Ina Garten Midnight Pasta Recipe

This Ina Garten Midnight Pasta Recipe is a simple and flavorful recipe, which uses garlic and red pepper flakes. It’s a straightforward recipe, ready in about 15 minutes.

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Ina Garten Midnight Pasta Recipe Ingredients

• 12 ounces spaghetti or linguine
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
• 1/4 cup finely chopped parsley
• 1 teaspoon freshly grated lemon zest
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt, to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

How To Make Ina Garten Midnight Pasta Recipe

1. Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta until al dente according to package instructions. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain.
2. Sauté the garlic: In a large skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil. Add the garlic and cook for 1–2 minutes until golden and fragrant. Do not let it burn.
3. Add red pepper flakes: Stir in the red pepper flakes and cook for 30 seconds to bring out their flavor.
4. Combine pasta and sauce: Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss to coat in the garlic oil. Gradually pour in reserved pasta water, 1/4 cup at a time, until the sauce reaches your desired consistency.
5. Finish with fresh ingredients: Remove from heat. Stir in chopped parsley, lemon zest, and Parmesan. Toss well to combine. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
6. Serve and enjoy: Divide among bowls and top with extra Parmesan and parsley if desired. Serve immediately.

Recipe Tips

• Can I use a different pasta shape?
  Yes, angel hair, fettuccine, or even penne will work if that’s what you have.
• What if I don’t have lemon zest?
  You can skip it or replace it with a splash of fresh lemon juice at the end for brightness.
• How to prevent garlic from burning:
  Cook it over medium heat and stir constantly—burnt garlic turns bitter quickly.
• Can I make this ahead?
  It’s best served fresh, but leftovers can be stored and reheated with a splash of water or olive oil.
• Is this recipe vegetarian?
  Yes, it’s naturally vegetarian. Just be sure your Parmesan is made without animal rennet.

What To Serve With Midnight Pasta

This pasta is light but flavorful, making it a great base or side. Pair it with:

• A crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette
• Roasted vegetables like asparagus or Brussels sprouts
• Garlic bread or crostini
• A glass of dry white wine
• Sautéed shrimp or grilled chicken (for added protein)

How To Store Midnight Pasta

Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Reheat: Reheat in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water or olive oil until warmed through.

Midnight Pasta Nutrition Facts

(Estimated per serving)

• Calories: 450
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Protein: 12g
• Fat: 24g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 320mg

Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.

FAQs

Can I add protein to this pasta?
Yes, cooked shrimp, grilled chicken, or crispy pancetta work well.

Is this spicy?
It has a mild heat from the red pepper flakes, but you can adjust the amount to your taste.

Can I use jarred garlic instead of fresh?
Fresh is preferred for best flavor, but jarred will work in a pinch.

What’s the best cheese for this recipe?
Freshly grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano adds the most flavor.

Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, use gluten-free pasta and double-check all other ingredients.

Try More Recipes:

• Ina Garten Spaghetti And Meatballs Recipe
• Ina Garten Lobster Tail Recipe
• Ina Garten Jeffrey’s Roast Chicken Recipe