Addictive Potato Trofie with Shrimp & Squid

There are those dishes that you make once and immediately think, “I’m making this again next week.” This potato trofie with shrimp and squid is absolutely one of them. The combination is so simple, yet so perfectly balanced — it’s the kind of cooking that reminds you why Italian food doesn’t need to be complicated to be absolutely delicious.

Why This Pasta Works

The beauty of potato trofie is its tender, almost cloud-like texture. Unlike traditional durum wheat pasta, the potato gives it a subtle earthiness that plays beautifully with seafood. When you pair it with fresh shrimp and squid, you’re creating this lovely contrast between the delicate pasta and the slightly briny, sweet flavor of the sea. Add in some bright tomatoes and you’ve got a dish that feels elegant but tastes like comfort food.

I first fell in love with this combination while cooking here in Italy, and I’ve been obsessed ever since. There’s something about how the homemade pasta absorbs all those wonderful flavors from the seafood and tomato sauce that just feels right.

Making Potato Trofie at Home

If you’ve never made trofie before, don’t be intimidated. The dough is straightforward — just potatoes, flour, and a pinch of salt — and shaping them is actually quite therapeutic once you get the hang of it. The key is using floury potatoes and working the dough gently so it stays tender.

The best part? You can make the dough ahead and keep it in the fridge, which means weeknight dinner suddenly feels a lot more manageable.

The Sauce

Keep the sauce light and fresh. Sauté your shrimp and squid quickly in olive oil — they only need a few minutes, so don’t overcook them. Toss in some good tomatoes (fresh if you can find them, canned if not), a whisper of garlic, and let everything come together for just a few minutes. The pasta water will help create a silky sauce that clings to every piece of trofie.

I’ve made a full video showing you exactly how to shape the trofie and put this whole meal together, so definitely check that out if you want to see it in action. Trust me, once you taste this, you’ll understand the addiction. 😋