Cook the Pasta:

1. Boil Water: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes.
2. Reserve Pasta Water: Before draining, reserve ¼ cup of pasta cooking water to thin the sauce if needed later.

Prepare the Garlic Butter Sauce:

3. Melt the Butter: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
4. Season the Sauce: Stir in the crushed red pepper flakes (if using) and season with salt and black pepper to taste. Continue to cook for another minute, allowing the flavors to meld.

Combine the Pasta and Sauce:

5. Toss the Pasta: Add the cooked pasta directly to the skillet with the garlic butter sauce. Toss the pasta in the sauce to coat it evenly, using tongs or a spatula.
6. Add Pasta Water (Optional): If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to thin it to your desired consistency.

Finish and Serve:

7. Add Parmesan (Optional): Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor and creaminess.
8. Garnish and Serve: Transfer the garlic butter noodles to serving plates and garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve immediately.