Midnight Pasta Italian Spaghetti with Garlic & Chili is a delightful dish, perfect for late-night cravings or quick weeknight dinners. This simple yet flavorful recipe combines the warmth of garlic, the kick of chili, and the freshness of parsley. It’s a quick meal that can be whipped up in no time, making it a favorite in many households.
Recipe Information
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Difficulty Level: Easy
Nutrition Information
- Calories per serving: 450
- Protein: 12 g
- Carbohydrates: 56 g
- Fat: 20 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 220 mg
Why Make This Midnight Pasta Italian Spaghetti with Garlic & Chili
This Midnight Pasta is the epitome of comfort food—it’s ready in under 30 minutes and requires minimal ingredients without sacrificing flavor. The combination of garlic and chili creates a beautiful balance between aromatic and spicy, while the fresh parsley adds a vibrant touch. Perfect for those evenings when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen, this dish promises both satisfaction and quick cleanup.
How to Make Midnight Pasta Italian Spaghetti with Garlic & Chili
Ingredients:
- 400 g spaghetti
- 6 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 6 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
- Zest of 1 lemon (optional)
Directions:
Step 1: Preparation
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta cooking water, then drain the spaghetti and set aside.
Step 2: Sautéing Garlic
In a large skillet, heat the extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the sliced garlic to the skillet. Sauté gently, stirring frequently, until the garlic is golden brown and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes. Be careful not to let it burn.
Step 3: Blooming the Chili Flakes
Add the red pepper flakes to the skillet and cook for an additional 30 seconds, allowing the heat to bloom in the oil.
Step 4: Combining and Finishing the Dish
Add the drained spaghetti directly to the skillet. Toss to combine the spaghetti with the garlic and chili oil. If the pasta seems dry, gradually add some reserved pasta cooking water, a few tablespoons at a time, until the desired sauce consistency is reached. Remove the skillet from heat. Stir in the chopped parsley, and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Serve immediately, topped with grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of lemon zest if desired.
How to Serve Midnight Pasta Italian Spaghetti with Garlic & Chili
Serve this Midnight Pasta warm for the best flavor experience. It pairs beautifully with a simple side salad or crusty bread to soak up all those wonderful garlicky juices. For an extra touch, drizzle a little more olive oil on top before serving, and provide extra Parmesan cheese on the side.
How to Store Midnight Pasta Italian Spaghetti with Garlic & Chili
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of water or olive oil to loosen the pasta before serving again. While it may lose some of its freshness, it will still be tasty!
Expert Tips for Perfect Midnight Pasta Italian Spaghetti with Garlic & Chili
- Choose Quality Olive Oil: The flavor of the olive oil greatly impacts the dish, so opt for a good quality extra virgin olive oil.
- Don’t Overcook the Garlic: Keep an eye on the garlic as it cooks; burnt garlic can turn bitter and ruin the dish.
- Adjust the Heat: Modify the chili flakes according to your spice tolerance. Start with less, then add more if desired.
- Zest for Freshness: Adding lemon zest elevates the dish and gives it a refreshing finish, so don’t skip this if you have a lemon on hand.
Delicious Variations
- Add Veggies: Toss in some sautéed vegetables like spinach, cherry tomatoes, or zucchini for added nutrition and texture.
- Protein Boost: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas to make this dish heartier.
- Cheesy Delight: Incorporate a mix of cheeses—such as feta or mozzarella—alongside the Parmesan for a more indulgent meal.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Can I use other types of pasta?
Yes! Though spaghetti works perfectly, feel free to use any pasta shape you prefer or have on hand. -
What if I don’t have fresh parsley?
Dried parsley can be used in a pinch. However, fresh herbs will elevate the dish more effectively. -
Is this recipe vegan-friendly?
Yes, simply skip the Parmesan cheese or use a vegan cheese alternative to maintain the vegan profile. -
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute spaghetti with a gluten-free pasta option, and the recipe will remain just as delicious. -
What side dishes pair well with Midnight Pasta?
A light arugula salad or grilled vegetables make great accompaniments, balancing the richness of the pasta.
Conclusion
Midnight Pasta Italian Spaghetti with Garlic & Chili is a quick, easy, and utterly satisfying dish perfect for any time of the day. Its aromatic garlic and spicy chili will tantalize your taste buds, while the freshness of parsley adds a delightful crunch. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or sharing with friends, this recipe is sure to impress. So grab your ingredients and treat yourself to this culinary delight—you won’t regret it!
Print
Midnight Pasta Italian Spaghetti with Garlic & Chili
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delightful dish perfect for late-night cravings or quick weeknight dinners, combining garlic, chili, and parsley for a flavorful experience.
Ingredients
- 400 g spaghetti
- 6 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 6 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
- Zest of 1 lemon (optional)
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta cooking water, then drain the spaghetti and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat the extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced garlic and sauté gently until golden brown and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the red pepper flakes and cook for an additional 30 seconds.
- Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet and toss to combine with the garlic and chili oil. If the pasta seems dry, gradually add reserved pasta cooking water as needed. Stir in the chopped parsley, season with salt and black pepper, and serve immediately topped with Parmesan cheese and lemon zest if desired.
Notes
For best flavor, use quality olive oil and don’t overcook the garlic. Adjust chili flakes according to spice preference.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 56g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
