Creamy Butter-Garlic Shrimp over Pasta
8 oz. pasta
1/4 cup butter
1 1/2 lbs. shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 tablespoon minced garlic
2 cups half-and-half
3 or 4 fresh basil leaves
1/4 cup good quality fresh grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/8 teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional
Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet over medium heat, heat the butter and garlic until just fragrant and the butter has melted. Add the shrimp and saute for about 4 minutes or until the shrimp is opaque; remove shrimp from skillet. Add the half and half and bring to a boil; reduce heat, add the basil leaves and simmer for 15 minutes, stirring frequently, removing the basil leaves after about 8 or 10 minutes. Stir in the cheese, black pepper and red pepper flakes. Add the shrimp back into the skillet.
Place pasta into a large serving bowl. Pour the sauce over the pasta and toss well.