Pasta Aglio e Olio

Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions until al dente.
2. While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced garlic and sauté until golden brown and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
3. Add the red pepper flakes to the skillet and sauté for another 30 seconds to infuse the oil with spice.
4. Reserve 1 cup (240ml) of the pasta cooking water and then drain the spaghetti.
5. Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet with the garlic and oil. Toss to coat the pasta thoroughly. If the pasta seems dry, add a little of the reserved pasta water to loosen it.
6. Add salt, black pepper, and lemon juice (if using) to taste. Toss in the chopped parsley and mix well.
7. Remove from heat and transfer the pasta to serving plates. Sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and lemon zest (if using).
8. Serve immediately, garnished with additional parsley and Parmesan as desired.