Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions, usually around 8-10 minutes for al dente. Once cooked, reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water and drain the pasta.

1. Prepare the sauce: While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
2. Add lemon and pepper: To the pan, add the lemon zest, lemon juice, freshly cracked black pepper, and salt. Stir everything together and let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes to meld the flavors.
3. Combine the pasta and sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the pan with the lemon pepper sauce. Toss to combine, adding some reserved pasta water if needed to help coat the pasta evenly. Stir until the pasta is fully coated in the sauce.
4. Serve: Plate the pasta and garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley for a burst of freshness and flavor. Serve immediately and enjoy!