Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta

Ingredients:

• 200g spaghetti or any pasta of choice
• 200g shrimp (peeled and deveined)
• 4 cloves garlic (minced)
• 3 tbsp butter
• 1 lemon (zested and juiced)
• Fresh parsley (chopped)
• Salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. Boil the pasta: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add a pinch of salt, and cook the pasta according to the instructions on the package (about 8-10 minutes). Drain and set aside, saving 1/4 cup of pasta water.

2. Cook the shrimp: While the pasta is cooking, heat 1 tablespoon of butter in a large pan over medium heat. Add the shrimp and cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque. Remove from the pan and set aside.

3. Sauté garlic: In the same pan, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and minced garlic. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, until the garlic becomes fragrant but not burned.

4. Combine pasta: Add the cooked pasta to the pan with garlic butter. Toss everything together. If the mixture is too dry, add the reserved pasta water a little at a time until it reaches a creamy consistency.

5. Add shrimp: Return the shrimp to the pan. Add the lemon juice and zest, and toss to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

6. Garnish and serve: Top with fresh chopped parsley and serve immediately!