Make Ina Garten’s Famous Midnight Pasta Right Now

Introduction

Ina Garten’s Famous Midnight Pasta is the ultimate answer to late-night cravings or effortless hosting. With its bold garlic flavor, spicy red chili flakes, and the rustic simplicity of pantry staples, this dish earns its reputation as a must-try. Whip it up in under 30 minutes—no special ingredients required—and enjoy a satisfying, crowd-pleasing meal that tastes straight out of a high-end trattoria, no reservations needed.

Why This Midnight Pasta Is a Total Game Changer

This recipe stands out thanks to its remarkably simple ingredient list that transforms into an explosion of flavor. Just good-quality olive oil, garlic, crushed red pepper, and a finishing shower of Parmesan are all you need. Elegant yet easy, it’s a go-to for exhausted weeknights, spontaneous gatherings, or anytime you crave restaurant-quality comfort food made in your own kitchen.

The Secret to Ina Garten’s Irresistible Midnight Pasta Sauce

The secret is bringing out the best in each ingredient. Gently cook garlic in olive oil to unlock deep sweetness without bitterness, then infuse it with red chile flakes for warmth. Ladle in starchy pasta water to emulsify into a silky sauce. Finish with a flurry of freshly grated Parmesan and chopped parsley for brightness and depth. No jarred sauces, no fuss—just pure, delicious simplicity.

Getting Midnight Pasta Just Right

Cook your pasta just until al dente—retaining a bit of bite—then toss immediately into the garlic oil. The starchy pasta water carries the sauce to every noodle, giving each forkful that signature luscious finish. Don’t forget plenty of cracked black pepper and an extra drizzle of olive oil before serving.

Serving and Pairing Ideas

Keep things classic and serve as a midnight snack or main course, topped with a generous shower of Parmesan and a handful of fresh basil or parsley. Pair with a crisp white wine or sparkling water and a simple green salad for a refreshingly light meal. For added luxury, toss in sautéed shrimp, roasted cherry tomatoes, or a handful of toasted breadcrumbs.

Nutritional Information and Serving Size

This recipe serves 4 and is approximately 430–480 calories per serving, depending on the amount of olive oil and Parmesan used. It’s a warming, plant-based meal with healthy fats and satisfying carbs—perfect for that well-deserved comfort food moment.

Ina Garten’s Famous Midnight Pasta (Recap)

With just a few pantry staples, you can create an iconic dish brimming with character, taste, and comfort—no need to wait for a special occasion to indulge.

💡Meal Planning Tip: Save this recipe to generate an organized shopping list with all ingredients sorted by store section. Enjoy stress-free meal planning and faster trips to the grocery store!

Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until just al dente, according to package instructions. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water and drain the pasta.
2. While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large sauté pan over medium heat. Add sliced garlic and cook, stirring frequently, until golden and fragrant (about 2 minutes—do not let it burn).
3. Stir in the crushed red pepper flakes and cook for another 30 seconds.
4. Add the drained pasta to the pan and toss to coat in the garlic oil. Add reserved pasta water, 1/4 cup at a time, until a silky sauce forms and clings to the noodles.
5. Remove from heat and stir in Parmesan cheese, salt, and lots of freshly ground black pepper.
6. Toss in fresh herbs, if using. Serve immediately, garnished with extra cheese and herbs.

Weekly Meal Planning

Ina Garten’s Midnight Pasta is a fantastic addition to your weekly meal rotation, perfect for busy days or impromptu dinners. Save and schedule this recipe for smart meal planning, and instantly generate a shopping list that combines all your meals for the week in one organized, easy-to-use list.

Planning Benefits:

– Consolidates ingredients across recipes, so you never overbuy or run low
– Customizes grocery lists by store department for maximum efficiency
– Makes meal prep quicker with less last-minute stress

Pro tip: Schedule your meals to see overlapping ingredients—reduce food waste by buying only what you need. Combine Midnight Pasta with salad recipes or a protein dish for a complete, balanced weekly plan.

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes