Why Make This Recipe
Midnight Pasta is a quick and easy dish perfect for late-night cravings. Its simple ingredients create a flavorful meal in no time. This recipe is ideal for those who want something satisfying without spending a lot of time in the kitchen. Plus, it requires minimal cleanup, making it even more convenient!
How to Make Midnight Pasta
Ingredients:
- Spaghetti or your choice of pasta
- Olive oil
- Garlic
- Red pepper flakes
- Fresh parsley
- Parmesan cheese
- Salt
- Pepper
Directions:
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes; sauté until fragrant.
- Drain the pasta, reserving some pasta water, and add it to the skillet.
- Toss the pasta with the garlic oil, adding reserved pasta water as needed to loosen.
- Stir in fresh parsley, season with salt and pepper, and top with grated parmesan cheese.
- Serve immediately.
How to Serve Midnight Pasta
Serve Midnight Pasta warm, topped with extra grated Parmesan cheese and freshly chopped parsley for a nice touch. Pair it with a simple salad or some crusty bread to make a balanced meal. This dish is best enjoyed right away.
How to Store Midnight Pasta
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The pasta will keep well for about 2-3 days. When reheating, add a splash of olive oil or water to help regain its creaminess.
Tips to Make Midnight Pasta
- Make sure not to overcook the pasta; it should be al dente for the best texture.
- If you love garlic, feel free to add more to enhance the flavor.
- For a little extra zing, squeeze some lemon juice over the pasta before serving.
Variation
You can customize this recipe easily. Add cooked shrimp, chicken, or vegetables like spinach or cherry tomatoes for added nutrition and flavor. Experiment with different herbs, such as basil or oregano, to change it up!
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, you can use any type of pasta you prefer. Penne, linguine, or even gluten-free pasta works great.
2. What can I use instead of Parmesan cheese?
If you don’t have Parmesan, you can use Pecorino Romano or nutritional yeast for a dairy-free option.
3. Is this dish spicy?
The red pepper flakes add a bit of heat, but you can adjust the amount to your taste. You can leave them out entirely for a milder dish.
Print
Midnight Pasta
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A quick and easy pasta dish perfect for late-night cravings, featuring garlic, olive oil, and Parmesan cheese.
Ingredients
- Spaghetti or your choice of pasta
- Olive oil
- Garlic
- Red pepper flakes
- Fresh parsley
- Parmesan cheese
- Salt
- Pepper
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes; sauté until fragrant.
- Drain the pasta, reserving some pasta water, and add it to the skillet.
- Toss the pasta with the garlic oil, adding reserved pasta water as needed to loosen.
- Stir in fresh parsley, season with salt and pepper, and top with grated Parmesan cheese.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
For variation, add cooked shrimp, chicken, or vegetables like spinach or cherry tomatoes. Squeeze lemon juice for extra zing.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 15mg