Step 1: Cook the pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set it aside.

Step 2: Sauté the garlic
In a large skillet or sauté pan, heat 2 drizzles of olive oil and ¼ cup butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1–2 minutes, stirring frequently, until fragrant but not browned.

Step 3: Cook the shrimp
Add the shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Season with Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper to taste. Cook for 2–3 minutes per side, or until the shrimp are pink and opaque.

Step 4: Combine pasta and sauce
Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the shrimp. Drizzle with another splash of olive oil and toss everything together until well combined. If the mixture seems dry, add a little of the reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce and coat the pasta.

Step 5: Serve immediately
Transfer to serving plates or a large platter. Garnish with extra black pepper, red pepper flakes, and a sprinkle of fresh herbs or grated cheese if desired. Serve hot with lemon wedges on the side.