Spaghetti Aglio e Olio with Chili

Ingredients

• 200 g spaghetti
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic
• 0.5 tsp red chili flakes
• 0.25 cup fresh parsley
• 0.5 lemon
• 1 tsp salt(optional)
• 0.25 tsp black pepper(optional)

Instructions

1. 1

   Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti until al dente (about 10–12 minutes), reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.

2. 2

   While the pasta cooks, thinly slice or mince the garlic. In a large pan over low heat, warm the olive oil and gently cook the garlic with the chili flakes for about 2–3 minutes, just until fragrant (do not brown).

3. 3

   Add the drained spaghetti to the pan and toss well. Add a splash of reserved pasta water as needed to help the oil coat the noodles, then toss for 1–2 minutes.

4. 4

   Turn off the heat and stir in chopped parsley. Finish with lemon juice (and black pepper if using), toss again, and serve immediately.