Linguine with Shrimp Scampi

There are so many fun things coming up on the blog in the next couple of weeks!!!!!!!!!!!  Yes it takes me that many exclamation marks to try and relay my excitement.  No beating around the bush though.  Here's what's up!

This Week
*I'm guesting posting at Miss Information.  Woohoo!
*Guest Post from Sophie at My Happy Place...  I just adore Sophie, she's so darn sweet.  And she's a genius.  You'll see why later.

Next Week
*Splish Splash Blog Bash! hosted by Tattered and Inked. There's a GIVEAWAY too!!
*Guest Post from M double M.  Monica is the bestest and so fun. {I know what I just typed, don't judge}
*Cupcake Project 2012 Ice Cream Cupcake Contest ~ my entry post {it's awesome sauce, promise}

The Week After That
*Unique Sweets Dessert Challenge begins.  Oh just you wait my little chickadees!!  {More on this Wednesday}
*Get Your Chef On Round 2 Sign-Up  {I can't wait to share the secret ingredient!}
*Crazy Cooking Challenge - Fried Chicken
*My birthday giveaway.  It's the last year before I hit the big 30 - better make it count!  I'll be giving away a few of my favorite things to ONE reader {yes I had to go all Sound of Music on you}. 

See happy craziness all over the place.  Not to mention all the usual food/link party/craft posts I have lined up.  Whew!  Thank goodness for my blog binder.  I swear I'd be lost without it.  And now...easy, delicious pasta!!

Linguine with Shrimp Scampi

Ingredients:
3/4 pound linguine pasta
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 1/2 tablespoons good olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 pound  large shrimp, peeled and cleaned
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/3 cup fresh parsley,chopped
Zest of 1/2 lemon
Juice of 2 lemons
1/4 lemon, thinly sliced in half-rounds
1/8 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

Directions:

1. Drizzle some oil in a large pot of boiling water, add 1 tablespoon salt and the linguine, and cook for 7 to 10 minutes.
2. Meanwhile, in a large saucepan, melt the butter and olive oil over medium0low heat.  Add the garlic and saute for 1 minute.  Be careful, the garlic burns easily!  Add the shrimp, salt, and pepper, and saute until the shrimp have just turned pink, about 5 minutes, stirring often.  Remove from heat; add parsley, lemon zet, lemon juice,lemon slices, and red pepper flakes.  Toss to combine.
3. When the pasta is done, reserve 1/4 cup pasta water.  Drain the cooked linguine and return to pot.  Immediately add the pasta water, shrimp and sauce; toss well to combine and serve.