Spaghetti alla Mezzanotte (Midnight Spaghetti) Recipe
A quick, simple, and flavorful pasta dish perfect for late-night cravings!
Ingredients (Serves 2)
• 200g spaghetti
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 3 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
• 1 red chili (optional), finely chopped or 1/2 tsp red chili flakes
• 3-4 anchovy fillets (optional), chopped
• Salt to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, finely chopped, for garnish
• Grated Parmesan cheese or Pecorino (optional), for serving
Instructions
1. Cook the Spaghetti:
• Bring a pot of salted water to a boil.
• Add the spaghetti and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
2. Prepare the Sauce:
• Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
• Add the sliced garlic and chili (if using) and sauté until fragrant and lightly golden (about 1-2 minutes).
• Stir in the chopped anchovy fillets (if using) and cook until they dissolve into the oil.
3. Combine Pasta and Sauce:
• Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet and toss to coat in the garlic oil.
• If the mixture looks dry, stir in a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it.
4. Season:
• Season with salt (if needed, as anchovies can be salty) and freshly ground black pepper.
5. Serve:
• Plate the spaghetti and garnish with chopped parsley.
• Sprinkle grated Parmesan or Pecorino cheese on top, if desired.
Enjoy this delicious and quick dish with a glass of wine or your favorite drink!
