Shrimp Pasta for Two is one of my favorite dishes to make when I want something special but don’t need to fuss over a big meal. It’s elegant enough for date night, yet simple enough that you’ll have plenty of time to enjoy each other’s company while dinner comes together.
What makes this recipe so lovely is how the shrimp soaks up all those wonderful flavors from the vinaigrette—I let them marinate for a good 20 minutes so they’re tender and flavorful. The fresh basil and creamy Parmesan cheese finish it off beautifully, turning a humble pasta into something that feels like you’re dining out.
This is the kind of dish that reminds me why cooking for two can be so intimate and special. I love serving this by candlelight with a simple salad, and watching someone’s face light up when they taste how fresh and delicious it is.
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Shrimp Pasta for Two
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoon Marketside
- 0.5 pound Shrimp
- 2 ounce Parmesan Cheese
- 2 tablespoon Basil
- 0.25 pound Noodles
- 2 tablespoon Parmesan Cheese
Instructions
- Marinate the shrimp in the vinaigrette for 20 minutes or so.
- Drain the shrimp, retaining the marinade.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook shrimp until pink, about 3 minutes.
- Remove shrimp from skillet and keep warm.
- Place marinade, cream cheese and half of the basil in the skillet.
- Cook and stir until well blended; return shrimp to pan and continue cooking until heated thoroughly, stirring occasionally.
- To serve, place a mount of noodles on plate; top with shrimp and sauce mixture.
- Sprinkle with remaining basil and the shredded parmesan cheese.
- You can also add fresh chopped tomatoes for extra flavor, color and texture.
- I only bought the shrimp and basil to make this meal; all other ingredients came from my pantry and fridge.
- Half a pound of shrimp cost $3.00, and the portion of basil I used about $0.50.
- The pasta was free, using coupons at a Harris Teeter doubling event, and I paid less that $1.00 for the entire package of cream cheese, making the portion I used about $0.25.
- Making my own vinaigrette cost pennies, as did shredding the Parmesan from a block.
- I would estimate the cost of this main dish to be around $4.00 0r less.
- The additional side dishes and bread would bring the total to somewhere between $5.00 or $6.00.
- Not bad for an elegant anniversary dinner!
