Step 1: Cook the Pasta

1. Boil Water: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil over high heat.
2. Cook the Pasta: Add your pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain, but save about 1/2 cup of pasta water for later.
3. Set Aside: Once cooked, set the pasta aside and keep it warm.

Step 2: Prepare the Shrimp Scampi Sauce

1. Heat the Pan: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
2. Sauté Garlic: Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn it!
3. Add Red Pepper Flakes: If you like a little heat, sprinkle in the red pepper flakes and stir to combine with the garlic.
4. Cook the Shrimp: Add the shrimp to the pan in a single layer. Season with salt and pepper, and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until the shrimp are pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the pan and set them aside.

Step 3: Make the Sauce

1. Deglaze the Pan: With the shrimp set aside, pour the white wine into the same pan, scraping up any bits of shrimp or garlic stuck to the bottom of the pan. Let the wine reduce for about 2 minutes.
2. Add Butter and Lemon: Stir in the butter, allowing it to melt into the sauce, and add the lemon zest and juice.
3. Combine with Pasta: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing it in the buttery sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, add some of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.

Step 4: Finish and Serve

1. Return Shrimp to the Pan: Add the cooked shrimp back into the skillet, tossing them with the pasta and sauce.
2. Garnish: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top and give it one last toss.
3. Serve: Plate the shrimp scampi immediately, making sure to spoon plenty of the sauce over the pasta.