Quick Pasta Dishes Simple – Midnight Garlic Spaghetti
Ina Garten’s Midnight Pasta is a garlicky, spicy, and quick comfort meal made with pantry staples — the perfect late-night or anytime indulgence.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 17 minutes
- Yield: 2-3 servings 1x
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz spaghetti
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 4–6 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
- ½–1 tsp red pepper flakes
- ½–1 cup reserved pasta water
- Salt, to taste
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Anchovy paste or fillets (optional)
- Lemon zest or juice (optional)
Instructions
- Cook pasta in salted water until al dente. Reserve 1 cup pasta water and drain.
- In a large pan, heat olive oil. Add garlic and sauté until golden, 2–3 minutes.
- Add red pepper flakes and stir. Add pasta water to create a sauce base.
- Add pasta, toss well, and stir in Parmesan (optional).
- Top with parsley, pepper, and lemon zest or juice. Serve immediately.
Notes
Use anchovy paste for deeper flavor. Add spinach or a poached egg for variation. Best enjoyed fresh and hot.