Ingredients:

  • 12 ounces spaghetti or linguine, uncooked
  • Salt, for pasta water
  • 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 6 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1/4 cup dry white wine (optional)
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • Grated Parmesan cheese, to taste (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Boil a large pot of salted water. Add spaghetti or linguine and cook until al dente, then drain and set aside, reserving a cup of pasta water.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes, sauté for about 30 seconds.
  3. Add shrimp, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook until shrimp are pink and opaque, about 3-4 minutes per side. Optionally, add white wine and simmer for 1-2 minutes.
  4. Add drained pasta to the skillet. Toss to combine, adding reserved pasta water for desired sauce consistency. Stir in lemon zest, lemon juice, and chopped parsley.
  5. Plate the pasta and shrimp, garnishing with fresh parsley and Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve immediately.