Spaghetti Aglio e Olio

Instructions

1. 1

   Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes.

2. 2

   While the spaghetti is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium heat.

3. 3

   Add the sliced garlic to the pan and cook until it turns golden brown, about 2-3 minutes. Be careful not to burn the garlic.

4. 4

   Add the red pepper flakes to the pan and cook for another 30 seconds.

5. 5

   Drain the spaghetti, reserving about 1 cup of the pasta water.

6. 6

   Add the cooked spaghetti to the pan with the garlic and red pepper flakes. Toss to coat the spaghetti in the oil.

7. 7

   Add the chopped parsley, lemon zest, salt, and black pepper to the pan. Toss everything together, adding some of the reserved pasta water if the mixture seems dry.

8. 8

   Serve immediately, garnished with additional parsley and a squeeze of lemon juice if desired.