Why Make This Recipe
Midnight Pasta is the perfect dish for late-night cravings. It’s quick, easy, and packed with flavor. If you are looking for something light yet satisfying, this pasta is a great choice. With fresh ingredients like garlic and cherry tomatoes, it brings together a delightful mix of taste and simplicity. You can whip it up in no time, making it ideal for those busy evenings or unexpected guests.
How to Make Midnight Pasta
Ingredients:
- 8 ounces spaghetti
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
Directions:
- Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and reserve some pasta water.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking until fragrant.
- Add cherry tomatoes and cook until they soften and begin to burst, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the cooked spaghetti and some reserved pasta water to create a light sauce. Mix in chopped basil and season with salt and pepper.
- Serve hot with grated Parmesan cheese on top.
How to Serve Midnight Pasta
You can serve Midnight Pasta immediately after cooking. Place the pasta in bowls and sprinkle with extra chopped basil and grated Parmesan cheese. For an extra touch, you can add a drizzle of olive oil on top. This dish works well with a simple side salad or some crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
How to Store Midnight Pasta
If you have leftover Midnight Pasta, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should last for 3 to 4 days. When you are ready to eat it again, simply reheat it in the microwave or on the stove. You may need to add a bit of water or olive oil to help loosen it up.
Tips to Make Midnight Pasta
- Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor. Fresh basil and ripe cherry tomatoes elevate the dish.
- Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes according to your heat preference.
- Feel free to experiment with other herbs, like parsley or oregano, for different flavors.
Variation
You can customize Midnight Pasta by adding protein such as grilled chicken, shrimp, or even plant-based alternatives like chickpeas. Adding spinach or arugula can also boost the nutrient value and add a nice texture.
FAQs
Can I use other types of pasta?
Yes, you can use any pasta you like, such as penne or linguine, if you don’t have spaghetti.
Is Midnight Pasta vegetarian?
Yes, Midnight Pasta is vegetarian. If you want to make it vegan, simply skip the Parmesan cheese.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
While the pasta is best served fresh, you can cook the sauce ahead of time and then combine it with the spaghetti when you are ready to eat. Just reheat the sauce before mixing.
Midnight Pasta
Ingredients
Pasta and Sauce Ingredients
- 8 ounces spaghetti Use any pasta variety.
- 1/4 cup olive oil Use good quality olive oil for better flavor.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced Fresh garlic is recommended.
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes Adjust according to heat preference.
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved Use ripe cherry tomatoes for the best taste.
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh basil Fresh basil enhances flavor.
- to taste salt and pepper Season to preference.
- for serving Grated Parmesan cheese Omit for vegan version.
Method
Cooking
- Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and reserve some pasta water.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking until fragrant.
- Add halved cherry tomatoes and cook until they soften and begin to burst, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the cooked spaghetti and some reserved pasta water to create a light sauce. Mix in chopped basil and season with salt and pepper.
- Serve hot with grated Parmesan cheese on top.