Casual Lemon-Garlic Pasta with Chili Flakes
A simple and bright pasta dish with fresh lemon, garlic, and a kick of chili flakes that’s ready in under 20 minutes. This italian-inspired pasta (vegetarian) ready in about 20 minutes pairs spaghetti, extra virgin olive oil, minced garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 12 oz spaghetti
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 4 cloves, minced garlic cloves
- 1/2 tsp red chili flakes
- 1 tbsp lemon zest
- 2 tbsp, fresh lemon juice
- 1/4 cup, chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 cup, grated Parmesan cheese
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add 12 oz spaghetti and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente, then drain and reserve 1/2 cup pasta water.
- Step 2: While pasta cooks, heat 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and 1/2 tsp red chili flakes, sautéing for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
- Step 3: Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet along with 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice, 1 tbsp lemon zest, 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, and 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese. Toss vigorously, adding reserved pasta water a few tablespoons at a time until the sauce thickens and coats the pasta evenly. Season with 1 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper before serving.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Casual Lemon-Garlic Pasta with Chili Flakes take to make?
Total time is about 20 minutes (5 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Casual Lemon-Garlic Pasta with Chili Flakes?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep spaghetti from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Casual Lemon-Garlic Pasta with Chili Flakes?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Casual Lemon-Garlic Pasta with Chili Flakes for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
Is Casual Lemon-Garlic Pasta with Chili Flakes vegetarian?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
