Ina Garten Midnight Pasta Recipe

Introduction

Ina Garten’s Midnight Pasta is a simple yet flavorful dish that’s perfect for a quick dinner or a late-night snack. With garlic-infused olive oil, a touch of lemon zest, and plenty of Parmesan, this pasta is both comforting and vibrant.

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 of 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. 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 1/2 cup of extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced garlic and red pepper flakes, sautéing for 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
3. Step 3: Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet and toss to coat it evenly with the garlic oil. Add reserved pasta water a little at a time as needed to achieve a smooth, silky consistency.
4. Step 4: Stir in the chopped parsley and lemon zest. Season with salt and black pepper to taste, and toss everything until well combined.
5. Step 5: Plate the pasta and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese. Garnish with extra parsley and red pepper flakes if desired.
6. Step 6: Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious creation!

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, add a splash of white wine to the garlic oil before tossing in the spaghetti.
• If you prefer a creamier sauce, stir in a few tablespoons of pasta cooking water mixed with grated Parmesan until it emulsifies.
• Swap spaghetti for linguine or fettuccine for a different texture.
• Use fresh lemon juice for a tangier punch, but add it off the heat to preserve brightness.

Storage

Store any leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of olive oil or reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce. Avoid microwaving directly to keep the texture silky.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of pasta for this recipe?

Yes, while spaghetti is traditional, you can use linguine, fettuccine, or even penne. Just adjust the cooking time according to the pasta type.

How spicy is this dish with 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes?

The dish has a mild to moderate heat level that adds a nice kick without overpowering the flavors. Adjust the amount to suit your spice preference.

Ina Garten Midnight Pasta Recipe

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4.8 from 387 reviews

Ina Garten’s Midnight Pasta is a simple yet flavorful Italian-inspired dish featuring al dente spaghetti tossed in garlic-infused extra virgin olive oil, red pepper flakes for a little heat, fresh parsley, lemon zest, and plenty of grated Parmesan cheese. This quick and easy recipe is perfect for a late-night meal or when you want a comforting pasta dish with minimal fuss but maximum flavor.

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

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pasta

• 400 grams (about 14 oz) spaghetti

Sauce

• 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
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste
• 1 cup pasta cooking water (reserved)

Topping

• 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated (plus extra for serving)

Instructions

1. Cook the Spaghetti: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook 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. Sauté gently for 1-2 minutes, until the garlic is fragrant and just beginning to turn golden – be careful not to burn it.
3. Toss the Pasta: Add the drained spaghetti directly to the skillet with the garlic oil. Toss well to coat the pasta evenly. If the mixture seems dry, add reserved pasta water a little at a time until you reach the desired consistency and silkiness.
4. Finish with Herbs and Seasoning: Stir in the chopped fresh parsley and lemon zest. Season generously with salt and black pepper. Toss everything well to combine and infuse the flavors.
5. Serve: Plate the pasta and generously sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese. Optionally, garnish with extra fresh parsley and a pinch of red pepper flakes for added color and spice.
6. Enjoy: Serve immediately while warm for the best flavor and texture.

Notes

• Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes according to your spice preference.
• Be careful not to burn the garlic as it can become bitter.
• Reserved pasta water helps to create a silky sauce by emulsifying with the olive oil.
• For a vegetarian version, ensure the Parmesan cheese is vegetarian-friendly or substitute with a plant-based cheese.
• This dish is best enjoyed fresh and does not reheat well as the pasta may become dry.

Keywords: Midnight Pasta, Ina Garten, Italian pasta, garlic spaghetti, lemon pasta, easy pasta recipe, vegetarian pasta