why make this recipe
Ina Garten’s Midnight Pasta is a fantastic dish that is quick and easy to prepare. It’s perfect for a late-night snack or a light dinner. The combination of garlic, red pepper flakes, and fresh basil creates a simple yet delicious flavor. Plus, you’ll likely have most of the ingredients on hand, making it an accessible recipe for busy cooks.
how to make Midnight Pasta
Ingredients:
- Spaghetti or linguine
- Olive oil
- Garlic
- Red pepper flakes
- Fresh basil
- Parmesan cheese
- Salt
- Pepper
Directions:
- Cook the spaghetti or linguine according to package instructions until al dente.
- In a large pan, heat olive oil over medium heat and add minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté until fragrant.
- Drain the pasta, reserving some pasta water.
- Add the cooked pasta to the pan along with chopped fresh basil and grated parmesan. Toss to combine, adding reserved pasta water if necessary to create a sauce.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve immediately, garnished with additional parmesan and basil.
how to serve Midnight Pasta
Serve Midnight Pasta hot right after cooking. It works well as a main dish or a side. For extra flavor, add more grated parmesan on top and garnish with fresh basil leaves. A simple green salad pairs nicely with this pasta dish.
how to store Midnight Pasta
If you have leftovers, let the pasta cool down before storing it. Place it in an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator. It can be stored for up to three days. To reheat, add a splash of water or olive oil in a pan to help revive the pasta.
tips to make Midnight Pasta
- Use high-quality olive oil for the best taste.
- Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes based on your spice preference.
- Fresh basil is key; try to use it rather than dried for a vibrant flavor.
- If you like a creamier sauce, add a bit of heavy cream or a splash of lemon juice.
variation
For a heartier version, you can add cooked shrimp or sautéed vegetables like spinach or cherry tomatoes. You can also substitute the parmesan with pecorino or nutritional yeast for a dairy-free option.
FAQs
Q: Can I use other types of pasta?
A: Yes, you can use any pasta you prefer, such as penne or fettuccine.
Q: Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
A: Yes, it stores well and can be made ahead for quick meals throughout the week.
Q: What if I don’t have fresh basil?
A: You can use dried basil, but fresh basil gives the best flavor. If you need to use dried, add it during cooking so it can rehydrate.
Midnight Pasta
Ingredients
Pasta and Sauce Base
- 200 grams Spaghetti or linguine Use your preferred pasta.
- 2 tablespoons Olive oil Use high-quality olive oil for the best taste.
- 2 cloves Garlic Minced.
- 1/2 teaspoon Red pepper flakes Adjust based on spice preference.
- 1/4 cup Fresh basil Chopped; fresh is preferred.
- 50 grams Parmesan cheese Grated for serving.
- to taste Salt For seasoning.
- to taste Pepper For seasoning.
Instructions
Cooking the Pasta
- Cook the spaghetti or linguine according to package instructions until al dente.
Preparing the Sauce
- In a large pan, heat olive oil over medium heat and add minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté until fragrant.
- Drain the pasta, reserving some pasta water.
- Add the cooked pasta to the pan along with chopped fresh basil and grated parmesan. Toss to combine, adding reserved pasta water if necessary to create a sauce.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serving
- Serve immediately, garnished with additional parmesan and basil.