Boil the noodles about a minute short of their package directions. While you wait, move on to the sauce.

Add the olive oil to a large pan on medium heat. Add the garlic and fry gently for 1 minute. Add the pepper flakes and stir in the anchovy (if using fillets, break them up into the oil). Cook until the garlic is soft and caramel coloured. Stop them from browning further by adding a few splashes of the pasta cooking water. Let the sauce simmer.

When the noodles are almost cooked, drag them into the pan of sauce, reserving a cup of the cooking water. Add most of the parmesan and parsley to the noodles and toss. Add salt to taste. If needed, add the cooking liquid a splash at a time to loosen the pasta. Serve with a sprinkle of the remaining cheese and parsley.