Let’s get cooking! Follow these steps to bring this delightful dish to life:

1. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of the pasta water.
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the shrimp, season with salt and pepper, and cook until pink and opaque, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
4. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Add the heavy cream and continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until the sauce begins to thicken, approximately 4-5 minutes.
5. Reduce the heat to low and stir in the Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, and red pepper flakes if using. Add the cooked shrimp back to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce.
6. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to combine with the sauce and shrimp. If needed, add some reserved pasta water to achieve your desired sauce consistency.
7. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving, and enjoy every creamy, flavorful bite!