Ina Garten's Midnight Pasta Recipe
Late nights need simple comfort food. This dish feels cozy and indulgent. It uses pantry staples only. Flavors stay bold and balanced.
Ingredients
- 12 ounces spaghetti
- ⅓ cup olive oil
- 6 garlic cloves sliced
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup chopped parsley
- Reserved pasta water
Instructions
- Boil pasta in salted water.
- Reserve one cup pasta water.
- Heat olive oil gently.
- Add garlic slowly.
- Cook until lightly golden.
- Add red pepper flakes.
- Stir briefly and remove heat.
- Add cooked pasta to pan.
- Splash pasta water gradually.
- Toss until glossy.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Finish with cheese and parsley.
Notes
- Use high-quality olive oil.
- Slice garlic evenly.
- Never burn the garlic.
- Control spice with fewer flakes.
- Add pasta water slowly.