Aglio e olio pasta

Ingredients

• <ul><li>400g spaghetti or linguini pasta</li><li>1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil</li><li>6 cloves garlic, thinly sliced</li><li>1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust according to your spice preference)</li><li>1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped</li><li>Salt to taste</li><li>Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)</li></ul>

Steps

1. Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water before draining.
2. While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté until the garlic turns golden brown and becomes fragrant, taking care not to burn it.
3. Remove the skillet from the heat and add the cooked pasta to the skillet. Toss the pasta in the garlic-infused oil until well coated. If the mixture seems dry, add a splash of the reserved pasta cooking water to moisten it.
4. Season with salt to taste and sprinkle the chopped parsley over the pasta. Toss again to combine all the flavors.
5. Serve the Aglio e Olio pasta hot, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.