To achieve the perfect Spicy Garlic Shrimp Pasta, follow these step-by-step instructions:

Preparing the Shrimp

1. Rinse the shrimp thoroughly under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels.
2. Season the shrimp with salt and freshly ground black pepper.

Cooking the Pasta

3. In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water.

Making the Garlic Butter Sauce

4. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp in a single layer and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they turn pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
5. In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté for about 1 minute, or until the garlic is fragrant but not browned.
6. Pour in the white wine (or chicken broth) and lemon juice, scraping up any bits from the bottom of the pan. Let the mixture simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly reduced.

Combining Everything

7. Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet, and add the drained pasta. Toss everything to coat in the garlic butter sauce.
8. Add the reserved pasta water a little at a time, if needed, to achieve the desired sauce consistency.
9. Stir in the chopped parsley and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper, if necessary.

Serving

10. Serve the pasta hot, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese and lemon wedges for squeezing.