Ina Garten Midnight Pasta Recipe

Ina Garten’s Midnight Pasta is a quick, flavorful dish perfect for late-night cravings or a simple meal. Combining al dente pasta with garlic, olive oil, red pepper flakes, and fresh parsley, this minimalist recipe delivers bold flavors with minimal effort. It’s a go-to dish when you want something comforting yet elegant in a pinch.

What is Ina Garten Midnight Pasta?

Ina Garten’s Midnight Pasta is a classic Italian-inspired dish made with pantry staples like pasta, olive oil, garlic, and red pepper flakes. Often finished with fresh parsley, Parmesan, and lemon, it’s a light yet satisfying meal ideal for any time of day.

Other Popular Recipes

• Ina Garten Sweet Potato Casserole
• Ina Garten Apple Clafoutis
• Ina Garten Pastitsio

Reasons to Try Ina Garten Midnight Pasta

• Quick and easy: Ready in just 20 minutes.
• Minimal ingredients: Made with simple, pantry staples.
• Bold flavors: Garlic and red pepper flakes pack a flavorful punch.
• Customizable: Add your favorite toppings like capers or anchovies.
• Perfect for any occasion: Great as a late-night snack or casual dinner.

Ingredients Needed to Make Ina Garten Midnight Pasta

• Spaghetti or linguine: 12 ounces.
• Olive oil: 1/4 cup.
• Garlic: 4 cloves, thinly sliced.
• Red pepper flakes: 1/2 teaspoon (adjust to taste).
• Parsley: 1/4 cup, finely chopped.
• Lemon zest: 1 teaspoon, freshly grated.
• Parmesan cheese: 1/2 cup, grated.
• Salt: To taste.
• Black pepper: Freshly ground, to taste.

Instructions to Prepare Ina Garten Midnight Pasta

Step 1: Cook the pasta

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain.

Step 2: Sauté the garlic

• In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced garlic and cook until it’s golden and fragrant, about 1–2 minutes. Be careful not to burn the garlic.

Step 3: Add red pepper flakes

• Stir in the red pepper flakes and cook for 30 seconds to release their flavor.

Step 4: Combine pasta and sauce

• Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat it evenly in the garlic and oil mixture.
• Gradually add reserved pasta water, 1/4 cup at a time, to loosen the sauce if needed.

Step 5: Finish with fresh ingredients

• Remove the skillet from heat. Stir in parsley, lemon zest, and grated Parmesan. Toss until well combined.
• Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.

Step 6: Serve and enjoy

• Divide the pasta into bowls and garnish with additional Parmesan and parsley, if desired. Serve immediately.

What Goes Well With Ina Garten Midnight Pasta

• Garlic bread: Perfect for scooping up any leftover sauce.
• Simple green salad: Adds freshness and balance to the meal.
• Roasted vegetables: Pair with roasted zucchini or asparagus.
• Crisp white wine: A glass of Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio complements the flavors beautifully.

Key Tips for Making Ina Garten Midnight Pasta

• Don’t overcook the garlic: Golden garlic adds flavor, but burnt garlic can taste bitter.
• Save the pasta water: It’s key to creating a silky sauce.
• Use high-quality olive oil: The flavor shines through in this simple dish.
• Adjust spice levels: Add more or less red pepper flakes to suit your taste.
• Serve immediately: Midnight pasta is best enjoyed fresh and hot.

Creative Variations of Ina Garten Midnight Pasta

• Anchovy addition: Melt a few anchovy fillets in the olive oil for extra umami.
• Capers or olives: Add briny capers or chopped olives for a tangy twist.
• Vegetarian boost: Toss in fresh arugula or spinach at the end for a pop of greens.
• Lemon-forward: Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the pasta for a brighter flavor.

Storage Guidelines for Ina Garten Midnight Pasta

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
• Reheating: Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of water or olive oil to restore the sauce’s consistency.
• Do not freeze: This dish is best enjoyed fresh as freezing can affect the texture of the pasta.

FAQs

Can I use any type of pasta for Midnight Pasta?

Yes, any long pasta like spaghetti, linguine, or fettuccine works well for Midnight Pasta. Short pasta like penne or rigatoni can also be used if preferred.

How do I prevent the garlic from burning in Midnight Pasta?

To prevent garlic from burning, cook it over medium heat and keep a close eye on it. Stir frequently and remove it from the heat as soon as it turns golden brown.

Can I make Midnight Pasta less spicy?

Yes, you can adjust the spice level by reducing the amount of red pepper flakes or omitting them altogether.

What can I add to Midnight Pasta for extra flavor?

You can enhance the flavor by adding anchovies, capers, olives, or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. Fresh basil or arugula also makes a great addition to a pop of freshness.

Wrapping Up

Ina Garten’s Midnight Pasta is a delightful dish that proves simplicity can be incredibly satisfying. With its quick preparation and bold flavors, this recipe is perfect for late-night cravings or a light yet elegant meal.

Try it out, and enjoy a taste of comfort and sophistication in just 20 minutes.

More Ina Garten Recipes

• Ina Garten Lamb Sausage in Puff Pastry
• Ina Garten Crustless Quiche
• Ina Garten Guacamole
• Ina Garten Snickerdoodles

Print