Spaghetti Aglio e Olio

Kosher salt

1 pound (450 g) dried spaghetti

1/2 cup (120 ml) extra-virgin olive oil, divided

4 medium cloves garlic, thinly sliced

Red pepper flakes, to taste (optional)

Minced flat-leaf parsley, for serving (optional)

In a pot of salted boiling water, cook spaghetti until just shy of al dente (about 1 minute less than the package directs). Reserve pasta cooking water.

Meanwhile, in a large skillet, combine 6 tablespoons oil and garlic. Add pinch of red pepper flakes, if using. Cook over medium heat until garlic is very lightly golden, about 5 minutes. (Adjust heat as necessary to keep it gently sizzling.

Transfer pasta to skillet along with 1/2 cup pasta water, increase heat to high, and cook, stirring and tossing rapidly, until a creamy, emulsified sauce forms and coats the noodles. Remove from heat, add remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil, and stir well to combine. Mix in parsley, if using, and serve right away.