15-Minute Spaghetti Aglio e Olio (Garlic Pasta)

Ingredients

• 8 oz spaghetti (spaghettini, or linguine)
• 1/4 cup olive oil (extra-virgin )
• 10 cloves garlic (sliced)
• 1/2 tsp red chili flakes (or 1 dried red chili, crushed)
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped, or 1 tsp dried parsley)
• 1/4 cup parmesan cheese (grated, optional)
• 1/2 tsp salt (or to taste)
• 1/4 tsp black pepper

Instructions

1. 1

   Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add a generous amount of salt (see notes below) and add pasta. Cook until it is one minute shy of al-dente, and reserve about a cup of pasta water before draining the pasta.

2. 2

   While the pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-low heat, and add garlic. Cook until the edges are golden, and stir in red chili flakes.

3. 3

   Add the cooked pasta and about 1/3 cup of pasta water, and stir around to cook. If the sauce looks a bit too dry, add more of the starchy pasta water.

4. 4

   Add parsley and parmesan if using, and season with salt and pepper to finish. Garnish and enjoy!