Spaghetti Aglio e Olio Recipe 🍝✨

• 400 grams spaghetti 🍝
• 4-6 cloves garlic, thinly sliced 🧄
• 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil 🫒
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste) 🌶️
• Salt, to taste 🧂
• Fresh parsley, chopped 🌿
• Grated Parmesan cheese (optional) 🧀
• Lemon zest (optional) 🍋

Step 1: Cook the Spaghetti 🍝

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

Step 2: Prepare the Sauce 🧄

1. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add the sliced garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté gently until the garlic is golden but not burnt (about 2-3 minutes). 🌟

Step 3: Combine Pasta and Sauce 🍝

1. Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet, tossing to combine with the garlic oil.
2. If the pasta seems dry, add some reserved pasta water a little at a time until you reach your desired consistency. 🥄

Step 4: Season and Serve 🌿

1. Season with salt and toss in the chopped parsley.
2. Serve immediately, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese and lemon zest if desired.