Midnight Garlic Butter Pasta

Simplicity Grade: Easy

Time Needed: 12 minutes

Approximate Cost: CHF/2 per serving

Cuisine Vibe: Italian–Student Comfort Classic

Why This Slaps: Because sometimes it’s 11:47 p.m., you’re halfway through an essay, and your brain runs on carbs and panic. Enter: the Midnight Garlic Butter Pasta, the hero of broke students and procrastinators everywhere! It’s creamy, garlicky, and takes less time than an Instagram scroll break

What You’ll Need (for two servings):

• 200g pasta (spaghetti or any shape you've got)

• 2 tbsp butter

• 2 cloves garlic, minced (or garlic powder)

• 2 tbsp grated cheese (ex. budget “hard cheese” from Coop/Aldi)

• Salt & pepper to taste

• Optional: chili flakes, parsley, or a squeeze of lemon

How To Do It:

1. Boil pasta in salted water (salt is the cheapest flavor boost!)

2. While that cooks, melt butter in a pan over medium heat. Add garlic and cook until golden, not burnt (about 30 seconds)

3. Scoop out some pasta water (about half a cup), then drain your pasta

4. Toss pasta in the garlic butter, adding a splash of the saved water to make it silky

5. Stir in hard cheese, season with salt, pepper, and optional chili flakes

6. Serve immediately... or eat straight from the pan like a true scholar!

Gear:

Pot, pan, spoon/fork, and... your midnight hunger!

Time:

Prep time: 2 minutes

Cook time: 10 minutes

Leftover or Reheat Tips:

This pasta is best eaten right away, but if you have got leftovers, reheat with a bit of butter or water, it revives the magic

Budget/Time/Swap Suggestions:

• Vegan? Use olive oil instead of butter and skip the cheese

• No hard cheese? Sprinkle nutritional yeast or just pretend

• Add-ins: frozen peas, cherry tomatoes, or even tuna for a deluxe version

  
  

Got Questions or Want to Show Off?

Show us your midnight carb masterpieces or chaotic pasta shapes in the comment!