Ever had a pasta dish so creamy and dreamy you could eat it for breakfast?
Midnight Pasta is nothing short of a culinary revelation. This quick, one-pan recipe is perfect for those late-night cravings or when you want to impress your guests without breaking a sweat. Picture this: al dente spaghetti cloaked in a velvety sauce of heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, kissed with just the right amount of garlic and a little heat. It’s comfort food that feels fancy—that’s the magic here!
Why make this recipe
Who doesn’t love a dinner that’s as easy as pie? This recipe is big on flavor but light on clean-up—hello, one pan! Plus, it’s affordable and uses ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen. In other words, it’s the best kind of “what’s in the fridge?” meal. And let’s be real, pasta night is a hit with everyone, even the pickiest eaters. 🍝
Ingredients:
You don’t need fancy stuff — just these basics!
- 8 ounces spaghetti
- 4 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Directions:
- Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the garlic and red pepper flakes, sautéing until fragrant.
- Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
- Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet, tossing to coat well with the sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley.
How to make Midnight Pasta (Overview)
Making Midnight Pasta is as chill as binge-watching your favorite show. Start by boiling up some spaghetti—easy, right? While that’s cooking, heat up olive oil in a pan and throw in minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Seriously, don’t skip this step; you want that kitchen to smell amazing. Once your garlic is golden, pour in the heavy cream. It’s like magic; watch it transform into a luscious sauce! Then, toss in the spaghetti, and it’s ready to serve!
How to serve Midnight Pasta
Get creative with your plating! Imagine a mound of creamy spaghetti topped with vibrant green parsley—so Instagrammable! You can enhance it further with a sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese for indulgence or a dash of chili flakes for those who love some heat. Serve it alongside a crunchy green salad or garlic bread to balance those creamy flavors. Your nose will thank you for this deliciousness! 🌿
How to store Midnight Pasta
Don’t let leftovers go to waste! You can keep your Midnight Pasta in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just make sure to store it in an airtight container. When you’re ready for round two, simply reheat it in the microwave or on the stove with a splash of extra cream for that classic creamy goodness.
Tips to make Midnight Pasta
- Under-cook the spaghetti slightly if you want to reheat it later. It will absorb some sauce and still taste fab!
- Swap heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter version that still packs flavor.
- Want more veggies? Toss in some baby spinach or cherry tomatoes right before adding the spaghetti.
- If you’re feeling wild, try adding a splash of white wine to the sauce for an extra layer of flavor.
Variation
Feeling adventurous? Try turning Midnight Pasta vegan! Substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk and use nutritional yeast in place of Parmesan cheese. You can also incorporate sautéed mushrooms or zucchini for a feast of flavors.
FAQs
1. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! Just prepare the sauce and cook the pasta separately. Then combine them once you’re ready to eat.
2. What can I substitute for heavy cream?
You can use half-and-half or a non-dairy cream like cashew or coconut cream, depending on what you have!
3. How can I add more protein to this dish?
Consider adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or even chickpeas for a hearty twist!
📌 Pin this recipe for your next cozy dinner night!
Midnight Pasta
Ingredients
Method
- Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the garlic and red pepper flakes, sautéing until fragrant.
- Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
- Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet, tossing to coat well with the sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley.
