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

  1. 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

  2. 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

  3. Reserve Pasta Water

    Before draining, scoop out ½ cup of the starchy cooking water and set aside.

    Time: PT1M

  4. Drain the Pasta

    Drain the spaghetti in a colander and set aside.

    Time: PT1M

  5. 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

  6. 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

  7. 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

  8. 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)

Last updated: March 22, 2026

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Pasta Chips

Recipe by Delish

A quick and simple Italian-inspired pasta dish featured on the Delish YouTube channel. Perfect for a fast weeknight dinner, this recipe uses pantry staples and can be on the table in under 30 minutes.

EasyItalianServes 2

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
5m
Prep
15m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
30m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$2.13
Total cost
$1.07
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Boiling water with enough salt
  • Cooking pasta al dente
  • Sautéing garlic without burning
  • Using reserved pasta water to create a cohesive sauce

Safety Warnings

  • Hot boiling water can cause severe burns – handle with care.
  • Olive oil can splatter when added to a hot pan; keep a safe distance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of simple pasta dishes like M Pasta in Italian cuisine?

A

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.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of quick garlic‑olive oil pasta in Italy?

A

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.

cultural
Q

How is M Pasta traditionally served in Italian households?

A

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.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations is a simple pasta like M Pasta associated with in Italian culture?

A

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.

cultural
Q

What other Italian dishes pair well with M Pasta?

A

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.

cultural
Q

What makes M Pasta special or unique in Italian cuisine?

A

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.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making M Pasta at home?

A

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.

technical
Q

Why does this M Pasta recipe use reserved pasta water instead of cream or butter?

A

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.

technical
Q

Can I make M Pasta ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

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.

technical
Q

What texture and appearance should I look for when making M Pasta?

A

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.

technical
Q

How do I know when M Pasta is done cooking?

A

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.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Delish specialize in?

A

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.

channel
Q

What is the cooking philosophy and style of the YouTube channel Delish?

A

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.

channel

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