Cooking Instructions:

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

In a large skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil. Once hot, add the sliced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes, or until the garlic is golden and fragrant. Be careful not to let it burn.

Add the red pepper flakes to the skillet and stir for about 30 seconds to release their flavor into the oil.

Carefully add the drained spaghetti to the skillet, tossing it with the garlic and oil mixture. If the pasta seems dry, gradually add some reserved pasta water until you achieve a desired consistency.

Season the pasta with salt to taste, and toss in the chopped parsley. Mix well to combine all the flavors.

Serve immediately, garnishing with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.

When cooking spaghetti aglio e olio, remember that the quality of your ingredients makes a significant difference in the final flavor of the dish.

Use high-quality extra virgin olive oil and fresh garlic for the best results. Additionally, feel free to adjust the level of red pepper flakes to suit your spice preference. Enjoy your culinary creation!