Midnight Spaghetti Recipe – (Pasta Aglio E Olio)

Midnight spaghetti is a quick and easy recipe that is perfect to make when you have that late-night craving after a long evening out. However, it is also the perfect recipe when you need to get dinner on the table quickly on a busy weeknight.

Although it requires just a few simple ingredients, this dish holds a ton of flavor. Garlic, red pepper flakes and Parmesan cheese are tossed with cooked pasta for a simple, yet delicious meal.

In addition this dish can easily be customized to your liking. Whether you like it spicy, cheesy, or want to add in vegetables and protein, this recipe can be adapted to whatever you have on hand.

Why Is It Called Midnight Spaghetti?

The exact origin of the term is unclear, however it is thought to have originated in Naples, Italy where eating pasta late at night or in the early hours of the morning is a common tradition.

And because this recipe requires only a few common ingredients and cooks in little time, it was often the food of choice when one is feeling hungry late at night.

In fact, the term Spaghetti Aglio e Olio is a classic Italian pasta dish that translates to spaghetti with garlic and oil. However, sometimes other ingredients such as anchovies, capers, and parsley are also added to the dish.

This simple yet satisfying pasta dish that gained it’s popularity as the perfect late-night snack has also become popular as a quick weeknight meal as well.

Why You Will Love To Make Midnight Spaghetti

There are many reasons why you will love this recipe. For one, it is a quick and easy meal to prepare. All you need is some pasta, a few simple ingredients, and a little bit of time.

Another reason to make midnight pasta is that it is a versatile dish. You can customize it to your own taste by adding different ingredients, such as vegetables, meats, or cheeses.

Simply use what you have on hand in the refrigerator to make it unique each and every time. This makes it a great option for those who are looking for a delicious and satisfying meal without having to spend a lot of time in the kitchen.

Finally, midnight pasta is a great way to save money. It is a relatively inexpensive dish to make, and it can easily be adapted to feed a large group of people.

Recipe Tips

Although this is a easy and simple recipe, there are a few tips to follow so that your Midnight Spaghetti turns out perfect every time.

• Use high-quality ingredients. The better the ingredients, the better the pasta will taste.

• Don’t overcook the pasta. Cook the pasta just to al’ dente. Pasta that is overcooked will become mushy and won’t hold up to tossing with the other ingredients.

• Season the pasta water with a generous amount of salt. I use 2 tablespoons of salt for 1 pound of spaghetti noodles.

• Stir the garlic slivers constantly when cooking. You want the edges to just turn slightly brown. Over cooked garlic will turn brown and taste bitter.

• Let the Midnight Spaghetti sit and rest. Once the pasta has been removed from the heat and tossed with the Parmesan cheese and parsley, let it sit and rest before serving. This will allow the noodles time to absorb all those delicious flavors.

Common Recipe Variations & Additions

There are endless possibilities when it comes to midnight pasta. This is a basic recipe, and you can easily customize it to your liking.

So don’t be afraid to experiment with different ingredients and flavors. You may just find your new favorite dish.

• Add some chopped vegetables, such as peppers, onions, tomatoes, spinach, or mushrooms.
• Add some cooked chicken, shrimp, or sausage.
• Stir in some shredded Mozzarella cheese.
• Add some chopped fresh herbs, such as parsley or basil.
• Throw in a few walnuts for an added crunch.
• Serve with a side of bread or salad.

Midnight Spaghetti Recipe

*Specific measurements and complete recipe instructions are located in a printable recipe card at the bottom of this article. However, be sure to continue to read the tips and tricks to making this recipe below.

INGREDIENTS

• 2 tablespoons Kosher salt (for pasta water)
• 1 pound dried spaghetti noodles
• 1/3 cup olive oil
• 6 large garlic cloves, cut in slivers
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (or more to taste)
• 1 teaspoon Kosher salt
• 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving

INSTRUCTIONS

The first step in making Midnight Spaghetti is to bring a large pot of generously salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti noodles and cook according to the directions on the package for al’ dente consistency.

Remove 1 cup of the pasta water and set aside. Drain the pasta.

Once you have the pasta water reserved place a large skillet or sauce pan over medium heat. Add the olive oil to the pan.

Once the oil is warm add the garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly until the edges just to turn slightly golden brown. It is important here to not let the garlic brown too much as it will become bitter.

Add the red pepper flakes to the pan and stir for 30 seconds. Then add the pasta water and stir.

Bring the mixture to a simmer. Add 1 teaspoon of salt and continue to simmer for 3-5 minutes, or until the liquid is reduced by half.

Add the drained spaghetti noodles to the pan and toss to coat. Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the parsley and Parmesan cheese.

Let The Pasta Rest

Let the pasta rest for 5 minutes before serving, tossing 1-2 times to allow the pasta to absorb the garlic sauce. Serve warm with added extra red pepper flakes, shaved parmesan cheese and with a homemade dinner roll.

Midnight spaghetti is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed as a late night snack or for any meal. It is quick and easy to make, and can be customized to your taste preferences.

So next time you are looking for a quick and easy meal to satisfy your hunger late at night or on a busy weeknight, give this recipe a try!

Enjoy! Mary

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