Cook the spaghetti: In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook 8 oz of spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Once done, drain and set aside.
Prepare the garlic oil: In a large skillet, heat 3 tbsp of olive oil over medium heat. Add 4 minced cloves of garlic and optional red pepper flakes. Sauté for about 1 minute, stirring frequently until fragrant, but be careful not to burn the garlic.
Add the shrimp: Now, add 1 lb of peeled and deveined shrimp to the skillet. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and cook until the shrimp are pink and opaque, about 3-4 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Deglaze the skillet: Pour in 1/4 cup of white wine (or chicken broth) and 1/4 cup of lemon juice. Bring to a simmer, allowing it to cook for an additional 2 minutes until slightly reduced.
Toss the pasta: Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet with the shrimp mixture. Toss everything together until the spaghetti is well coated with the sauce and shrimp are evenly distributed.
Add finishing touches: Mix in 1/4 cup of chopped fresh parsley and adjust the seasoning if needed. Serve immediately.
Garnish: Top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese for an added layer of flavor.