FIRST STEP: COOK THE PASTA (IF USING)

1. Boil the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the linguine or spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving about 1 cup of the pasta water.
2. Toss with Olive Oil: While the pasta is still warm, toss it with a tablespoon of olive oil to keep the noodles from sticking. Set aside.

SECOND STEP: PREPARE THE SHRIMP

1. Prepare the Shrimp: If using frozen shrimp, ensure they are fully thawed. Pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This ensures they cook evenly and don’t release too much liquid into the pan.
2. Season the Shrimp: Season the shrimp with salt, pepper, and lemon zest. Toss to coat them evenly with the seasoning.

THIRD STEP: MAKE THE GARLIC-BUTTER SAUCE

1. Melt Butter in a Skillet: Heat 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat until melted and bubbly.
2. Cook the Garlic: Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes to the pan. Sauté for about 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the garlic is fragrant and golden brown. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
3. Add the Shrimp: Place the seasoned shrimp in the skillet in a single layer. Let them cook for 2-3 minutes on one side until they turn pink and slightly golden. Flip the shrimp over and cook for another 2-3 minutes until fully cooked. The shrimp should be opaque and tender.
4. Add Chicken Broth and Lemon Juice: Once the shrimp are cooked, add the chicken broth and lemon juice to the skillet. Stir to combine, and cook for an additional 2 minutes to let the sauce thicken slightly. If you want a thicker sauce, you can let it simmer a bit longer or add a splash of heavy cream for a creamier texture.
5. Add Remaining Butter: Stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter to the sauce, allowing it to melt and create a rich, silky texture.

FOURTH STEP: COMBINE PASTA AND SHRIMP

1. Add Pasta to the Sauce: If you’re serving the shrimp scampi with pasta, add the cooked pasta directly to the skillet with the shrimp and sauce. Toss the pasta in the sauce to coat it evenly, adding a little reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce and help it adhere to the noodles.
2. Adjust Seasoning: Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or lemon juice if needed.

FINAL STEP: GARNISH AND SERVE

1. Garnish with Parsley: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the dish for a pop of color and freshness.
2. Serve with Lemon Wedges: Place lemon wedges on the side for guests to squeeze over the dish.
3. Serve Immediately: Plate the shrimp scampi with pasta, and enjoy this delicious seafood dish right away while it’s still warm.