Cooking Instructions:

Begin by boiling a pot of salted water. Add the spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the spaghetti and set it aside.

In a large skillet, melt the butter or heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.

Add the shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Season with salt and, if desired, crushed red pepper for added heat. Cook the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes on each side or until they turn pink and opaque.

Once the shrimp are cooked, pour in the reserved pasta water and, if using, the lemon juice and zest. Stir to combine, creating a sauce that coats the shrimp.

Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet and toss everything together until the pasta is well coated with the sauce. If the mixture seems dry, you can add more pasta water as needed.

For extra flavor, toss in fresh basil and parsley just before serving. Adjust seasoning to taste and serve immediately.

Extra Tips:

To guarantee the shrimp are perfectly cooked, avoid overcrowding the skillet; this can lead to steaming rather than searing. Patting the shrimp dry before cooking helps achieve a good sear, and remember to keep an eye on the cooking time.

Feel free to customize your dish by adding seasonal vegetables or adjusting the level of spices based on your preference. Enjoy your culinary creation!