Imen This Ina Garten Midnight Pasta is simple and flavorful, which uses spaghetti and fresh garlic for a quick pantry meal. It’s the perfect late-night dinner, ready in about 25 minutes.
Ina Garten Midnight Pasta Ingredients
- Kosher salt
- 1 lb dried spaghetti (Ina uses DeCecco)
- ⅓ cup good olive oil
- 8 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
- ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes
- ½ cup fresh parsley, minced
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan, plus more for serving
How To Make Ina Garten Midnight Pasta
- Cook pasta and reserve water: Boil salted water, cook spaghetti until al dente, and reserve 1½ cups of pasta water before draining.
- Sauté garlic and spices: Heat olive oil in a skillet, sauté garlic until golden (about 2 minutes), then add red pepper flakes.
- Make the sauce base: Add reserved pasta water, bring to a boil, and simmer for 5 minutes.
- Toss pasta with sauce: Add cooked spaghetti to the skillet, remove from heat, and stir in Parmesan and parsley.
- Rest and serve: Let pasta rest for 5 minutes before serving with extra Parmesan.
Recipe Tips
-
Can I use other pasta shapes?
Yes, linguine or bucatini work well with this sauce. -
How to make it less spicy?
Reduce or omit the red pepper flakes if you prefer a milder flavor. -
Can I add protein to this dish?
Absolutely — grilled chicken, shrimp, or even canned tuna pair nicely. -
Why reserve pasta water?
The starchy water helps emulsify the sauce, making it silky and cohesive.
What To Serve With Midnight Pasta
This pasta is light yet satisfying, pairing well with:
- Garlic bread or focaccia
- A simple green salad
- Roasted vegetables like broccoli or asparagus
- A glass of white wine
How To Store Midnight Pasta
Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Reheat: Warm gently in a skillet with a splash of water or olive oil.
Midnight Pasta Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 389 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Protein: 13g
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 280mg
Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, but it’s best served fresh. Reheat gently to restore flavor and texture.
What’s the best olive oil to use?
A good extra-virgin olive oil adds richness and depth to this simple dish.
Can I double this recipe for a crowd?
Yes, just scale ingredients proportionally and use a larger pot or skillet.
Try More Recipes:
Ina Garten Midnight Pasta
Description
A quick and flavorful pasta made with garlic, olive oil, Parmesan, and parsley — perfect for late-night cravings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook spaghetti in salted water; reserve 1½ cups pasta water before draining.
- Heat olive oil and sauté garlic until golden; add red pepper flakes.
- Add pasta water, boil, and simmer 5 minutes.
- Toss pasta with sauce, then stir in Parmesan and parsley.
- Rest 5 minutes and serve with extra Parmesan.
