- 12 oz fettuccine (or linguine, if that's what's in your pantry)
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined, tails removed
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, divided
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, plus more for pasta water
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, but recommended)
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
- Juice of half a lemon