Shrimp Pasta with Cream Sauce

       My mom says that every day, we need to take time apart from the chaos of our lives and remember things that we are truly grateful for. No matter how simple it may be, this thing that we give thanks for will remind us how blessed we truly are. Yesterday, I was thankful for something that other food lovers will agree with: the wonderful gift of pasta. 

       It may seem silly or even ridiculous to be thankful for such a thing, but last night, I was able to create a dish that my parents and I could enjoy in each other's company, which is something that I am blessed to do whenever I am at home. No meal is delicious without good company, and with that being said, I also thank God every day for a family that enjoys coming together for a meal whenever we can.

       For that reason, I wanted to cook something special, something that everyone would be able to enjoy during the cold weather that was coming through our neighborhood. When I came across this dish, it was exactly what we were looking for. Last night, my mom and I enjoyed listening to the cheers and screams coming from the Capitals versus Bruins game playing in the family room while we together prepared the meal. My mom was in command of sauteeing the shrimp and vegetables in the butter which gave the dish more flavor than using ordinary olive oil. 

     Meanwhile, my job was preparing the cream sauce. At first, I was afraid that it would be bland, but the Parmesan cheese really added an extra kick to it that with every taste made me want more. I couldn't help but just continue to smell the creamy and cheesy aroma coming from the pot. So, if want something to be thankful for, I suggest you go to your nearest grocery store and buy the ingredients to make this delicious pasta dish that is perfect for any family or friend get together. 

Shrimp Pasta in White Sauce

1/2 c butter


1/4 t minced garlic (or more it that suits your taste)

1 c sliced mushrooms


1/4 onion, diced


1 lb shrimp peeled & deveined


1/4 c flour
1 c chicken broth


1 c heavy cream

1/2 c fresh Parmesan cheese


dash of nutmeg


1/4 t garlic powder


3/4 c steamed asparagus, but on a diagonal in 1/2 in. pieces


12 oz pasta noodles

Boil water in a large saucepan. Add noodles and cook until al dente. In the meantime, melt 1/4 c butter and add minced garlic in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Slowly cook the onions and then add mushrooms and cook until both are tender. Add shrimp and cook until shrimp have changed color and are cooked through. In another large saucepan, melt the other 1/4 c butter. Add flour and stir until combined. Cook and stir for about 2 minutes. Then stir in chicken broth, cream, and pepper to taste. Add garlic powder and nutmeg to taste as well. Stir in the Parmesan cheese. Simmer 5-10 minutes or until it thickens. Stir the mushroom-shrimp mixture and asparagus into the sauce and combine. Serve over hot pasta.

Inspired by recipe from Taste and Tell