From above, a matte black nest of squid ink pasta sits centered on a wide white plate like a spiral galaxy, streaked with vivid green pesto swooshes. Pink-gold seared shrimp are arranged in a ring on top, with glossy blistered cherry tomatoes scattered like tiny red planets. A dusting of lemon zest, chopped pistachios, and microgreens creates a sparkling, constellation-like finish.

May the Fourth Galactic Squid Ink Pasta with Jedi Pesto

Name: May the Fourth Galactic Squid Ink Pasta with Jedi Pesto
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: Mediterranean Fusion
Ingredients: squid ink spaghetti, 12 oz; large shrimp, 1 lb peeled and deveined, tails optional; cherry tomatoes, 1 pint; fresh basil leaves, 2 packed cups; shelled pistachios, 1/3 cup lightly toasted; Parmesan cheese, 1/2 cup finely grated; lemon, 1 whole zested and juiced; garlic, 4 cloves 2 cloves for pesto and 2 cloves minced for shrimp; red pepper flakes, 1/2 tsp; microgreens, 1/2 cup for garnish; unsalted butter, 2 tbsp; extra-virgin olive oil, 6 tbsp divided; kosher salt, 2 tsp plus more to taste; black pepper, 1/2 tsp

Category Main Course

Prep 20 minutes

Cook 20 minutes

Style Mediterranean Fusion

Technique Boiling

Diet Friendly Pescatarian

Daily Recipe: May 04, 2026

Celebrate Star Wars Day with a dramatic, galaxy-inspired main course: black squid ink pasta twirled into a dark starfield, topped with seared shrimp, neon-green basil pistachio pesto, and tiny bursts of roasted tomatoes. The dish feels cinematic and iconic for May the 4th, while still being very doable for a home cook. Squid ink gives the pasta its deep space-black color, pesto brings a lightsaber-bright contrast, and lemon, garlic, and chili keep everything fresh and vivid.

Ingredients (for 4)

Squid ink spaghetti - 12 oz
Large shrimp - 1 lb - peeled and deveined, tails optional
Cherry tomatoes - 1 pint
Fresh basil leaves - 2 packed cups
Shelled pistachios - 1/3 cup - lightly toasted
Parmesan cheese - 1/2 cup - finely grated
Lemon - 1 whole - zested and juiced
Garlic - 4 cloves - 2 cloves for pesto and 2 cloves minced for shrimp
Red pepper flakes - 1/2 tsp
Microgreens - 1/2 cup - for garnish
Unsalted butter - 2 tbsp
Extra-virgin olive oil - 6 tbsp - divided
Kosher salt - 2 tsp - plus more to taste
Black pepper - 1/2 tsp

Preparation

Step 1 - 💧🫧🍝

Bring a large pot of well-salted water to a boil for the squid ink spaghetti.
Step 2 - 🌿🥜🧄

Blend the basil, pistachios, Parmesan, 2 garlic cloves, lemon zest, 2 tablespoons lemon juice, and 4 tablespoons olive oil until mostly smooth. Add 1 to 2 tablespoons water if needed, then season with a pinch of kosher salt and black pepper.
Step 3 - 🍅🔥✨

Toss the cherry tomatoes with 1 tablespoon olive oil and a pinch of kosher salt, then roast at 425°F for 10 to 12 minutes until blistered and juicy.
Step 4 - 🍤🌶️🧄

Pat the shrimp dry, then toss with the 2 minced garlic cloves, red pepper flakes, 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, black pepper, and 1 tablespoon olive oil.
Step 5 - 🍝⏲️🥄

Cook the squid ink spaghetti according to the package directions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain.
Step 6 - 🍤🧈🔥

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the butter, and cook the shrimp for 1 to 2 minutes per side until pink and just cooked through. Remove to a plate.
Step 7 - 🍝🌿🥣

Return the drained pasta to the pot or a large skillet over low heat. Add half the pesto and a splash of reserved pasta water, then toss until glossy and lightly coated. Add more pesto or pasta water as needed.
Step 8 - 🍝🍤🍅

Twirl the pasta onto plates and top with the seared shrimp and blistered cherry tomatoes.
Step 9 - 🥄💚🎨

Spoon a little of the remaining pesto around and over the pasta for extra flavor and color.
Step 10 - 🌱🍋✨

Finish with the remaining lemon zest, microgreens, and a final drizzle of olive oil. Sprinkle extra chopped pistachios if desired, then serve right away.

Additional

For extra Star Wars flair, serve on large white plates to maximize the galaxy effect, or cut a few Parmesan crisps into star shapes for garnish. You can swap shrimp for scallops or keep it vegetarian by using roasted oyster mushrooms instead. Fun plating idea: make one bold green pesto streak across the plate like a lightsaber.