Place a pot of water to boil. Cook pasta according to directions but drain three minutes under.
In a skillet sauté garlic, thyme, red pepper flakes with ½ the olive oil, stir in olives and soon after 1 cup pasta water.
Simmer for 3-4 minutes, remove garlic and thyme.
Drain pasta and toss in the skillet over high heat for 3 minutes. If needed add a touch of reserved cooking liquid.
Turn heat off. Stir in cheese before serving.
