For the pasta:
225 gmDried pasta (spaghetti, linguine, or any long pasta)
1 tspSalt (for pasta water)
1 cupReserved pasta water
For the garlic butter sauce:
4 tbspUnsalted butter (divided), at room temperature
3Garlic cloves (thinly sliced), medium-sized
¼ tspGround black pepper
to tasteSalt
For finishing:
½ cupParmesan cheese (freshly grated)
¼ cupFresh parsley (chopped)
1 tbspExtra virgin olive oil (optional)
Optional additions:
¼ tspRed pepper flakes
½ tspLemon zest
2 tbspFresh basil, chopped
Extra garlic