Pasta Chips
Pasta Chips is a easy Italian recipe that serves 2. 420 calories per serving. Recipe by Delish on YouTube.
Prep: 10 min | Cook: 12 min | Total: 32 min
Cost: $2.13 total, $1.07 per serving
Ingredients
- 200 g Spaghetti (dry, any brand)
- 2 tbsp Olive Oil (extra‑virgin preferred)
- 2 cloves Garlic (minced)
- 1/4 tsp Red Pepper Flakes (optional, for heat)
- to taste Salt (for pasta water and seasoning)
- to taste Black Pepper (freshly ground)
- 2 tbsp Parmesan Cheese (freshly grated, optional)
Instructions
Boil the Pasta
Fill a large pot with 4‑5 L of water, add a generous pinch of salt, and bring to a rolling boil over high heat.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: 100°C
Cook the Spaghetti
Add the spaghetti to the boiling water, stir gently, and cook according to package instructions (usually 8‑10 minutes) until al dente.
Time: PT8M
Temperature: 100°C
Reserve Pasta Water
Before draining, scoop out ½ cup of the starchy cooking water and set aside.
Time: PT1M
Drain the Pasta
Drain the spaghetti in a colander and set aside.
Time: PT1M
Sauté Garlic & Chili
While the pasta cooks, heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to brown the garlic.
Time: PT1M
Temperature: 180°C
Combine Pasta and Sauce
Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet, toss to coat, and drizzle in up to ¼ cup of the reserved pasta water, stirring until a light sauce clings to the noodles.
Time: PT2M
Temperature: 180°C
Season & Finish
Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Remove from heat and sprinkle grated Parmesan on top, if using.
Time: PT1M
Plate and Serve
Divide the pasta between two plates, drizzle any remaining olive oil, and serve immediately.
Time: PT1M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 420
- Protein
- 12 g
- Carbohydrates
- 68 g
- Fat
- 12 g
- Fiber
- 3 g
Dietary info: Vegetarian, Nut‑free
Allergens: Wheat (gluten), Dairy (if Parmesan is used)
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Spaghetti: Linguine, Fettuccine, Whole‑wheat spaghetti
- Instead of Olive Oil: Canola oil, vegetable oil
- Instead of Garlic: Garlic powder (1/4 tsp), shallots (1 small)
- Instead of Red Pepper Flakes: Cayenne pepper (pinch), chili oil (1 tsp)
- Instead of Salt: sea salt, kosher salt
- Instead of Black Pepper: white pepper
- Instead of Parmesan Cheese: Pecorino Romano, nutritional yeast (for vegan option)
Equipment Needed
- Large Pot
- Colander
- Skillet
- Wooden Spoon
- Measuring Spoons (optional)
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Boiling water with enough salt
- Cooking pasta al dente
- Sautéing garlic without burning
- Using reserved pasta water to create a cohesive sauce
Chef Tips from the Video
- Reserve the pasta water before draining – the starch helps bind the sauce.
- Finish the dish off the heat; residual heat will finish cooking the noodles without over‑cooking them.
- Use high‑quality extra‑virgin olive oil for the best flavor.
Troubleshooting
Pasta is mushy.
Cook the pasta for 1‑2 minutes less next time; it should be firm to the bite (al dente).
Garlic tastes burnt.
Reduce the heat and sauté the garlic for no more than 30 seconds; remove from heat as soon as it becomes fragrant.
Sauce is too dry.
Add a little more reserved pasta water, a tablespoon at a time, until the desired coating is achieved.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Not recommended; pasta may become mushy after freezing.
Room temperature: Do not leave at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Make-Ahead Tips
- You can prepare the garlic‑oil mixture up to 2 hours ahead and keep it refrigerated; reheat briefly before tossing with pasta.
- Cook the pasta al dente, rinse with cold water, and store in the fridge; reheat with a splash of water and oil when ready to serve.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of simple pasta dishes like M Pasta in Italian cuisine?
Simple pasta dishes have been a staple of Italian home cooking for centuries, reflecting the Italian philosophy of using few, high‑quality ingredients to create satisfying meals. They originated as peasant fare, where pantry staples like pasta, olive oil, and garlic were combined for quick nourishment.
What are the traditional regional variations of quick garlic‑olive oil pasta in Italy?
In Southern Italy, the classic version is "Aglio e Olio" with plenty of garlic, chili flakes, and parsley. In the North, butter may replace some olive oil and grated cheese is added more generously. Some regions add anchovies or lemon zest for extra brightness.
How is M Pasta traditionally served in Italian households?
M Pasta is typically served hot, directly from the skillet, with a final drizzle of extra‑virgin olive oil and a generous sprinkling of grated Parmesan. It is often accompanied by a simple green salad and crusty bread.
What occasions or celebrations is a simple pasta like M Pasta associated with in Italian culture?
Simple pasta dishes are everyday meals but are also common at informal gatherings, family lunches, and after‑work dinners. They are favored for their speed, allowing families to share time together without lengthy preparation.
What other Italian dishes pair well with M Pasta?
M Pasta pairs nicely with a fresh Caprese salad, roasted vegetables, or a light white wine such as Pinot Grigio. For protein, grilled chicken or shrimp can be added without compromising the dish’s simplicity.
What makes M Pasta special or unique in Italian cuisine?
M Pasta showcases the Italian principle of "less is more"—the flavor comes from the quality of olive oil, garlic, and the starchy pasta water, creating a silky coating without heavy cream or tomato sauces.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making M Pasta at home?
Common mistakes include overcooking the pasta, burning the garlic, and not using enough pasta water to emulsify the sauce. Each of these can lead to a mushy texture or bitter flavor.
Why does this M Pasta recipe use reserved pasta water instead of cream or butter?
The recipe relies on the natural starch released by the pasta to create a light, glossy sauce. This keeps the dish lighter, more authentic, and lets the olive oil and garlic shine without the heaviness of cream or butter.
Can I make M Pasta ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes, you can cook the pasta al dente, rinse briefly, and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a skillet with a splash of olive oil and a little reserved water to restore the sauce’s sheen.
What texture and appearance should I look for when making M Pasta?
The noodles should be firm to the bite (al dente) and coated with a thin, glossy layer of olive‑oil‑garlic sauce. The garlic should be lightly golden and fragrant, not browned.
How do I know when M Pasta is done cooking?
Taste a strand of pasta; it should be tender yet still have a slight resistance in the center. The sauce should cling to the noodles without pooling in the pan.
What does the YouTube channel Delish specialize in?
The YouTube channel Delish specializes in quick, approachable home‑cooking videos that focus on everyday meals, trending food hacks, and easy‑to‑follow recipes for busy home cooks.
What is the cooking philosophy and style of the YouTube channel Delish?
Delish emphasizes simplicity, speed, and flavor, often using pantry‑friendly ingredients and minimal equipment. Their style blends clear visual instructions with upbeat music and concise narration to keep viewers engaged.
Last updated: September 6, 2026
