Garlic Lemon Shrimp With Pasta

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta to the boiling water and cook according to the package directions, or until al dente. Before draining, reserve 1/3 cup of pasta cooking water.
2. While the pasta is cooking, heat 2 tablespoons of the oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the shrimp in a single layer. Sprinkle with salt and pepper.
3. Cook for 2 minutes, turn the shrimp over, add the remaining tablespoon of oil, the garlic, and red pepper flakes. Stir constantly for 1 to 2 minutes. Add the lemon zest and white wine to the shrimp. Stir and let the wine reduce slightly. Stir in the lemon juice.

1. Ladle the pasta cooking water into a large serving bowl. Drain the pasta and add to the bowl. Pour the shrimp with the sauce over the pasta. Add the Parmesan and pine nuts, if using, and toss to mix and coat. Serve with a drizzle of olive oil and extra red pepper flakes on each serving, if desired.
    

Tips

To toast pine nuts, spread them in a small heavy skillet and cook over low heat for 3 to 5 minutes, shaking the pan frequently, until light brown.

The cooking time on the package of pasta is only a guideline. Begin to test dried pasta after about 4 minutes of cooking and fresh pasta after about 30 seconds. Pull out a piece and bite it; it should feel tender but firm (al dente). Overcooked pasta will be mushy and pasty. As soon as the pasta is done, drain it thoroughly in a colander. Do not rinse it unless stated in the recipe. (Pasta is usually only rinsed if it is to be used in a salad.)

Dried pasta can be stored in an airtight container in a cool, dark place and it will keep almost indefinitely. However, dried whole-wheat pasta should be used within 1 month. Fresh pasta should be wrapped tightly and refrigerated up to 5 days, or double wrapped and frozen up to 4 months. Frozen pasta does not have to be thawed before cooking.