Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta

Ingredients

• •8 oz spaghetti or linguine
• •1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• •4 tbsp unsalted butter
• •4 cloves garlic, minced
• •1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• •Salt to taste
• •Black pepper to taste
• •1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• •Juice of 1 lemon (about 2 tbsp)
• •Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)

Instructions

1. 1

   Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.

2. 2

   In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, sautéing for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

3. 3

   Add the shrimp to the skillet, season with salt and black pepper, and cook until they turn pink and opaque, about 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

4. 4

   Reduce the heat to low, add the cooked pasta to the skillet, and toss to combine with the shrimp and garlic butter. If the mixture seems dry, add some reserved pasta water until you reach the desired consistency.

5. 5

   Stir in the chopped parsley and lemon juice. Toss everything together to ensure the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce.

6. 6

   Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary, adding more salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes as preferred.

7. 7

   Serve immediately, topped with grated Parmesan cheese if desired. Enjoy!