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

1. Put the olive oil, garlic, and red pepper flakes in a saucepan over low heat.
2. Cook until the garlic turns golden. Do not brown.
3. Salt and pepper to taste.
4. 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