Classic Garlic Butter Pasta

Ingredients

• 12 oz spaghetti or your preferred pasta
• 4 unsalted butter
  -4 garlic, finely
• 1/ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup pasta cooking water, reserved
• Salt and black pepper, to
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
  -est 1/ lemonoptional)

Instructions

1. a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. 1/4 cup the pasta water, then drain.
2. While the pasta cooks, melt butter in a large over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté 1– minutes until fragrant and just golden. Do not burn the garlic.
   3 If red pepper flakes, add to the skillet cook for another 30 seconds.
3. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet. Pour in the reserved pasta water and toss to coat the pasta evenly.
   . Sprinkle in the Parmesan and until the sauceifies and clings to the pasta. If the sauce is too thick, add a more pasta water, a tablespoon at a time.
   6 Season salt and black pepper to taste. Stir in parsley and lemon zest, if.
4. Serve immediately with extra on the side.

###ations

• Add grilled shrimp or chicken for protein.
• Swap half of the butter for olive oil for a lighter version.
• Stir in sautéed spinach or cherry tomatoes for color and freshness.

Tips

• Reserve pasta water before draining; it helpsicken and emuls the.
  Freshly grated Parmesan yields a richer flavor than pre-grated varieties- For a dairy-free alternative, olive oil and dairy-free cheese substitutes.