It's What's For Dinner!

Last year when we went to Yakima, Washington, we were treated to a dinner at The Cheesecake Factory. I don't think that I have ever eaten anything there that wasn't absolutely fabulous. The dish that I got was called Bistro Shrimp Pasta and I am not shy to say that it was the best pasta that I have ever eaten! After a little searching online, I found a copycat recipe. (You'd be surprised what you can find and duplicate if you are a good enough detective...) It's what I am making for din din tonight. Here's the recipe if you'd like to try. I'll try to remember to post a pic later before we scarf it down...

Veggie Portion
1 cup quartered button mushroom
1 cup grape tomatoes (halved)
2 tablespoons olive oil

Pasta Portion
1 lb thin spaghetti
1/2 teaspoon salt

Lemon Basil Cream Sauce
4 tablespoons butter
4 garlic cloves, minced
2 cups heavy whipping cream
2 cups chicken broth
1/2 cup lemon juice
4 tablespoons cornstarch
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1 cup chopped fresh basil

Shrimp Portion
1 lb raw shrimp, deveined and with shells removed
2 eggs, beaten
1 cup flour
1 cup panko
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon italian seasoning
3 tablespoons butter
3 tablespoons olive oil

Directions:Prep Time: 30 minsTotal Time: 1 hr

1.) Saute mushrooms in oil. Add tomatoes until warm. Set aside.
2.) Add salt to water and boil for pasta until al dente. Set aside covered with a little oil so it doesn't stick together.
3.) Melt butter in large skillet. Add garlic and saute for 2 minutes. Add cream and chicken broth. Bring to a boil and cook about 8 minutes or until reduced by about half.
4.) Whisk together fresh squeezed lemon juice and corn starch until smooth. Add pepper.
5.) Add lemon mixture to cream mixture and whisk constantly for 2 minutes. Turn down to lowest heat just to keep warm.
6.) Dip raw shrimp in eggs and then transfer to coat with panko breadcrumb and flour mixture. Fry in butter and oil for a few minutes until golden brown. Allow them to drip on paper towel covered plate and cook the remainder of shrimp this way.
7.) Add basil to sauce.
8.) Put cooked pasta on plate. Add desired amount of sauce. Top with tomatoes and mushrooms and shrimp.
9.) Enjoy! Yummy! :).