Ingredients:

  • 12 ounces spaghetti or fettuccine
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 6 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon chili flakes (optional for heat)
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • Salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (about ¼ cup)
  • Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add spaghetti or fettuccine and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water and drain noodles in a colander.
  2. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute (do not brown). Stir in chili flakes and lemon zest for additional flavor.
  3. Add drained noodles to the skillet with the garlic butter. Toss to coat, adding reserved pasta water gradually until you reach the desired sauce consistency. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  4. Remove from heat. Stir in chopped parsley. Serve immediately, with grated Parmesan if desired.