Cozy Moonlight Comfort: Ina Garten’s Midnight Pasta Recipe

Pasta lovers rejoice as this midnight pasta swirls with simplicity and bold flavors that tantalize every taste bud.

Ina Garten crafted a dish so effortlessly elegant, it speaks directly to late-night culinary cravings.

Garlic, olive oil, and red pepper flakes dance together in a harmonious symphony of taste.

Each ingredient plays a crucial role in creating a meal that feels both comforting and sophisticated.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its minimalist approach, proving that exceptional food doesn’t require complexity.

Quick to make and deeply satisfying, this pasta promises to become your go-to comfort meal when hunger strikes after dark.

Dive into this delectable experience and let your kitchen come alive with Mediterranean-inspired magic.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 600 kcal

Servings: 4

What You Need for Ina Garten’s Midnight Pasta

• Spaghetti: Classic long noodle that creates the perfect canvas for this simple yet bold midnight dish, choose high-quality semolina pasta for best texture.
• Salt: Essential for enhancing pasta's flavor and helping water reach higher boiling temperature.

• Olive Oil: Serves as the flavor foundation, select extra virgin for a rich, smooth base with authentic Mediterranean character.
• Garlic: Provides intense, pungent depth, choose fresh cloves with firm, smooth skin and no green sprouts.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Introduces subtle heat and vibrant color, adjust quantity based on personal spice tolerance.

• Parmesan Cheese: Adds creamy, nutty complexity, grate fresh for maximum flavor and smooth melting.
• Fresh Parsley: Brings bright, herbaceous freshness, select crisp leaves with vivid green color and minimal wilting.

Pasta Tools to Keep Handy for Midnight Cravings

• Large Pot: Essential for boiling pasta and creating enough space for cooking.
• 12-inch Sauté Pan or Shallow Pot: Perfect for preparing garlic sauce and combining ingredients.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Great for stirring garlic and mixing pasta without scratching pan.
• Measuring Spoons: Helpful for accurately adding salt and measuring ingredients.
• Colander: Necessary for draining pasta after cooking.
• Cheese Grater: Useful for grating fresh Parmesan cheese.
• Sharp Knife: Needed for chopping parsley finely.
• Cutting Board: Provides clean surface for herb preparation.

Quick Steps to Whip Up Midnight Pasta

Midnight Magic

• Boiling Water Prep Water becomes the canvas for pasta transformation, creating the foundation of this late-night culinary adventure.
• Garlic Symphony Olive oil dances in a pan, welcoming fragrant garlic that softens and releases its delicate aroma, with red pepper flakes adding a whisper of heat.
• Liquid Alchemy Reserved pasta water merges with the golden garlic oil, creating a silky sauce that will embrace every pasta strand with intense flavor.
• Pasta Harmony Drained pasta tumbles into the warm sauce, getting coated with rich, garlicky essence, while Parmesan and fresh parsley provide a final flourish.
• Resting Moment Let the pasta rest briefly, allowing each noodle to absorb the magical sauce, creating a dish that speaks of midnight comfort and culinary simplicity.

How to Add Flavor to Midnight Pasta

• Adjust the amount of garlic based on your preference. For a milder flavor, use fewer cloves; for a bolder taste, add an extra clove or two.
• Modify the red pepper flakes to match your heat tolerance. Start with a small pinch and gradually increase for more kick.
• Experiment with different hard cheeses like Pecorino Romano or Grana Padano for a unique flavor profile that complements the pasta.
• Enhance the dish by adding fresh basil, oregano, or a mix of Italian herbs to elevate the overall taste and aroma.
• Transform this simple pasta into a complete meal by adding grilled chicken, sautéed shrimp, or crispy pancetta for extra protein and texture.

Serve Midnight Pasta with Ease and Speed

• Serve with Crusty Bread: Grab a rustic Italian loaf to soak up the delicious garlic-infused sauce, making every last drop count.
• Pair with Fresh Salad: Toss a crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette to balance the rich, savory flavors of the midnight pasta.
• Add Wine Companion: Pour a crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or a light-bodied Sauvignon Blanc to complement the pasta's subtle garlic and pepper notes.
• Garnish with Extra Herbs: Sprinkle additional fresh parsley or add a few basil leaves for a burst of color and fresh aromatic touch.

Tips to Store Midnight Pasta Without Drying Out

• Maximize Meal Prep: Strategically plan your pasta night by prepping ingredients beforehand. Chop garlic, measure spices, and grate Parmesan cheese in advance to streamline cooking.
• Refrigerate Wisely: Store leftover pasta in an airtight container for 3-4 days. Gently reheat with a splash of water to restore sauce consistency and prevent dryness.
• Quick Freezing Tip: While pasta can be frozen, the texture might change slightly. If freezing, use within 2 weeks and thaw in the refrigerator overnight for best results.
• Room Temperature Caution: Never leave pasta at room temperature for more than 2 hours to prevent bacterial growth. Always refrigerate promptly after cooling.

Silky Ina Garten Midnight Pasta Recipe

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4.8 from 40 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Midnight pasta, a simple Italian dish from Ina Garten’s repertoire, offers comforting flavors with minimal ingredients. Garlic, olive oil, red pepper flakes, and pasta combine for a quick, satisfying meal you can savor in less than 20 minutes.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb (454 g) dried spaghetti, such as DeCecco
• 8 large garlic cloves, cut into thin slivers
• 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving
• ⅓ cup olive oil
• ½ cup minced fresh parsley
• ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes
• 1 tbsp kosher salt

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Instructions

1. Boiling Preparation: Fill a large pot with water, add salt, and bring to a vigorous boil. Cook pasta according to package directions, carefully reserving starchy pasta water before draining.
2. Flavor Foundation: In a 12-inch sauté pan, warm olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic, stirring constantly until edges turn golden brown. Sprinkle red pepper flakes and let sizzle briefly.
3. Sauce Development: Combine garlic-infused oil with reserved pasta water, bringing the mixture to a robust boil. Reduce heat, simmer, and allow liquid to condense by one-third, concentrating the flavors.
4. Pasta Integration: Transfer drained pasta into the pan, thoroughly coating each strand with the aromatic garlic sauce. Remove from heat and gently incorporate freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley.
5. Final Touches: Let the pasta rest for 5 minutes, allowing the sauce to fully embrace the noodles. Adjust seasoning to taste. Plate immediately, garnishing with an additional sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for a luxurious finish.

Notes

• Pasta Water Magic: Reserve one cup of starchy pasta water, as it helps create a silky, emulsified sauce that perfectly clings to the noodles.
• Garlic Caution: Watch garlic closely while sautéing; golden brown edges are perfect, but burned garlic turns bitter and ruins the entire dish.
• Heat Control: Maintain medium heat when cooking garlic and creating the sauce to prevent burning and ensure balanced flavor development.
• Resting Ritual: Let the pasta sit for 5 minutes after mixing with sauce, allowing ingredients to meld and create a more harmonious, flavorful meal.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 600
• Sugar: 0 g
• Sodium: 300 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 24 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 70 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 18 g
• Cholesterol: 20 mg