Linguine With Shrimp and Lemon-Pistachio Bread Crumbs

Step 1

Bring a large pot of well-salted water (2 heaping tablespoons kosher salt to about 7 quarts water) to a boil. Add pasta, and cook until it is just short of al dente, according to package directions. Reserve 1 cup of the pasta cooking water, and drain.

Step 2

Meanwhile, prepare the bread crumbs: Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a 12-inch skillet with sides over medium-low heat, add the panko bread crumbs, and toast, stirring frequently, until golden, about 2 to 4 minutes. Transfer the crumbs to a small bowl and toss together with the pistachios, lemon zest and mint and season with flaky salt. Set aside. Wipe out the skillet with a paper towel.

Step 3

Season the shrimp well with salt and pepper. In the skillet, heat 1/4 cup olive oil over medium heat, add the shrimp and sauté until just cooked through, about 1 to 2 minutes a side. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside. Stir in the garlic and red-pepper flakes and cook for 1 more minute, making sure the garlic doesn’t burn.

Step 4

Add the chicken stock, raise the heat to medium-high and bring to a simmer. Scrape up any brown bits that have formed at the bottom of the pan and cook until reduced by half, about 3 to 4 minutes. Stir in the butter and cook until it’s melted and the sauce becomes emulsified.

Step 5

Turn the heat to low, add the pasta, shrimp and parsley to the skillet and toss until glossy with sauce. Add some of the reserved pasta water, if needed, to loosen up the sauce. Top with half the bread crumbs and a good squeeze of lemon. Serve in bowls and pass the remaining bread crumbs at the table. Drizzle with additional olive oil and season with flaky salt, if desired.