**Garlic and Oil Sauce ** (//Aglio e Olio//)

(For 1 pound of pasta.  Reserve some pasta water while draining. do not rinse pasta.)

Garlic and olive oil sauce suits long pasta like spaghetti and linguine

  * 1/3 - 1/2 cup olive oil
  * 2 or 3 garlic cloves, minced
  * Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
  * Salt and pepper
  * 2 tablespoons chopped parsley

  - Put the olive oil, garlic, and red pepper flakes in a saucepan over low heat.
  - Cook until the garlic turns golden.  Do not brown.
  - Salt and pepper to taste.  
  - Add cooked pasta and stir in parsley.  Serve.

Variations:
  * top with chopped fresh basil and/or mint leaves
  * add some reserved pasta water and stir to combine
  * add zest and juice from one lemon to sauce after browning the garlic.
  * top with grated parm or other cheese