Simple Spaghetti

This is a simple yet sophisticated version of my favorite pasta dish. Growing up, I have fond memories of a bowl of hot spaghetti with just butter and salt/pepper.

Use the freshest ingredients you can find for this- it really does make a difference when the dish is so simple.

Half package of whole wheat spaghetti, cooked according to instructions on packet
1/2 cup pasta water
1 tsp red pepper flakes
5 large cloves garlic, chopped finely
Juice of one lemon
Zest of one lemon
Salt and Fresh cracker pepper, to taste
1 cup basil, chopped finely
4 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, good quality

Heat the oil on low-medium heat and toss in the garlic and red pepper flakes. Saute for about 5 minutes until the oil is fragrant and garlic is slightly browned. Be careful not to over brown the garlic or the oil will be bitter.

Turn off the heat and pour the oil into the spaghetti. Add the pasta water, salt, lemon juice, basil, zest and pepper. Toss until well coated. Serve with a dusting of freshly grated/shaved parmesan cheese (For vegan option, use nutritional yeast)

You can also add some chopped sun dried tomatoes and roasted pine nuts to the pasta just before serving.