"Cozy Dinner: Spaghetti Aglio e Olio on Rustic Table"

**Spaghetti Aglio E Olio** **Preparation time:** 10 minutes **Cooking time:** 20 minutes **Total time:** 30 minutes **Ingredients:** - 400 grams of spaghetti - 4-6 cloves of garlic, finely chopped - 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes - 1/2 cup of olive oil - Salt (to taste) - 1/2 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese - Fresh black pepper (for garnishing, optional) **Instructions:** 1. Set a large pot of water on high heat and bring it to a boil. Once boiling, add 1 tablespoon of salt (or to taste), followed by the spaghetti. Stir occasionally to ensure the spaghetti doesn't stick together or to the bottom of the pot. Cook until al dente (soft but with a slight bite). This usually takes around 9-11 minutes, but refer to the package instructions for specific cooking times. 2. While the spaghetti is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the finely chopped garlic to the hot oil, sautéing it until it turns golden brown. This process requires care to avoid burning the garlic, so don't leave it unattended. 3. Stir in the red pepper flakes into the oil and garlic mixture, and cook for another minute. Turn off the heat after this step to prevent overcooking. 4. When the spaghetti is ready, reserve 1 cup of the pasta water before draining the rest. This starchy water can help to emulsify and thicken the sauce. 5. Add the drained spaghetti to the pan with the garlic and oil, effectively combining all the ingredients. The heat should remain off at this stage. 6. Gradually add the pasta water you previously set aside, while consistently stirring the spaghetti. This will create a silky and shiny coating on the pasta. 7. Season the pasta with salt according to your taste preferences. 8. Sprinkle the generously grated Parmesan cheese over the hot pasta, allowing it to melt into the spaghetti, and stir until fully incorporated. 9. Serve immediately, optionally garnishing with a bit of freshly cracked black pepper and more Parmesan cheese, if desired. For best enjoyment of this dish, I recommend a side of crusty baguette and a glass of your favorite red wine. Bon Appétit!

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