Half-Portion Spaghetti Aglio e Olio with Chilli Flakes
A simple Italian pasta dish featuring spaghetti tossed in a fragrant garlic and olive oil sauce with a touch of red chili heat, served in a perfect half portion. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 15 minutes pairs (about half standard portion) spaghetti, olive oil, thinly sliced garlic cloves 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 (about half standard portion) spaghetti
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 4, thinly sliced garlic cloves
- 1/2 tsp red chili flakes
- 2 tbsp, chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tsp for pasta water salt
- 1/4 cup freshly grated (optional) Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil and add 1 tsp salt. Add 4 oz spaghetti and cook for 6-7 minutes until al dente, then reserve 1/4 cup pasta water and drain the pasta.
- Step 2: While pasta cooks, heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 4 thinly sliced garlic cloves and 1/2 tsp red chili flakes, sautéing for 2 minutes until garlic is golden and fragrant — be careful not to burn.
- Step 3: Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet along with 1/4 cup reserved pasta water. Toss vigorously for 1 minute to coat the pasta in the garlicky oil and slightly thicken the sauce.
- Step 4: Remove from heat and stir in 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley. Serve immediately topped with 1/4 cup 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 with Chilli Flakes 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 with Chilli 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 olive oil from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Half-Portion Spaghetti Aglio e Olio with Chilli 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 Half-Portion Spaghetti Aglio e Olio with Chilli Flakes 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.
What goes well with Half-Portion Spaghetti Aglio e Olio with Chilli Flakes?
Italian pasta like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
