Ina Garten’s Late-Night Midnight Pasta Recipe for Comfort

Midnight pasta serves as a culinary lifeline for late-night hunger pangs and spontaneous kitchen adventures.

This simple yet sophisticated dish transforms basic pantry staples into a delectable meal that whispers comfort and creativity.

Garlic sizzles seductively in olive oil, creating an aromatic base that promises intense flavor without complicated techniques.

Rich Parmesan cheese adds a luxurious depth, while red pepper flakes contribute a subtle, warming kick that dances across your palate.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its minimalist approach, proving that extraordinary meals can emerge from humble components.

Prepare to elevate your midnight snacking experience with a dish that feels both indulgent and wonderfully uncomplicated: savor every bite.

Pro Tips for Late-Night Pasta Success

• Select Premium Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil elevates the entire dish, bringing rich, authentic Mediterranean flavors that make this midnight pasta sing.
• Customize Spice Levels: Red pepper flakes offer flexible heat control, so start with a pinch and gradually increase to match your personal taste tolerance.
• Pasta Water Magic: Starchy, salty water from cooking transforms the sauce, helping ingredients cling perfectly and creating a luxurious, glossy texture.
• Strategic Resting Time: Letting pasta sit for 2-3 minutes after cooking allows sauce to deeply penetrate each strand, concentrating flavors and improving overall mouthfeel.
• Smart Ingredient Preparation: Chop garlic and parsley just before adding to ensure maximum flavor release and vibrant, fresh taste in your final dish.

How to Save Extra Pasta for Later

• Airtight Container Method: Transfer cooled pasta into a sealed glass or hard plastic container with a tight-fitting lid. Press plastic wrap directly onto the pasta surface before closing to prevent moisture and freezer burn, ensuring maximum flavor preservation.
• Portion Control Method: Divide remaining pasta into individual serving sizes before storing. Use small meal-prep containers or zip-lock bags, removing excess air to maintain freshness and make reheating easier for quick weeknight meals.
• Freezing Strategy: Spread pasta in a thin, even layer inside a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag. Label with the date and contents, placing it flat in the freezer to prevent clumping and maintain optimal texture when thawing.

Turn It Into Something New—Pasta Reimagined

• Seafood Sensation: Add sautéed shrimp or scallops to the pasta for a protein-packed version. Quickly cook seafood in the same pan before adding garlic for extra flavor depth.
• Vegetable Medley: Incorporate roasted cherry tomatoes, sautéed spinach, or grilled zucchini to boost nutritional value. Chop vegetables into small pieces and add them with the parsley for a fresh, colorful finish.
• Herb-Infused Edition: Experiment with fresh herbs like basil, oregano, or thyme instead of parsley. Chop herbs finely and sprinkle generously just before serving to enhance the pasta's aromatic profile.
• Spicy Chorizo Kick: Crisp up diced chorizo in the pan before adding garlic, creating a rich, smoky undertone. The sausage's oils will blend beautifully with the existing garlic and red pepper flake base.

One Last Forkful of Midnight Pasta Wisdom

Midnight Pasta from Ina Garten whispers culinary magic through simplicity and bold flavors.

Mediterranean influences dance within this elegant dish, transforming basic ingredients into restaurant-quality comfort.

Garlic’s aromatic essence mingles with spicy red pepper flakes, creating depth beyond expectation.

Parmesan cheese adds luxurious richness while fresh parsley brings brightness to each delectable bite.

Home cooks can channel Garten’s effortless style with this quick, sophisticated recipe that promises restaurant-quality results in mere minutes.

Passionate palates will crave these harmonious flavors – so snap that kitchen dish, share your masterpiece on social media, and spark conversation among fellow cooking enthusiasts.

Why You’ll Love Ina Garten’s Midnight Pasta

• Savor Quick Comfort: This midnight pasta delivers restaurant-quality flavor in just 20 minutes, perfect for late-night cravings or sudden hunger pangs.
• Master Simple Gourmet Technique: The recipe transforms basic ingredients like garlic, olive oil, and red pepper flakes into a sophisticated, restaurant-worthy dish without complex cooking skills.
• Embrace Minimal Ingredient Magic: With only a handful of pantry staples, you can create a deliciously rich pasta that feels luxurious yet incredibly easy to prepare, making it ideal for spontaneous meals or lazy evenings.

Pantry Items Needed for Midnight Pasta Magic

• Spaghetti: Classic long pasta that holds sauce perfectly, best when using high-quality dried pasta.
• Kosher Salt: Essential for seasoning pasta water and enhancing overall flavor.

• Olive Oil, Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Rich, fruity base that creates smooth sauce texture, choose a good quality oil.
• Garlic: Provides deep, aromatic flavor, fresh garlic cloves are preferred over pre-minced.

• Parmesan Cheese, Parsley: Fresh grated cheese adds sharp flavor and herbs bring bright freshness, choose freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Adds subtle heat and complexity to the dish, adjust amount based on spice preference.

Quick-Cook Midnight Pasta Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Pasta Water

Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Add salt and cook pasta according to package instructions. Before draining, carefully reserve 1 1/2 cups of pasta water.

Step 2: Infuse Olive Oil

• Minced garlic
• Red pepper flakes

Gently sauté until garlic turns golden and becomes fragrant, about 2 minutes.

Step 3: Create Sauce Base

Pour reserved pasta water into the garlic-infused oil. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat. Simmer for 5 minutes until liquid reduces by one-third.

Step 4: Combine Pasta and Sauce

• Freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• Chopped parsley

Toss until pasta is evenly coated.

Step 5: Rest and Serve

Allow pasta to rest for 5 minutes, letting sauce absorb into the noodles. Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve immediately with an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.

Serving Suggestion: Enjoy this classic midnight pasta as a comforting late-night meal or quick weeknight dinner.

Ina Garten Midnight Pasta Recipe

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4.9 from 8 reviews

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

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Description

Midnight Pasta by Ina Garten brings simple Italian elegance to late-night cravings with garlic, olive oil, and red pepper flakes. Rich parmesan cheese and fresh parsley complete this quick, satisfying spaghetti dish you can whip up in minutes.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 pound dried spaghetti, such as DeCecco
• 8 large garlic cloves, cut into thin slivers
• 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving

Seasonings and Spices:

• ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• ½ cup minced fresh parsley
• 1 kosher salt

Oils and Liquids:

• ⅓ cup good olive oil

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Instructions

1. Bring a generously sized pot of water to a rolling boil. Add of salt and cook the pasta according to package instructions. Carefully reserve 1 of the starchy pasta water before draining.
2. Simultaneously, select a large 12-inch (30 centimeters) sauté pan and warm the olive oil over medium heat.
3. Introduce minced garlic to the heated oil, stirring continuously for 2 minutes until the edges turn a delicate golden brown. Exercise caution to prevent burning. Sprinkle red pepper flakes and allow them to sizzle for an additional 30 seconds.
4. Create a harmonious blend by combining the aromatic garlic-infused oil with the reserved pasta water. Elevate the mixture to a vigorous boil.
5. Reduce the heat to a gentle simmer, incorporate an additional teaspoon (5 grams) of salt, and let the liquid reduce by approximately one-third, which typically takes around 5 minutes.
6. Transfer the drained pasta into the pan, coating each strand with the fragrant garlic sauce. Remove from heat and gently fold in freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley.
7. Allow the pasta to rest for 5 minutes, enabling the sauce to fully embrace and coat the pasta. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve immediately, garnishing with an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.

Notes

• Elevate the dish’s richness by selecting premium extra virgin olive oil with robust, fruity notes.
• Customize heat levels by gradually adding red pepper flakes, tasting as you go for perfect personal spiciness.
• Pasta water’s starchy magic transforms sauces, creating luxurious, clingy textures that beautifully coat every strand.
• Letting pasta sit briefly after mixing allows ingredients to meld, deepening flavor profiles and ensuring optimal sauce penetration.
• Invest in fresh, high-quality ingredients as they’re the foundation of an exceptional culinary experience.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 650 kcal
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 250 mg
• Fat: 35 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 70 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 22 g
• Cholesterol: 40 mg