Lemon Garlic Pasta

Ingredients

• 3/4 pound spaghetti (or your favorite pasta)
• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil (plus more as needed)
• 6 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper chili flakes (optional)
• 1 large lemon, zested and juiced
• 1/3 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese (plus more for garnish)
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh Italian parsley (plus more for garnish)
• Salt and pepper

Instructions

1. 1

   In a large pot with generously salted water, cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water for later.

2. 2

   In a large skillet over medium heat, heat about ¼ cup of olive oil and sauté minced garlic and red pepper flakes for about 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant. Then, stir in the lemon zest for just a few seconds.

3. 3

   Add the cooked pasta into the skillet, tossing to coat. Then squeeze in fresh lemon juice, adjusting the amount to taste. Stir in some of the reserved pasta water and also more olive oil as needed for consistency. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

4. 4

   Toss in the freshly grated parmesan cheese, tossing to combine. Stir in the parsley.

5. 5

   To serve, garnish with more cheese and parsley, as well as lemon zest if you’d like. Enjoy!