Having to make a dinner date meal for two with little cooking experience can be stressful. Having to do so for a carnivore as a vegetarian can be much more challenging.

This week, I made Shrimp Alfredo Pasta inspired from Damn Delicious that modified both our diets and didn’t burn the house down.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound medium shrimp (peeled)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Dash of salt and pepper
• 8 ounces of penne pasta
• 1 (14.5 ounces) can petite diced tomatoes (drained)
• 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese
• 2 tablespoons parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons parsley

Sauce Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 4 cloves garlic
• 1 tablespoon flour
• 1 (6 ounce) can 2% evaporated milk
• 1 ounce cream cheese
• 1/3 cup vegetable broth

Directions:

1. Start by prepping the ingredients to save time. Measure out portions, open up cans, and mince garlic and parsley.
2. Begin by making the Alfredo sauce. In a skillet on medium heat, melt butter then add and stir garlic for one minute.
3. Whisk in flour until browned for one minute. Add evaporated milk and continue to stir until consistency thickens.
4. Add cream cheese and vegetable broth until smooth. Add salt and pepper, cover with a lid, and set aside.
5. Boil a pot of water and add penne pasta. Follow directions on package for cooking time.
6. While the pasta cooks, preheat oven to 400 degrees. Then take out a baking sheet and place shrimp, olive oil, and salt & pepper on sheet. Place in oven for 7-8 minutes or until pink.
7. Once the pasta has finished cooking, drain and pour into Alfredo mixture. Add drained tomatoes and mozzarella cheese. Mix contents and poor into square baking dish. Add parmesan cheese and place in oven on 350 degrees for 10 minutes.
8. Remove baking dish and sprinkle with parsley. Place shrimp on seafood eaters plate. Enjoy!

Tips:

• For an extra spice, add red peppers.
• If there is not any vegetarians enjoying this meal, add shrimp with tomatoes and mozzarella cheese.
• Clean dishes as you wait for pasta and shrimp to cook.
• For a lighter meal, use whole wheat pasta, light cream cheese, and low fat mozzarella.