10 July 2024
When summer is upon us, the days are getting longer and the opportunities to spend time with friends and family are increasing, what's better than ending an evening with a midnight spaghetti dinner? This Italian tradition is not only a way to satisfy a sudden hunger pang, but it is also a ritual that celebrates happiness, sharing and conviviality. In this article, we offer you 10 easy and tasty recipes to make your midnight spaghetti dinner an unforgettable moment.
Why everyone loves midnight spaghetti
Midnight spaghetti dinner has a timeless charm, capable of uniting different generations. A recent study conducted by the pasta makers of Unione Italiana Food in collaboration with AstraRicerche revealed that digital natives (born between 1994 and 2006) have a very close relationship with pasta. 41.3% of them eat it at least 7 times a week and more than two out of three young people (68.6%) also eat it outside of regular meals. In particular, almost one in four (37.1%) has a spaghetti dinner outside of normal hours at least once a month, with 19.3% even doing it weekly.
A moment of shared happiness
A midnight spaghetti dinner is not just a matter of hunger, but also of pleasure. It is a moment of shared happiness and gratification. In Northern Italy, this event is often experienced with friends and acquaintances, while in Central and Southern Italy it is more common to do it with the family. Preparing a spaghetti dinner at midnight is a simple and quick gesture, loved by 76.5% of Italians precisely because of its ease and the absence of complex rules.
The most popular recipes
Spaghetti is the preferred pasta shape for a midnight spaghetti dinner, especially in the tomato version. However, other pasta shapes such as penne (22.4%) and farfalle (12.1%) are also very popular. Among the most popular recipes we find:
1. Spaghetti with garlic, oil and chilli pepper: A timeless classic, quick and easy to prepare.
2. Spaghetti carbonara: Creamy and rich, perfect for a special evening.
3. Penne with fresh tomato and basil: A simple dish but full of summer flavour.
4. Farfalle with cream and ham: Creamy and tasty, suitable for all palates.
5. Spaghetti with clams: A touch of the sea for an unforgettable summer night.
6. Spaghetti alla gricia: Sister of the famous carbonara, amatriciana and cacio e pepe, but “lighter”
7. Cold spaghetti with anchovies: If not even the heat takes away our desire for pasta!
8. Spaghetti with clams and cherry tomatoes: A first course that tastes of summer and the sea
9. Spaghetti Milanese with speck and orange zest: In the eternal challenge between Milan and Rome, could it compete with carbonara?
10. Spaghetti with walnuts and anchovies: A quick spaghetti to make even at the last minute as soon as you get home
Each recipe is designed to be prepared quickly, with simple and easily available ingredients. Whether you are in the company of friends or family, these recipes will make your midnight spaghetti dinner a special moment of sharing and joy. Enjoy your meal!
