Single Girl's Pasta

Craving a quick, comforting meal for one? Single Girl's Pasta is the perfect solution—a simple yet elegant dinner that can be ready in just 20 minutes. This recipe combines al dente spaghetti with golden garlic sautéed in olive oil, a pinch of red pepper heat, and the brightness of fresh lemon zest and juice for a light, zesty flavor. Finished with a generous sprinkle of parmesan cheese and optional fresh parsley, this dish is a true celebration of pantry staples elevated to gourmet status. Ideal for weeknight dinners or a solo indulgence, this one-serving pasta is as easy as it is delicious. Add this recipe to your repertoire for the ultimate quick-fix comfort meal that doesn't compromise on taste.

Nutriscore Rating: 52/100

Prep Time:5 mins

Cook Time:15 mins

Total Time:20 mins

Servings: 1

Ingredients

• 100 grams spaghetti
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Directions

Step 1

Bring a medium pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually 8–10 minutes.

Step 2

While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a small skillet over medium heat.

Step 3

Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 1–2 minutes, or until fragrant. Be careful not to let it brown as it can turn bitter.

Step 4

Sprinkle in the crushed red pepper flakes and stir for about 30 seconds to release their flavor.

Step 5

Once the spaghetti is cooked, reserve 1/4 cup of pasta water and then drain the rest.

Step 6

Add the cooked spaghetti directly into the skillet with the garlic and chili oil. Toss to coat the noodles evenly.

Step 7

Stir in the reserved pasta water, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Continue to toss the pasta until the sauce slightly thickens and evenly coats the spaghetti.

Step 8

Sprinkle in the grated parmesan cheese, salt, and black pepper. Toss again until the cheese melts into the sauce.

Step 9

Transfer the pasta to a serving bowl. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired, and an additional sprinkle of parmesan cheese.

Step 10

Serve immediately and enjoy your Single Girl’s Pasta!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(170.2g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	470.7

Total Fat 32.1g	0%
Saturated Fat 6.6g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 10mg	0%
Sodium 2533.2mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 35.9g	0%
Dietary Fiber 3.0g	0%
Total Sugars 1.4g
Protein 10.5g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 145.7mg	0%
Iron 2.3mg	0%
Potassium 126.8mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 60.9%

Protein: 8.9%

Carbs: 30.3%