Ina Garten Midnight Pasta Recipe
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.
- 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
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
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