====== Shrimp in Lemon-Garlic Cream Sauce (Roux Method) ======
Serves 2–3

===== Ingredients =====
  * **1 lb shrimp**, 31–40 count, peeled & thawed
  * **3 tbsp butter**
  * **2 tsp flour**
  * **6 cloves garlic**, minced
  * **Zest and juice of 1 lemon** (≈ 2 tbsp juice)
  * **½ cup dry white wine**
  * **1 cup heavy cream**
  * **¼ tsp Italian seasoning**
  * **1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese**
  * Salt and pepper to taste
  * Chopped parsley (optional)
  * Pasta of choice (linguine, fettuccine, or spaghetti)

===== Instructions =====

==== 1. Cook the pasta ====
  - Bring a large pot of well-salted water to a boil.
  - Cook pasta to *al dente*.
  - Reserve ¼ cup pasta water, then drain.

==== 2. Make a light roux ====
In a large skillet over medium heat:
  - Melt **3 tbsp butter**.
  - Add **2 tsp flour** and whisk 30–45 seconds.
    *Do not brown it — just cook off the raw flour taste.*

==== 3. Build the sauce ====
Add the following to the roux:
  - Garlic (20–30 seconds until fragrant)
  - White wine (slowly; whisk to loosen the roux)
  - Heavy cream
  - Lemon zest and lemon juice
  - Italian seasoning

Bring to a gentle simmer.

==== 4. Reduce the sauce ====
  - Let it bubble gently for **5 minutes**, stirring occasionally.
  - The sauce will begin to thicken.

==== 5. Add Parmesan ====
  - Stir in **1 cup Parmesan** until melted and smooth.
  - Simmer an additional **2–3 minutes**.
  - Season with salt and pepper to taste.

==== 6. Add the shrimp ====
  - Add shrimp directly to the sauce.
  - Cook **4–5 minutes**, stirring occasionally, until shrimp are pink and opaque.
  - Thin with reserved pasta water if sauce becomes too thick.

==== 7. Serve ====
  - Toss with pasta or spoon over the top.
  - Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.

===== Notes & Options =====
  * **Optional sear:** Sear shrimp 60–90 seconds per side first, remove, build sauce, then return shrimp at the end.
  * **Brighter lemon flavor:** Add half the lemon juice early, and finish with the rest at the end.
  * **Extra richness:** Swirl in 1 tbsp butter right before serving.