Spaghetti Aglio e Olio

Spaghetti Aglio e Olio

 Ingredients:

- 400g spaghetti

- 6 cloves of garlic, thinly sliced

- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil

- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)

- Salt, to taste

- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

 Instructions:

1. **Cook the Spaghetti:**

   - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water and then drain the pasta.

2. **Prepare the Sauce:**

   - While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the garlic slices and cook until they are golden brown and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes. Be careful not to burn the garlic as it will turn bitter.

3. **Combine Pasta and Sauce:**

   - Add the red pepper flakes to the garlic and oil, and cook for another 30 seconds. Add the drained spaghetti to the pan and toss to coat in the garlic oil. If the pasta looks dry, add a bit of the reserved pasta water, a tablespoon at a time, until you reach the desired consistency.

4. **Season and Serve:**

   - Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Remove the pan from the heat and toss in the chopped parsley. Serve immediately, with grated Parmesan cheese on the side if desired.

Enjoy this simple yet flavorful pasta dish that can be prepared in under 20 minutes. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner!

Feel free to add any personal touches or variations to suit your taste. Bon appétit!