Ina Garten Midnight Pasta Recipe

Introduction

Ina Garten’s Midnight Pasta is a simple yet flavorful dish perfect for a quick dinner or late-night craving. With garlic-infused olive oil, a touch of heat from red pepper flakes, and fresh lemon zest, it’s a refreshing twist on classic spaghetti that’s sure to satisfy.

Ingredients

• 400 grams (about 14 oz) spaghetti
• 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
• 1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• Zest from 1 lemon
• 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated (plus extra for serving)
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti until al dente, about 8 to 10 minutes. Reserve 1 cup of the pasta cooking water before draining.
2. Step 2: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced garlic and red pepper flakes, sautéing for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
3. Step 3: Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet and toss well to coat in the garlic oil. Add reserved pasta water gradually to reach your desired sauce consistency.
4. Step 4: Stir in the chopped parsley and lemon zest. Season with salt and black pepper, then toss everything together until evenly combined.
5. Step 5: Plate the pasta and sprinkle generously with grated Parmesan cheese. Garnish with extra parsley and red pepper flakes if you like a bit more heat.
6. Step 6: Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious, comforting bowl of Midnight Pasta!

Tips & Variations

• Use fresh Parmesan for the best flavor and melt it gently over the hot pasta.
• For extra protein, add cooked shrimp or grilled chicken.
• If you prefer less heat, reduce the red pepper flakes or omit them entirely.
• Add a splash of pasta water slowly to create a silky, light sauce rather than using too much oil.

Storage

Store leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of olive oil or pasta water to loosen the sauce. Avoid microwaving directly as it can dry out the pasta.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, this recipe works well with other long pasta like linguine or fettuccine. Just adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions.

Is this recipe vegan-friendly?

The main recipe contains Parmesan cheese, which is not vegan. You can omit the cheese or substitute with a vegan cheese alternative to make it suitable for a vegan diet.

Ina Garten Midnight Pasta Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.4 from 88 reviews

Ina Garten’s Midnight Pasta is a simple yet flavorful Italian-inspired dish featuring al dente spaghetti tossed in a fragrant garlic and red pepper infused olive oil, brightened with fresh parsley and lemon zest, and finished with generous Parmesan cheese. Perfect for a quick late-night meal that feels indulgent but is easy to prepare.

• Author: Lara
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pasta

• 400 grams (about 14 oz) spaghetti

Sauce and Seasoning

• 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
• 1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• Lemon zest from 1 lemon
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste
• 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated (plus extra for serving)

Instructions

1. Cook the spaghetti: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti until al dente, about 8 to 10 minutes. Before draining, reserve 1 cup of the pasta cooking water for later use.
2. Prepare the garlic oil: In a large skillet, heat 1/2 cup of extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced garlic and red pepper flakes, sautéing gently for 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
3. Toss the pasta in oil: Add the drained spaghetti directly to the skillet with the garlic oil. Toss well to coat the pasta in the flavored oil. Gradually add reserved pasta water as needed to achieve your desired sauce consistency.
4. Add herbs and zest: Stir in the chopped fresh parsley and lemon zest. Season with salt and black pepper to taste, tossing everything together until fully combined and evenly coated.
5. Plate and garnish: Serve the pasta on plates or bowls, then sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese. Optionally, garnish with extra parsley and a pinch of red pepper flakes for additional flavor and color.
6. Enjoy: Serve immediately while warm to enjoy the fresh flavors at their peak.

Notes

• Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes based on your spice preference.
• Be careful not to burn the garlic when sautéing; it should be fragrant and lightly golden.
• Reserving pasta water is essential to help emulsify the sauce and coat the spaghetti evenly.
• Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor and texture.
• This dish pairs well with a simple green salad or crusty bread.

Keywords: Ina Garten, Midnight Pasta, garlic pasta, spaghetti recipe, easy Italian recipe, lemon zest pasta, quick dinner, red pepper flakes pasta