Garlic Shrimp Pasta

INGREDIENTS:

12 oz (340 g) pasta (linguine, spaghetti, or fettuccine work best)

1 lb (450 g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined

3 tablespoons olive oil

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)

Salt and pepper to taste

Juice of 1 lemon

Zest of 1 lemon

1/2 cup white wine or chicken broth (optional)

1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated (optional)

1 tablespoon unsalted butter (optional, for added richness)

DIRECTIONS:

Step 1: Cooking the Pasta

Boil Water: Fill a large pot with water, add a pinch of salt, and bring it to a boil.

Cook Pasta: Add the pasta to the boiling water and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.

Step 2: Preparing the Shrimp

Season Shrimp: Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels and season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes.

Heat Olive Oil: In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat.

Cook Shrimp: Add the shrimp to the skillet in a single layer and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque. Remove shrimp from the skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Making the Garlic Sauce

Sauté Garlic: In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil and minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.

Add Wine/Broth: Pour in the white wine or chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Let it simmer for 2 minutes to reduce slightly.

Incorporate Lemon: Stir in lemon juice and zest, and season with additional salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes to taste.

Step 4: Combining Everything

Return Shrimp to Skillet: Add the cooked shrimp back into the skillet, tossing to coat in the sauce.

Add Pasta: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, using tongs to toss everything together. If the pasta seems dry, add reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time until the desired consistency is reached.

Finish with Butter (optional): Stir in butter for extra richness, allowing it to melt into the sauce.

Step 5: Garnishing and Serving

Add Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle chopped parsley over the pasta and toss again.

Serve: Divide the pasta among plates, and top with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.

Enjoy: Serve immediately, with a lemon wedge on the side for an extra citrusy kick.

Step 6: Storing Leftovers

Storage: Store any leftover Garlic Shrimp Pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce.