diff --git a/esmvaltool/utils/recipe_test_workflow/recipe_test_workflow/flow.cylc b/esmvaltool/utils/recipe_test_workflow/recipe_test_workflow/flow.cylc
index c3441d329b..cbeb6e3db3 100644
--- a/esmvaltool/utils/recipe_test_workflow/recipe_test_workflow/flow.cylc
+++ b/esmvaltool/utils/recipe_test_workflow/recipe_test_workflow/flow.cylc
@@ -34,8 +34,8 @@
             execution time limit = PT15M
         [[[directives]]]
             --qos=short-serial
-            --time=15:00
-            --ntasks={{ MAX_PARALLEL_TASKS}}
+            --time=05:00
+            --ntasks=1
 {% endif %}
 
     [[install_cold]]