Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente (usually 8-10 minutes). Before draining, use a ladle or measuring cup to reserve 1 cup of the starchy pasta water. Drain pasta in a colander but do not rinse. Set aside.

Step 2: Start the Sauce
While pasta cooks, melt butter in a large skillet or sauté pan over medium heat. Once butter is fully melted and begins to foam slightly, add the minced garlic. Sauté for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until garlic becomes fragrant and just begins to turn golden. Be careful not to burn the garlic as it will become bitter.

Step 3: Add the Cream
Reduce heat to medium-low. Pour in the heavy cream, stirring well to combine with the butter and garlic. Add Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper. Stir to incorporate all seasonings evenly throughout the cream.

Step 4: Simmer and Thicken
Allow the cream mixture to simmer gently for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally. The sauce will begin to thicken slightly and the flavors will meld together. Do not let it boil rapidly or the cream may break. You want gentle bubbles around the edges of the pan.

Step 5: Add Parmesan
Remove skillet from heat. Add the freshly grated Parmesan cheese to the cream sauce, stirring continuously until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. The residual heat will melt the cheese perfectly without making it stringy or grainy.

Step 6: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Add the drained pasta directly to the skillet with the cream sauce. Using tongs or two forks, toss the pasta in the sauce, coating every strand evenly. If the sauce seems too thick, add reserved pasta water 2-3 tablespoons at a time, tossing after each addition, until you reach your desired consistency. The sauce should coat the pasta beautifully but not be soupy.

Step 7: Final Seasoning
Taste and adjust seasoning, adding more salt, pepper, or Parmesan as needed. Remember that Parmesan is salty, so taste before adding extra salt.

Step 8: Serve
Transfer pasta to serving bowls or plates immediately while hot. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and additional grated Parmesan cheese. Serve right away for the best texture and flavor.