Squid Ink Pasta With Shrimp and Scallops

Black squid ink pasta is paired with shrimp and scallops in a light white wine sauce in this Halloween-inspired pasta dish.

Ingredients

serves Serves 4 to 6, active time 20 minutes, total time 20 minutes

• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1 pound medium shrimp, shells removed and deveined (tails optional)
• 12 medium scallops
• 3 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
• 1/2 teaspoons red pepper flakes
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 3/4 cup dry white wine
• 1/3 cup ripe, chopped seeded tomato
• 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley leaves
• 1/4 cup juice from 1 to 2 lemons
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 1 pound squid ink pasta

Procedures

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Heat the oil in a heavy skillet over medium high heat until lightly smoking. Add the shrimp and sauté until opaque, about 1 minute each side. Remove to a plate. Reheat oil and cook the scallops until they too are opaque and lightly browned, 2 minutes each side. Remove the scallops to the plate with the shrimp and add the garlic to the pan. Cook, stirring often, until golden, about 2 minutes. Add the red pepper flakes, black pepper, salt, wine, tomato, and parsley, and cook over high heat until reduced by half, 8 to 10 minutes. Add the lemon juice and butter and return the seafood to the skillet, mixing well. Keep warm.
   
2. Cook the pasta in a large pot of lightly salted water until it is al dente. Drain well, return to the pot along with the seafood. Toss well, and serve immediately.

Seared Scallops with Pancetta and Brussels Sprouts

Ingredients

serves Serves 4, active time 20 minutes, total time 20 minutes

• 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
• ¼ pound pancetta, cut into ½-inch cubes
• 1 medium shallot, thinly sliced (about 1/4 cup)
• 1 pound brussels sprouts, roughly chopped or shredded with a mandoline (about 6 cups)
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 2 tablespoons rice wine vinegar
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 12 large scallops

Procedures

1. Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add pancetta and cook, stirring, until most of the fat is rendered and it begins to crisp, about 2 minutes. Add shallots and brussels sprouts, season with salt and pepper, and cook, stirring, until browned, about six minutes. Stir in vinegar, scraping up any brown bits, then transfer to a plate and set aside. Wipe out skillet with a paper towel.
   
2. Pat the scallops dry and season generously with salt and pepper. Return skillet to medium-high heat and add butter. Heat until foaming subsisdes, then add the scallops and allow to cook without moving until golden brown on first side, 2 to 3 minutes. Flip, return the brussels sprouts mixture to warm through and continue cooking until scallops are barely cooked through, about 2 minutes longer. Serve immediately.