Mom’s Pasta con Aglio e Olio (Spaghetti with Garlic Oil and Red Pepper Flakes)

In a medium pot, bring water to a boil. Add salt and the spaghetti. Cook the spaghetti until al dente (according to package instructions for al dente). When done, drain pasta; make sure you reserve the pasta water. Set both aside.

In a large frying pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the garlic and red pepper flakes, saute until garlic is light brown. It’s important not too burn the garlic or else it will become bitter.

Then add about 1 cup of reserved pasta water to start and also add the spaghetti to the skillet with the garlic and red pepper flakes. Mix well to combine and heat everything – if it’s too dry you can add more reserved water. You are done!

When you serve it, you can add the grated cheese to each plate and the parsley to garnish. Add more red pepper flakes if you like.