Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add spaghetti and cook according to package directions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
While the pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and red pepper flakes and cook, stirring frequently, until garlic is fragrant and lightly golden, about 2-3 minutes. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet with the garlic oil. Toss to coat, adding a little of the reserved pasta water at a time if needed to create a smooth sauce.
Stir in fresh basil and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve immediately, garnished with freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
Optional: Add a squeeze of lemon juice for extra brightness.
For a richer flavor, add a tablespoon of butter along with the pasta water.
Very good and easy. The balance of flavors is great. It's a perfect weeknight meal and the taste is great. I used a good quality spaghetti. Highly recommended!
Not the best experience. The dish was pretty bland and not enough flavour for my taste. I needed a lot more garlic. I might try another recipe.
This recipe is amazing! The garlic flavor is intense and the basil is really fragrant. It's ready in minutes. Definitely a keeper!
This recipe is a lifesaver! So easy to make, and the flavors are incredible. The garlic and red pepper flakes create the perfect balance. I added a little extra Parmesan cheese, and it was divine. Will definitely make this again!
Perfect! Exactly what I was looking for. The recipe is so easy to follow and the end result is just incredible. Wonderful use of garlic. I didn't change a thing.
