Authentic Spaghetti Aglio e Olio

Ingredients

• ¼ cup olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic minced
• 1/2 - 1 teaspoon hot pepper flakes or 1 hot pepper (more if desired)
• 1-2 tablespoons fresh parsley finely chopped
• 3-4 cups cooked spaghetti (6-8 ounces dry)
• ¼ cup reserved pasta water

Steps

1. 1

   In a large pot of boiling salted water cook the very pasta al dente (2 minutes before al dente)

2. 2

   If you are using fresh pepper, then slice it down the middle, remove the seeds and chop. You can use both dry and fresh if you prefer, that's what I do.

3. 3

   Two minutes before pasta is cooked as per package instructions, in a large deep frying pan add the olive oil, garlic and hot pepper flakes or pepper, cook on medium heat for about 1-2 minutes. Stirring occasionally (being careful not to let anything burn). If pasta is not yet cooked then remove from heat.

4. 4

   Replace on the heat, add half the parsley, and cook for a few seconds.

5. 5

   Then add the pasta and the reserved pasta water. Toss together continuously while cooking on medium heat for 2-3 minutes until the pasta is al dente and the water has evaporated. Serve immediately with the remaining fresh parsley if desired. Enjoy!