Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Adding salt to the water helps season the pasta as it cooks, enhancing its flavor. Once boiling, add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until it’s al dente—firm to the bite but not hard in the center (usually about 9–11 minutes for most pasta types).

As the pasta cooks, reserve about 1 cup of the pasta water before draining the pasta. The pasta water, rich in starch, is invaluable for adjusting the consistency of the sauce later on and will help bind the olive oil to the noodles, making for a creamy, silky texture. Drain the pasta and set it aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Garlic and Oil Sauce

While your pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced garlic to the pan and sauté it for about 2–3 minutes, or until it becomes golden brown and fragrant. Be sure to stir the garlic frequently to avoid burning it, as burnt garlic can become bitter and ruin the flavor of the dish.

Once the garlic is golden, you can add the red pepper flakes. The heat from the pan will help infuse the oil with their spicy flavor. Stir the mixture well to ensure that the garlic and red pepper flakes are evenly distributed in the oil. At this point, the oil should be fragrant, and the garlic should be soft and lightly caramelized.

Step 3: Toss the Pasta in the Sauce

When the garlic and oil mixture is ready, add the drained pasta directly into the skillet. Toss the pasta in the garlic oil, making sure each strand is evenly coated. As you do this, you’ll notice the oil will begin to cling to the pasta, turning it golden and delicious.

If the pasta looks a bit dry or isn’t coming together well, add a small amount of the reserved pasta water, a tablespoon at a time, to help the sauce coat the noodles. The starchy pasta water will help emulsify the oil, creating a silky smooth sauce that sticks to the pasta.

Step 4: Season and Garnish

Taste the pasta and adjust the seasoning with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Don’t be shy with the seasoning—garlic and olive oil need the right balance of salt to really shine. If you like a little more heat, feel free to add more red pepper flakes.

Once the pasta is seasoned to your liking, transfer it to serving plates or a large serving bowl. Garnish with fresh parsley for an added pop of color and a touch of brightness that cuts through the richness of the olive oil.

If desired, sprinkle some freshly grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta for an extra layer of flavor. The cheese will melt into the warm pasta, adding a creamy and salty finish.

Serve immediately while the pasta is hot, and enjoy the simplicity and beauty of this classic dish.