Half-Portion Spaghetti Aglio e Olio with Red Pepper Flakes
A simple yet flavorful spaghetti dish with garlic sautéed in olive oil and a kick of red pepper flakes, perfect for a light meal. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 17 minutes pairs spaghetti pasta, extra virgin olive oil, garlic cloves, thinly sliced for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 480 calories and feeds 2, 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
- 6 oz spaghetti pasta
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic cloves, thinly sliced
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tsp for pasta water salt
- 1/4 cup parmesan cheese, grated
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water (1 teaspoon salt) to a rolling boil. Add 6 ounces spaghetti and cook for 8-9 minutes until al dente, then drain reserving 1/3 cup pasta water.
- Step 2: While pasta cooks, heat 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 4 thinly sliced garlic cloves and 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes, sautéing for 1-2 minutes until garlic is golden and fragrant but not burnt.
- Step 3: Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet along with 1/3 cup reserved pasta water and 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley. Toss vigorously for 1 minute until pasta is coated and sauce slightly thickens.
- Step 4: Remove from heat and sprinkle with 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese before serving immediately.
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 Red Pepper Flakes take to make?
Total time is about 17 minutes (5 min prep + 12 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 Red Pepper 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 pasta from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Half-Portion Spaghetti Aglio e Olio with Red Pepper 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 Red Pepper Flakes for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). 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 Red Pepper 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.
