Prep (10 minutes):

1. Gather your ingredients: Make sure you have everything you need before you start cooking.

2. Minced garlic: Finely chop or mince the garlic cloves. A garlic press can also be used for this step.

3. Grate Parmesan cheese (optional): If using Parmesan cheese for garnish, grate it fresh using a box grater or microplane for the best flavor and texture.

4. Prep the parsley (optional): Wash and chop a small handful of fresh parsley for garnish, if desired.

Cooking (15-20 minutes):

1. Cook the spaghetti: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions until al dente (usually around 8-12 minutes).Tip 1: Salt the water generously. Aim for about 1 tablespoon of salt per gallon of water. This seasons the pasta while it cooks.
   Tip 2: Reserve pasta water. Before draining the pasta, reserve about 1 cup of the starchy pasta water. This flavorful water will be used later to create a silky sauce for the pasta.
   

2. While the pasta cooks, heat the oil: In a large skillet or frying pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat.

3. Sauté the garlic: Once the oil is hot but not smoking, add the minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for 30 seconds to 1 minute, until it becomes fragrant and lightly golden brown. Be careful not to let the garlic burn, as it will turn bitter.

4. Drain the pasta (reserve water): Drain the cooked spaghetti in a colander, but reserve about 1 cup of the starchy pasta water you set aside earlier.

5. Combine everything: Immediately transfer the drained spaghetti to the pan with the garlic and olive oil. Toss the pasta gently to coat it evenly with the garlicky oil.

6. Season and adjust consistency: Add the Himalayan pink salt, black pepper, and dried parsley flakes to the pan. Toss the pasta again to distribute the seasonings evenly.Tip 3: Use the reserved pasta water. If the pasta seems dry or doesn't coat well with the oil, gradually add some of the reserved pasta water, a tablespoon at a time, while tossing the pasta constantly. This starchy water helps create a silky sauce that clings to the noodles.
   

7. Serve immediately: Once the pasta is well coated, heated through, and seasoned to your taste, remove the pan from the heat.

8. Garnish and serve: Serve the Spaghetti Aglio e Olio immediately in hot bowls. Garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley, if desired.

Tips:

• Use high-quality ingredients for the best flavor. Fresh garlic and extra virgin olive oil make a big difference.

• Don't overcook the garlic. You want it to be fragrant and slightly golden, not brown.

• Reserve some pasta water. The starch in the pasta water helps create a silky sauce that coats the noodles.

• Adjust the seasonings to your taste.

• You can add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.

• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. However, the texture of the pasta may change slightly.

Enjoy this delicious and simple Spaghetti Aglio e Olio!