Ina Garten Midnight Pasta Recipe
Ina Garten Midnight Pasta Recipe is a simple, delicious and comforting late-night dish.
Ingredients
- 12 ounces spaghetti or linguine
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 garlic cloves thinly sliced
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- ½ cup reserved pasta water
- ¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped
Instructions
Boil the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
Reserve Pasta Water
- Before draining, save half a cup of pasta water. This will help make the sauce creamy and stick to the noodles.
Heat Olive Oil
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and red pepper flakes and cook until fragrant.
Cook the Tomatoes
- Add cherry tomatoes to the skillet. Sauté for three to four minutes until tomatoes soften and release their juices.
Season the Sauce
- Add salt and black pepper to taste. Stir gently to combine the flavors.
Combine Pasta and Sauce
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet. Toss with the sauce, adding reserved pasta water gradually to create a silky texture.
Add Cheese
- Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta. Toss again until the noodles are coated and creamy.
Garnish and Serve
- Remove from heat. Sprinkle chopped parsley on top. Serve immediately while warm for best flavor.
Notes
- Use fresh cherry tomatoes for sweeter, juicier pasta.
- Adjust red pepper flakes to control spiciness.
- Add cooked shrimp or chicken for a protein boost.
- Swap spaghetti for fettuccine, penne, or linguine.
- Use Pecorino Romano instead of Parmesan for sharper flavor.
- Drizzle a little extra olive oil before serving for richness.
- Add a squeeze of lemon for brightness.