Dave's Shrimp and Tasso Alfredo

over Bow Tie Pasta

½ cup butter

1 8-ounce package cream cheese

1 teaspoon garlic powder

2 cups half & half

5 ounces grated Parmesan cheese

1/8 teaspoon black pepper (you can substitute Cajun Seasoning for more spicy flavor)

½ teaspoon Italian seasoning

1 cup finely cut pork tasso

12-16 ounces shrimp

2 cups bow tie pasta (heated and drained)

1) Melt butter in a non-stick saucepan over medium heat.

2) Add cream cheese, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder and stir until smooth.

3) Slowly add the milk, stirring to keep mixture smooth.

4) Add Parmesan cheese and pepper (or Cajun seasoning)

5) Do not cook too long or the sauce will thicken. If this happens you can thin the sauce with milk.

6) Remove from heat.

7) Put two tablespoons butter in large skillet.

8) Add tasso and sauté to render fat.

9) Add shrimp and cook until pink and curled (do not burn the butter)

10) Combine the shrimp and tasso with the Alfredo Sauce and heat. If necessary you can add some heavy cream during this process. Do not allow this mixture to over thicken.

11) Pour heated pasta in a serving bowl

12) Pour sauce over pasta.

Serves 4-6