Ingredients

The following ingredients have 4 Servings
  • 1 lb Spaghetti
  • 5 Tablespoons Olive Oil ((may use 2 Tablespoons of Butter and 3 T. of olive oil))
  • 6 cloves Garlic ((peeled and sliced))
  • 1/2 - 1 teaspoon Crushed Red Pepper Flakes
  • 2 Tablespoons Fresh Italian Parsley ((if using dried, add 1 teaspoon))
  • 1 cup Freshly Grated Parmesan Cheese

Instruction

  • Bring 6 quarts of water to a boil over high heat.  Add a GENEROUS amount of salt to pot.  Stir the spaghetti into the boiling water.  Cook the pasta according to package instructions. While the pasta is cooking, carefully remove 1 to 1 1/2 cups of pasta water and set aside.
  • While pasta is cooking, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add sliced garlic and cook for 1 to 2 minutes, watching carefully so the garlic doesn't burn. Garlic can burn quickly and can turn a bitter flavor. Once the garlic is softened, remove from heat and add red pepper flakes.
  • Once pasta is cooked, drain, and then toss with garlic and olive oil mixture. Add 1/2 cup of pasta water and toss. Keep adding more to thin the sauce, if needed, up to 1 1/2 cups. I suggest only doing it in 1/2 cup increments to allow the pasta to soak up the pasta water. This water is salty and starchy and adds flavor to the sauce.
  • Toss with parsley and freshly grated parmesan cheese. Salt according to taste. If you like spicy foods, add a touch more red pepper flakes.