Barefoot Bob's Shrimp Scampi with Linguini

Over the years I have tried many a recipe for Shrimp Scampi. And let me tell you, it felt like a Goldilock's nightmare from hell. This one was too lemony, this one the sauce was too thin, this one did not have enough garlic, this one had enough parsley in it to the point you thought it was pesto. But THIS one, ( my recipe) that i FINALLY developed after years of trial and error, was just right! Linguini or Angel Hair work the best with this recipe.

2 tsp. Kosher Salt ( or to taste)

3/4 pound Linguini

4 1/2 Tablespoons Unsalted Butter

2 1/2 Tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil ( I use Colavita)

6 cloves of garlic, finely minced or passed through a garlic press

1 pound large shrimp ( about 16) peeled, deveined, and tales removed. (I use frozen most of the time, just thawed out and rinsed)

1/4 tsp Freshly Finely Ground Black Pepper

1/3 cup chopped flat leaf Italian Parsley

1/2 lemon, zested

The juice of one freshly squeezed lemon

1/8 tsp. Red Pepper Flakes

Prepare Linguini according to package directions. Reserve some of the cooking liquid. ( use at least 1 tablespoon of kosher salt in the water while cooking the pasta, i add more salt) In a saute pan, melt 3 tablespoons of the butter and olive oil over medium low heat. Now, here is my personal little trick to making the sauce a little thicker which is the way I enjoy it... melt your butter first, then slowly drizzle in your oil into the butter a little bit at the time, like you are making a mayonnaise... this emulsifies and thickens the sauce. Add garlic, saute for one minute until garlic is fragrant. Add the shrimp, 1 1/2 tsp. of Kosher Salt, and the black pepper. Saute until shrimp turn pink and are cooked ( about 5 minutes for fresh and 2-3 minutes for thawed frozen shrimp) Remove from heat, add parsley, lemon zest and lemon juice and red pepper flakes. Toss in drained, hot pasta (there maybe some leftover). Put in a small amount of the pasta water, just a little, toss to combine, check for seasonings and serve hot!