Half-Size Spaghetti Aglio e Olio with Chili and Parsley
A minimalist Italian pasta featuring half the typical amount of spaghetti, tossed in fragrant garlic-infused olive oil with chili flakes and fresh parsley. This italian-inspired pasta (vegetarian) ready in about 20 minutes pairs spaghetti, extra virgin 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 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
- 4 oz spaghetti
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 4, thinly sliced garlic cloves
- 1/2 tsp red chili flakes
- 2 tbsp, chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
- 1 tsp for pasta water salt
- 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 1/4 cup, grated (optional) Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water (1 tsp salt) to a rolling boil. Add 4 oz spaghetti and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water and drain pasta.
- Step 2: While pasta cooks, heat 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 4 thinly sliced garlic cloves and 1/2 tsp red chili flakes, sautéing for 2-3 minutes until garlic is golden and fragrant but not burnt.
- Step 3: Add drained spaghetti to the skillet along with 1/4 cup reserved pasta water. Toss vigorously with 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley and 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper for 1 minute until pasta is evenly coated and sauce slightly thickens.
- Step 4: Remove from heat and serve immediately, topping with 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Half-Size Spaghetti Aglio e Olio with Chili and Parsley take to make?
Total time is about 20 minutes (10 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-Size Spaghetti Aglio e Olio with Chili and Parsley?
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 Half-Size Spaghetti Aglio e Olio with Chili and Parsley?
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-Size Spaghetti Aglio e Olio with Chili and Parsley 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.
Is Half-Size Spaghetti Aglio e Olio with Chili and Parsley 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.
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