Simple Homemade Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta

Ingredients

• •12 oz spaghetti or linguine
• •2 tablespoons olive oil
• •4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• •6 cloves garlic, minced
• •1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• •1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• •1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• •1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• •1 teaspoon lemon zest
• •Juice of 1 lemon
• •Salt and black pepper to taste
• •Extra Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)

Instructions

1. 1

   Cook spaghetti or linguine in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.

2. 2

   In a large skillet, heat olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat until melted.

3. 3

   Add minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant.

4. 4

   Stir in shrimp and season lightly with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook shrimp for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until pink and opaque. Remove shrimp from the skillet and set aside.

5. 5

   Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter to the skillet. Once melted, toss in the cooked pasta and mix until well coated. If needed, use the reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce.

6. 6

   Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet along with Parmesan cheese, fresh parsley, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Toss everything together until well combined.

7. 7

   Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or lemon juice, as needed.

8. 8

   Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan and parsley, if desired.