Quick and Easy Pasta Recipe with Garlic and Olive Oil

Ingredients

• 8 ounces spaghetti
• 4 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 lemon, zested and juiced
• Optional: cherry tomatoes, halved (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat, then add the spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes.
2. While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
3. Stir in the red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper into the skillet, then remove the skillet from heat once combined.
4. Once the pasta is cooked, reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the spaghetti and add it directly to the skillet with the garlic oil.
5. Toss the spaghetti in the skillet to coat it well with the garlic oil, then add the reserved pasta water gradually until you reach the desired sauce consistency.
6. Mix in the chopped parsley, lemon zest, and lemon juice, tossing everything together until well combined.
7. Serve immediately, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese and halved cherry tomatoes if desired.