Pasta Mezzanotte
Indulge in the simplicity and bold flavors of Pasta Mezzanotte, a classic midnight pasta dish perfect for late-night cravings or quick dinners. This Italian-inspired recipe features al dente spaghetti tossed in aromatic garlic-infused olive oil with a spicy kick from red chili flakes. Finished with fresh parsley and a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese, this dish strikes the perfect balance between savory, spicy, and herbaceous. Ready in just 25 minutes, it’s an effortless yet elegant option for two that requires only pantry staples. Pair this comforting pasta with a crisp glass of white wine for a truly satisfying meal that’s as timeless as it is irresistible.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 200 grams spaghetti
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 pieces garlic cloves
- 1 teaspoon red chili flakes
- 2 tablespoons parsley, chopped
- 30 grams Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 liters water
Instructions
Bring 2 liters of water to a boil in a large pot. Add 1 teaspoon of salt.
Add the spaghetti to the boiling water and cook according to the package instructions (usually 10–12 minutes) until al dente.
While the pasta is cooking, heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat.
Slice the garlic cloves thinly and add them to the skillet. Sauté for 2–3 minutes, stirring frequently, until the garlic is golden but not burnt.
Add 1 teaspoon of red chili flakes to the skillet and stir for 30 seconds to release their flavor.
Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the spaghetti and add it directly to the skillet with the garlic and chili oil.
Toss the spaghetti in the skillet to coat it evenly in the flavored oil. If the mixture seems dry, add a splash of the reserved pasta water.
Season with black pepper to taste and toss again.
Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the chopped parsley.
Divide the pasta between two bowls and garnish with grated Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
840 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 53.1 g | 68% | |
| Saturated Fat | 13.0 g | 65% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 4.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 30 mg | 10% | |
| Sodium | 2940 mg | 128% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 67.5 g | 25% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 4.9 g | 18% | |
| Total Sugars | 2.0 g | ||
| Protein | 24.8 g | 50% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 517 mg | 40% | |
| Iron | 4.6 mg | 26% | |
| Potassium | 235 mg | 5% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
