Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta Easy and Flavorful Meal

Ingredients

• 12 oz fettuccine pasta
• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 6 cloves garlic, minced
• 0.5 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1 whole lemon, zested and juiced
• 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 0.25 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• to taste salt and pepper

Instructions

1. In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the fettuccine according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
2. In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 3 tablespoons of butter. Add the shrimp and season with salt, pepper, and half of the red pepper flakes. Cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until the shrimp turn pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, add the remaining butter and garlic. Sauté for about 1-2 minutes or until the garlic is fragrant but not browned.
4. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the garlic butter sauce. Toss to coat the pasta evenly, then add the lemon juice, lemon zest, and reserved pasta water a little at a time until reaching your desired sauce consistency.
5. Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and gently toss everything together. Add in the Parmesan cheese and the remaining red pepper flakes. Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve the pasta immediately, garnished with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese if desired.