Garlic Shrimp Pasta

### Instructions:

#### 1. **Cook the Pasta:**
– Start by boiling a large pot of **salted water**. Once the water reaches a rolling boil, add your **linguine** (or other pasta of choice). Cook according to package instructions until al dente, about **8-10 minutes**.
– Drain the pasta, reserving about **1/2 cup of pasta water**. This starchy water will help bring everything together later. Set aside.

#### 2. **Sauté the Shrimp:**
– While the pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add **2 tbsp of olive oil**.
– Once the oil is hot, add the shrimp in a single layer. Let them cook for about **1-2 minutes per side**, until they turn pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the pan and set aside.

#### 3. **Prepare the Garlic Butter Sauce:**
– In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and melt **2 tbsp of unsalted butter**.
– Add the **minced garlic** and sauté for about **1 minute**, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
– If you’re using **red pepper flakes**, add them at this point to infuse some spice into the sauce.
– Pour in **1/2 cup of dry white wine** (or chicken broth for a non-alcoholic option). Scrape the bottom of the skillet to release any flavorful bits stuck to the pan. Let the wine simmer for about **2-3 minutes** to reduce slightly.

#### 4. **Combine Pasta and Shrimp:**
– Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the garlic butter sauce. Toss everything together, adding the reserved **pasta water** a little at a time to create a silky sauce that coats the noodles.
– Squeeze in the juice of **1 lemon** and sprinkle the **lemon zest** (if using) to brighten up the flavors.
– Return the cooked shrimp to the pan and toss again to combine all the ingredients. Season with **salt and pepper** to taste.

#### 5. **Garnish and Serve:**
– Once everything is well combined and heated through, remove the skillet from the heat.
– Garnish with freshly chopped **parsley** for a pop of color and freshness.
– For an extra touch of flavor, sprinkle **grated Parmesan cheese** over the pasta before serving.

### Why You’ll Love Garlic Shrimp Pasta:

– **Quick and Easy**: Ready in less than 30 minutes, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen.

– **Flavorful and Savory**: The combination of garlic, butter, and shrimp creates a rich, satisfying dish. The slight tang from the lemon and the freshness of parsley balance out the flavors beautifully.

– **Customizable**: You can make this dish your own by adding extra ingredients like **cherry tomatoes**, **spinach**, or even a dash of **cream** for a creamy garlic shrimp pasta version. Adjust the level of spice by increasing or reducing the red pepper flakes.

– **Perfect for Any Occasion**: Whether it’s a family dinner or a special date night, garlic shrimp pasta is always a hit. It feels gourmet but is simple enough to prepare on any given day.

### Tips for Perfect Garlic Shrimp Pasta:

1. **Use Fresh Shrimp**: For the best flavor, opt for **fresh shrimp** instead of frozen. However, if using frozen shrimp, be sure to thaw them properly and pat them dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture.

2. **Don’t Overcook the Shrimp**: Shrimp cooks very quickly, so be careful not to overdo it. Overcooked shrimp can become rubbery and tough. As soon as they turn pink and opaque, they’re done.

3. **Don’t Skip the Lemon**: Lemon adds a refreshing citrusy flavor that cuts through the richness of the garlic butter sauce. Don’t skip this step—it makes the dish bright and balanced.

4. **Add Pasta Water**: Don’t forget to reserve a little pasta water. The starchy water helps to bind the pasta to the sauce, creating a creamy, cohesive dish without needing to add cream.

5. **Pair with a Simple Side**: Garlic shrimp pasta pairs wonderfully with a **side salad**, **garlic bread**, or even **roasted vegetables** to round out the meal.

### Conclusion:

**Garlic Shrimp Pasta** is the perfect dish when you want something quick, flavorful, and satisfying. The combination of succulent shrimp, rich garlic butter sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta makes for a meal that’s both comforting and gourmet. With just a handful of ingredients and under 30 minutes of cooking time, you can whip up this impressive dish for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it for a weeknight dinner or a special celebration, garlic shrimp pasta is always a crowd-pleaser that will have everyone asking for seconds.

So next time you need a dinner that’s as delicious as it is easy, grab some shrimp and pasta, and give this recipe a try!