Shrimp Pasta for Two

• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinaigrette (I made my own, but bottled works just as well.)
• 12 lb shrimp, fresh or 12 lb frozen shrimp, thawed
• 2 ounces cream cheese
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil, divided
• 14 lb thin spaghetti or 14 lb fettuccine noodles, cooked according to package directions
• 2 tablespoons shredded parmesan cheese

1. Marinate the shrimp in the vinaigrette for 20 minutes or so.
2. Drain the shrimp, retaining the marinade.
3. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook shrimp until pink, about 3 minutes.
4. Remove shrimp from skillet and keep warm.
5. Place marinade, cream cheese and half of the basil in the skillet.
6. Cook and stir until well blended; return shrimp to pan and continue cooking until heated thoroughly, stirring occasionally.
7. To serve, place a mount of noodles on plate; top with shrimp and sauce mixture.
8. Sprinkle with remaining basil and the shredded parmesan cheese.
9. You can also add fresh chopped tomatoes for extra flavor, color and texture.
10. I only bought the shrimp and basil to make this meal; all other ingredients came from my pantry and fridge.
11. Half a pound of shrimp cost $3.00, and the portion of basil I used about $0.50.
12. 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.
13. Making my own vinaigrette cost pennies, as did shredding the Parmesan from a block.
14. I would estimate the cost of this main dish to be around $4.00 0r less.
15. The additional side dishes and bread would bring the total to somewhere between $5.00 or $6.00.
16. Not bad for an elegant anniversary dinner!

balsamic vinaigrette, shrimp, cream cheese, fresh basil, thin spaghetti, parmesan cheese

Taken from www.food.com/recipe/shrimp-pasta-for-two-500165 (may not work)