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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- Simultaneously, select a large 12-inch (30 centimeters) sauté pan and warm the olive oil over medium heat.
- 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.
- Create a harmonious blend by combining the aromatic garlic-infused oil with the reserved pasta water. Elevate the mixture to a vigorous boil.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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