Garlic Shrimp Spaghetti

Instructions

1. Cook the pasta
   Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually 8-10 minutes. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
2. Prepare the shrimp
   While the pasta is cooking, pat the shrimp dry with paper towels and season with salt and pepper. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and cook for 1-2 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
3. Make the garlic sauce
   In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium-low. Add the remaining olive oil, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic. Add the white wine and lemon juice, and simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly reduced.
4. Create the creamy sauce
   Add the butter to the skillet and stir until melted. Return the cooked shrimp to the pan along with any accumulated juices. Toss to coat the shrimp in the sauce and warm through, about 1 minute.
5. Combine pasta and sauce
   Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the shrimp and sauce. Toss well to combine, adding a splash of the reserved pasta water as needed to create a silky sauce that coats the pasta. Stir in the lemon zest and half of the chopped parsley.
6. Finish and serve
   Remove from heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Transfer to serving plates or a large pasta bowl, garnish with remaining parsley, and serve immediately with additional Parmesan on the side.