A minimalist pasta dish with garlic, olive oil, and red pepper flakes for a flavorful meal in minutes.

A minimalist pasta dish with garlic, olive oil, and red pepper flakes is the epitome of simplicity and flavor. This quick and easy meal is perfect when you're craving something delicious but don’t have much time to cook.  

To start, bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook your favorite pasta—spaghetti, linguine, or penne—according to the package instructions. 

While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add sliced garlic to the pan and sauté it gently, stirring occasionally. The goal is to infuse the olive oil with the garlic’s aromatic flavor, not to brown the garlic, so cook it for just 2-3 minutes until it becomes fragrant. 

Once the garlic has softened, add red pepper flakes to the oil for a spicy kick. You can adjust the amount depending on how much heat you prefer.  

The red pepper flakes not only bring spice but also enhance the overall flavor profile of the dish, making it incredibly satisfying with minimal ingredients. 

As the pasta nears the end of its cooking time, reserve a cup of pasta water and set it aside. Drain the pasta and add it directly to the skillet with the garlic and olive oil.  

Toss the pasta in the oil mixture to coat it evenly, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time to help create a silky sauce. The starchy pasta water will thicken the sauce and help it cling to the noodles. 

Finish the dish with a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese (optional), a pinch of salt, and freshly ground black pepper to taste. For a touch of freshness, you can garnish the pasta with chopped parsley or basil. 

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