Step 1

Firstly, bring a pot of salty water to the boil and cook your pasta until al dente. Follow the instructions on the package.

Step 2

When you drain the pasta, reserve at least ½ cup of pasta cooking water.

Step 3

While the pasta is cooking, prepare the olives. Heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium heat.

Step 4

Add garlic and chilli flakes, cook until fragrant (about 30-45 seconds), then add the olives and stir for about 3-4 minutes. Turn the heat off.

Step 5

In a small bowl, mix the grated parmesan cheese if you use it, chopped parsley and grated lemon zest.

Step 6

When the pasta is drained, add it to the pan along with the mix of parsley, lemon and parmesan cheese. Turn the heat on, add some of the pasta cooking water and toss for about 10 seconds, just until well combined and nicely coated. Add the cooking water gradually, you don't want to water down the flavor.

Step 7

Serve hot with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and a pinch of chilli flakes if you like. Plus grated parmesan cheese if you don't keep it vegan. Enjoy!