Ingredients:

– 12 oz (340g) pasta (spaghetti, fettuccine, or linguine)
– 1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 2 tbsp butter
– 1/2 cup dry white wine (optional)
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
– Salt and black pepper, to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
– Lemon wedges (for serving)

 Instructions:

1. Cook the Pasta:
– In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of the pasta water.

2. Cook the Shrimp:
– While the pasta is cooking, heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add shrimp and season with salt and pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and cooked through. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.

3. Make the Sauce:
– In the same skillet, add garlic and sauté until fragrant (about 1 minute). Pour in the white wine (if using) and simmer for 2-3 minutes to reduce. Add the heavy cream and let it simmer for a couple of minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.

4. Combine:
– Add the shrimp back to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to combine. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time to loosen it up.

5. Finish:
– Stir in Parmesan cheese, red pepper flakes (if using), and more salt and pepper to taste. Toss until everything is well combined and the pasta is coated in the creamy sauce.

6. Serve:
– Garnish with fresh parsley and a squeeze of lemon juice. Serve with extra lemon wedges and more Parmesan if desired.

Enjoy your delicious garlic shrimp pasta!