Linguine with Garlic and Oil

With this one, olive oil is the primary flavor, so use a good quality oil. Be careful not to overcook the garlic. There are times when an oil-based sauce is not thin enough to coat your pasta. In this case, add more oil or a bit of pasta-cooking water. From Mark Bittman's How To Cook Everything Cookbook. Serves 2.

Salt
1/6 cup extra virgin olive oil, or more as needed
1 tablespoons minced garlic
1 small dried red chiles, or to taste, or hot red pepper flakes to taste (optional)
1/2 pound linguine (or spaghetti, or any other pasta)
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley leaves (optional)

1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil and salt it. Put the oil, garlic, the chiles if you're using them, and a pinch of salt in a small skillet or saucepan over medium-low heat. Let the garlic sizzle a bit, shaking the pan occasionally, just until it turns golden, about 3 minutes. Turn off the heat if the pasta isn't ready.

2. If using fresh pasta, toss in the boiling water and when it just begins to boil again, it's done. Drain it, reserving a bit of the cooking water. Reheat the garlic and oil mixture briefly if necessary. Dress the pasta with the sauce, adding a little more oil or some of the cooking water if it seems dry. Taste and adjust the seasoning, then toss with the parsley if you're using it.