Go Back
–+ servings
Ina Garten Midnight Pasta

Ina Garten Midnight Pasta – Simple Comfort for Late Nights

Ina Garten Midnight Pasta is the ultimate quick pasta recipe, blending indulgent flavors with fresh zest for late-night cravings.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 350
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 8 ounces Spaghetti Can substitute with penne, fettuccine, or gluten-free pasta
For the Sauce
  • 1/4 cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil High-quality oil enhances flavor
  • 4-5 cloves Garlic Fresh, sliced
  • 1/4 teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes Adjust for spice level
  • 1 teaspoon Lemon Zest A splash of fresh lemon juice can also add acidity
  • to taste Salt
  • to taste Black Pepper
For the Finish
  • 1/4 cup Fresh Parsley Chopped; can substitute with basil or arugula
  • 1/2 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese Can substitute with Pecorino Romano or dairy-free alternatives

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Skillet

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Boil the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, add spaghetti, and cook until al dente (8–10 minutes). Reserve 1 cup of starchy pasta water before draining.
  2. Aromatic Sauté: In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add sliced garlic and red pepper flakes, sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
  3. Combine the Pasta and Sauce: Add reserved spaghetti to the skillet, toss to coat. Gradually stir in reserved pasta water to achieve desired sauce consistency.
  4. Add Fresh Ingredients: Toss in chopped parsley and lemon zest. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
  5. Plate and Serve: Plate pasta, twirl into nests, top with grated Parmesan and extra parsley or red pepper flakes, and serve warm.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 52gProtein: 10gFat: 13gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 5mgSodium: 300mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 2gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 5IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 8mgIron: 10mg

Notes

For optimal flavor, use high-quality ingredients and adjust seasonings to your preference.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!