Why Make This Recipe
Midnight Pasta is a quick and satisfying dish perfect for late-night cravings. It’s simple to make and uses ingredients you likely have on hand. The combination of garlic, olive oil, and fresh herbs creates a light yet flavorful meal. Whether you’re cooking for one or sharing with friends, this pasta will hit the spot without taking much time or effort.
How to Make Midnight Pasta
Ingredients:
- Pasta (spaghetti or linguine)
- Olive oil
- Garlic (minced)
- Red pepper flakes
- Fresh parsley (chopped)
- Fresh lemon juice
- Parmesan cheese (grated)
- Salt
- Black pepper
Directions:
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and reserve some pasta water.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes; sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing it with the garlic oil. If the pasta seems dry, add a little reserved pasta water to create a light sauce.
- Stir in chopped parsley, lemon juice, salt, and pepper to taste.
- Serve warm, topped with grated parmesan cheese.
How to Serve Midnight Pasta
Midnight Pasta is best served warm. You can plate it individually or in a large bowl for sharing. Garnish with extra fresh parsley and a sprinkle of parmesan cheese for a touch of elegance. It pairs well with a simple salad or garlic bread for a more substantial meal.
How to Store Midnight Pasta
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. Midnight Pasta is best eaten fresh but can be kept for up to 2 days. Reheat it in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or olive oil to bring back moisture.
Tips to Make Midnight Pasta
- Make sure to reserve pasta water before draining; it helps create a silky sauce.
- Adjust the red pepper flakes to your spice preference.
- Fresh herbs like basil or thyme can also be used instead of parsley for a different flavor.
- For added protein, consider tossing in some grilled chicken or shrimp.
Variation
You can customize this dish by adding seasonal vegetables like spinach, cherry tomatoes, or asparagus. Just sauté them along with the garlic for a bit of extra flavor and nutrition.
FAQs
Q: Can I use other types of pasta?
A: Yes, you can use any pasta you like, such as penne or fusilli.
Q: What can I substitute for Parmesan cheese?
A: If you’re looking for a vegan option, try nutritional yeast or a dairy-free cheese alternative.
Q: Is Midnight Pasta suitable for meal prep?
A: While it’s best fresh, you can prepare the ingredients in advance and cook the pasta just before serving for quick meals throughout the week.
Midnight Pasta
Equipment
- Large pot
- Frying pan
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 200 g Spaghetti
- 4 Garlic cloves, thinly sliced
- 0.5 tsp Chili flakes
- 200 g Cherry tomatoes halved
- 4 tbsp Olive oil
- 0.25 cup Parsley fresh, chopped
- 0.25 cup Parmesan cheese grated
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
Instructions
Cooking Instructions
- Cook spaghetti according to package directions in salted water.
- While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat, then add sliced garlic and chili flakes, cooking until fragrant (about 1 minute).
- Add halved cherry tomatoes to the pan and cook for 5-7 minutes, until they soften and burst.
- Drain the spaghetti, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water, and add the spaghetti to the pan with the sauce.
- Toss everything together, adding a splash of reserved pasta water to create a silky sauce, and stir in fresh parsley and grated Parmesan.
- Season with salt and black pepper to taste and serve immediately.