Ina Garten Midnight Pasta is a Must-Try Recipe! – Wilingga Recipes

Introduction

Looking to whip up a late-night meal that’s equal parts sophisticated and comforting? Ina Garten’s Midnight Pasta is your answer. With its simple yet perfectly balanced flavors, this dish embodies the beauty of cooking something delicious in no time—ideal for satisfying midnight cravings or serving as an elegant dinner for two. Its combination of pantry staples and bold flavors makes it a must-try recipe for both experienced cooks and beginners.

Why Ina Garten Midnight Pasta is a Must-Try

The magic of this recipe lies in its simplicity and punchy flavor profile. Midnight Pasta relies on a handful of high-quality ingredients—garlic, olive oil, red pepper flakes, and parsley—for a result that’s greater than the sum of its parts. The umami hit from grated Parmesan and the gentle heat make this dish a crowd-pleaser for any spontaneous meal. No fancy ingredients, no fuss—just classic flavors in perfect harmony.

Essential Tips for Perfect Midnight Pasta

It’s important to prepare all your ingredients before the pasta hits the boiling water, as the sauce comes together rapidly. Use a high-quality extra virgin olive oil and fresh garlic for the best flavor. Cooking the garlic gently (without browning) ensures a mellow yet fragrant base for the sauce. Reserve some pasta water to loosen the sauce and help it cling to each perfect strand of spaghetti.

Serving Suggestions for Ina Garten Midnight Pasta

Serve this pasta dish immediately, garnished with a generous grating of Parmesan and a sprinkle of fresh parsley. Pair it with a crisp green salad or some crusty bread for a complete meal. This pasta stands beautifully on its own, whether it’s a midnight snack or a star turn at your dinner table.

Nutritional Information and Serving Size

This recipe makes about 2 to 3 servings. Each portion contains approximately 350-400 calories, depending on the amount of cheese and oil used. It’s a balanced and satisfying meal that’s perfect for guilt-free late-night dining!

Ina Garten Midnight Pasta (Recap)

With minimal prep, a few staple ingredients, and bold flavors, Ina Garten’s Midnight Pasta is destined to become a staple in your repertoire. Its ease and irresistible taste make it a must-try recipe loved by all.

💡Meal Planning Tip: Save this recipe to automatically generate an organized shopping list with all ingredients sorted by store section—perfect for efficient grocery trips and meal planning.

Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rapid boil. Add spaghetti and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain.
2. While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced garlic and cook, stirring, just until fragrant and lightly golden (do not brown), about 1–2 minutes.
3. Add the red pepper flakes and stir for 30 seconds.
4. Add the drained pasta directly to the skillet. Toss well to coat in the oil and garlic. If needed, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce.
5. Season generously with salt and black pepper. Remove from heat and toss with grated Parmesan and chopped parsley.
6. Serve immediately, topped with more Parmesan and a hint of lemon zest if desired.

Weekly Meal Planning

Ina Garten Midnight Pasta is a fantastic addition to any weekly meal prep lineup. Save and schedule this recipe to plan your dinners or late-night meals, and automatically consolidate ingredient quantities from all your recipes into a seamless, organized shopping list.

Planning Benefits:

– Automatically calculates total ingredient quantities across multiple recipes
– Organizes shopping lists by grocery store sections
– Prevents duplicate purchases and forgotten ingredients
– Makes weekly meal prep more efficient and stress-free

Pro tip: When planning meals for the week, schedule your recipes to discover where ingredients overlap. For instance, if you’re making this pasta and another dish with parsley, your shopping list will automatically calculate exactly how much to buy—eliminating guesswork and waste.

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 22 minutes

Midnight Pasta is the perfect combination of flavor, simplicity, and efficiency—tailor-made for spontaneous cooks and planned meal preppers alike!