Place the carrots in a medium saucepan. Cover with water and sprinkle with salt if desired.

Place the saucepan on the burner over medium-high heat and bring to a boil.

Reduce the heat to medium and cook, stirring occasionally, for 10 minutes, or until they are fork-tender.

Transfer the carrots to a bowl and set aside.

Place the butter in the same saucepan the carrots were cooked in. Melt the butter, then add the honey to the butter. Bring the honey sauce to a boil then remove from heat.

Return the cooked carrots to the honey sauce. Sprinkle with salt and pepper (if using) and red pepper flakes (if using). Toss to coat.

Transfer to a serving plate. Sprinkle with parsley (if using).