Half-Portion Spaghetti Aglio e Olio
A simple, half-sized serving of classic Italian spaghetti tossed with garlic-infused olive oil, red pepper flakes, and fresh parsley for a quick satisfying meal. This italian-inspired pasta (vegetarian) ready in about 15 minutes pairs extra virgin olive oil, thinly sliced garlic cloves, red pepper flakes for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 400 calories and feeds 1, 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
- 4 oz (half of a standard 8 oz pack) spaghetti
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 3 thinly sliced garlic cloves
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
- 1 tsp for pasta water salt
- 2 tbsp (optional) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water (1 tsp salt) to a boil. Add 4 oz spaghetti and cook for 7-8 minutes until al dente. Reserve 1/4 cup pasta water and drain the rest.
- Step 2: While pasta cooks, heat 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 3 thinly sliced garlic cloves and 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes, sautéing for 1-2 minutes until garlic is fragrant and lightly golden but not burnt.
- Step 3: Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet along with 1/4 cup reserved pasta water. Toss vigorously for 1-2 minutes to coat the pasta in the garlic oil and slightly thicken the sauce.
- Step 4: Remove from heat and stir in 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley. Season with additional salt if needed.
- Step 5: Serve topped with 2 tbsp freshly grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Half-Portion Spaghetti Aglio e Olio take to make?
Total time is about 15 minutes (5 min prep + 10 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 Half-Portion Spaghetti Aglio e Olio?
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 extra virgin olive oil from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Half-Portion Spaghetti Aglio e Olio?
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 Half-Portion Spaghetti Aglio e Olio for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 1 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 1). 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 Half-Portion Spaghetti Aglio e Olio 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.
