In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook linguine according to package directions until tender but firm; drain and return to pot.

Mix 2 tbsp (30 mL) of wine with cornstarch until smooth; set aside.

In a large skillet, melt butter over medium-high heat; cook shrimp, garlic, red pepper and hot pepper flakes, stirring, for about 5 min or until shrimp are opaque. Using a slotted spoon, transfer to a bowl; set aside.

Pour remaining wine into same pan; increase heat to high and bring to boil, scraping up any brown bits from bottom of pan. Boil for about 3 min or until wine is reduced by about one-third; stir in cream and return to boil. Whisk in cornstarch mixture; boil, stirring, for 1 min.

Stir in shrimp mixture with any juices and spinach. Cook, stirring, for 1 min or until spinach is wilted and shrimp are hot. Season to taste with up to 1/4 tsp (1 mL) salt. Pour over linguine and toss to coat. Serve sprinkled with basil.

Let shrimp thaw in the package set in a bowl overnight in the refrigerator or empty into a colander and run under cold water. Peel and devein, if necessary, and pat dry.

Increase the hot pepper flakes to 1/2 tsp (2 mL) and add 1 tbsp (15 mL) drained green peppercorns or 2 tbsp (30 mL) drained capers with the spinach.