1 lb medium shrimp, deveined and tails removed1 lb spaghetti noodles6–8 garlic cloves, minced¼ cup unsalted butter3 tablespoons olive oil, divided1 teaspoon Italian seasoningFreshly ground black pepper, to tasteRed pepper flakes, to tasteFine sea salt, to taste½ cup reserved pasta waterFresh parsley or basil, chopped (optional)
Instructions
Cook PastaBring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook spaghetti until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain and set aside.Season ShrimpPat shrimp dry and season lightly with salt, pepper, and a pinch of Italian seasoning.Cook ShrimpHeat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add shrimp and cook 2 minutes per side until pink. Remove and set aside.Make SauceIn the same skillet, melt butter with remaining olive oil. Add red pepper flakes and Italian seasoning. Stir in a splash of pasta water to create a light sauce.CombineAdd cooked spaghetti to the skillet and toss to coat. Return shrimp to the pan. Add more pasta water if needed.Finish & ServeTaste and adjust seasoning. Garnish with fresh herbs and serve warm.
Serving Tip
Serve with garlic bread or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for extra brightness.