Valentine's Day Garlic Parmesan Shrimp Pasta

Ingredients:

• 12 oz pasta (spaghetti, linguine, or fettuccine)
• 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 medium red bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ cup Silver Spring Parmesan Garlic Aioli
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
• ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• Lemon wedges (optional)

Directions:

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
2. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil and 1 tbsp butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
3. Add shrimp, season with salt and black pepper, and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove from skillet and set aside.
4. In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tbsp olive oil and 1 tbsp butter.
5. Add sliced red bell pepper and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened but still slightly crisp. Remove from skillet and set aside with the shrimp.
6. Reduce heat to medium-low. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in Silver Spring Garlic Parmesan Aioli and red pepper flakes (if using). Add a splash of reserved pasta water if the sauce needs thinning.
7. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat with the sauce. Return the shrimp and red bell pepper to the pan and gently mix. Cook for 1-2 minutes until heated through.
8. Transfer to serving plates. Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley, if desired. Serve with lemon wedges for extra brightness.