Ina Garten’s Midnight Pasta is a fast, comforting spaghetti dish made with garlic, olive oil, and red pepper flakes — a pantry-friendly meal perfect for any hour.
12 oz spaghetti
5–6 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
¼–½ tsp red pepper flakes
Salt and black pepper, to taste
¼ cup grated Parmesan (optional)
2 tbsp chopped parsley (optional)
1 cup reserved pasta water
Boil spaghetti in salted water until al dente. Reserve 1 cup pasta water.
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté until golden.
Add red pepper flakes and stir for 30 seconds.
Add drained spaghetti and ½ cup pasta water. Toss to coat and emulsify.
Season with salt, pepper, and Parmesan. Add parsley if using.
Serve hot with extra cheese and olive oil.