Pasta with Shrimp: Quick and Easy

This one is very much like the Shrimp Scampi that I make oh-so-often, but a less fancy version! It takes about 15-20 minutes to make and I have some happy campers at meal-time! Every time I make it, the 5 year old who otherwise insists to be fed, will quip, "Can I eat it by myself?" He will use both of his hands to eat, hold the shrimps by the tails and polish them off and then eat the pasta. He needs a lesson or few in table manners of course.. but they are kids just once!

Ingredients: ( 3 servings)

• Pasta - 1/2 pound, I used Penne (about 2 1/2 Cups)
• Reserved pasta water - 1/3 Cup
• Belize Shrimp or medium sized shrimps - 14-15, cleaned and deveined 
• Garlic - 1 tbsp, minced 
• Cilantro - 2 tbsp, finely chopped tightly packed
• Lemon juice - a quick squeeze or two
• Chili Flakes - 1/2 tsp (or more)
• Oil - 1/2 tbsp
• Pepper - 1/4, freshly cracked
• Salt to taste + a generous amount for the pasta water

Cook the pasta as per package instruction. Do not forget to season the pasta water with salt. Drain (reserve 1/3 Cup pasta water) and keep aside. While the pasta cooks, heat oil in a pan and fry the garlic in it till fragrant. Add the shrimps and cook till they turn pink on both the sides. It is very easy to overcook shrimp, so do not keep the pan unattended or cook the shrimps for too long. Once the shrimps turn pink, season with salt and pepper. Add the reserved pasta water and and the cilantro immediately. Let it stay on heat for half a minute more and then pour it over the cooked pasta. Sprinkle the chili flakes and give it a good toss. I usually serve my son first and then add the chili flakes.