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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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

Find it online: https://cookwithyana.com/ina-garten-midnight-pasta-recipe/