Cooking Instructions:

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

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced garlic and sauté until golden brown, being careful not to burn it, about 2-3 minutes.

Once the garlic is ready, add the red pepper flakes and stir for about 30 seconds to release their flavor.

Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet along with a splash of the reserved pasta water. Toss the pasta in the garlic oil until well coated. If the pasta seems dry, add more pasta water as needed.

Remove from heat, season with salt, and toss in the chopped parsley. Serve immediately, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.

Extra Tips:

For an added depth of flavor, consider incorporating some fresh lemon zest or a squeeze of lemon juice before serving.

You can also experiment with different types of pasta or add protein such as shrimp or grilled chicken to make this dish heartier.

Remember to adjust the amount of red pepper flakes based on your heat preference, and always taste before serving to confirm the flavors are balanced.

Enjoy your delicious Spaghetti Aglio e Olio!