Quick and Easy Cream Sauce (by Aimee)

The title says it all. This is a base sauce that you can elaborate on in many different ways. You could add tomatoes, onions, prosciutto, etc. This time around I had some leftover pasta, and I wanted something fast. If you have time, it’s nice to add chicken or shrimp. I have made this with shrimp before, and it was delicious. I will include that recipe after the sauce recipe.

Cream Sauce Recipe

Ingredients: Serves 4

• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 2 cups whipping cream
• 1/4 cup fresh basil, minced or 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/4 cup parmesan cheese
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/8 teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional

Directions:

You can use a pan or a pot. I used a pot this time, but whenever I do shrimp or chicken I use a pan.

1. Add cream.
2. Bring to a boil; reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes, stirring frequently.
3. Add basil, cheese, pepper and pepper flakes.
4. Pour sauce into a bowl; add pasta and toss well.

Buttery Shrimp and Pasta Recipe

SERVES 4

8	ounces pasta, cooked and drained (I like the tri-colored spirals)
1/4	cup butter
1 1/2	lbs shrimp, peeled and deveined
1	tablespoon minced garlic
2	cups half-and-half
1/4	cup fresh basil, minced or 1 teaspoon dried basil
1/4	cup parmesan cheese
1/4	teaspoon black pepper
1/8	teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional

1. Have pasta ready.
2. In lg skillet, heat butter; add shrimp and garlic.
3. Saute 4 minutes, remove shrimp from skillet.
4. Add half and half.
5. Bring to a boil; reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes, stirring frequently.
6. Add shrimp, basil, cheese, pepper and pepper flakes.
7. Pour sauce into a bowl; add pasta and toss well.