 1/2 pound squid ink pasta
• 1 teaspoon sea salt
• 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
• 8 cherry tomatoes, diced
• 10 large shrimp, cleaned with tails left intact
• 2 tubes of squid, cut into 1/2 inch pieces
• 4 pieces of squid tentacles
• sea salt and freshly ground pepper to season
• 1/8 cup parsley, finely chopped

Preparation:

In a large pot place water to boil for the pasta and add about 1 teaspoon of sea salt to the water. When it comes to a boil add the pasta and cook for about 4 minutes.

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil. When hot, add the garlic and cook for about 1 minute. Now add in the cut tomatoes and saute for about 1 minute. Add in the shrimp and squid and cook until pink. Turn the shrimp to other side and continue to cook for about another 2 minutes until done.

The pasta will will done by now. With tongs, add the pasta to the cooked seafood and mix through. You can also add in some of the pasta water to the skillet, about 1/4 cup. Add the chopped parsley and continue mixing through until everything combines. Serve onto two bowls.