Ingredients:
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes
- 8 oz linguine or spaghetti
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- ½ tsp black pepper
Instructions:
- Pat the shrimp completely dry with paper towels to ensure a mahogany-colored crust.
- Heat olive oil and 2 tbsp of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat until the butter foams.
- Add shrimp in a single layer. Season with salt and red pepper flakes.
- Sear for 2 minutes per side until opaque and pink. Immediately transfer shrimp to a plate; set aside.
- In the same skillet, lower heat to medium and melt the remaining 3 tbsp of butter.
- Stir in minced garlic and sauté for 30–60 seconds until fragrant and lightly golden, but not brown.
- Pour in the heavy cream and black pepper. Bring to a gentle simmer for 3–5 minutes until the sauce slightly thickens and looks glossy.
- Whisk in the grated Parmesan cheese until completely melted and smooth.
- While the sauce simmers, boil the pasta in salted water until just under al dente.
- Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain the noodles.
- Toss the pasta directly into the creamy sauce.
- Stir in the lemon juice, fresh parsley, and the seared shrimp.