Thursday, January 14, 2010

The Important Stuff and Penne with Shrimp and Tomatoes



I've been busy doing some very important stuff.

Chatting with Grandlittle #1

Baking with Grandlittle#2

Here is a healthier alternative to spaghetti and meatballs:

Whole Wheat Penne with Shrimp and Fresh Tomatoes (serves 4)



1/2 box whole wheat penne
1 pound large shrimp, peeled, deveined and dried on paper towels
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/3 cup white wine (or chicken or vegetable broth)
2 tablespoons tomato paste
10 black olives, sliced
1 tablespoon capers, rinsed
2 teaspoons thyme, minced
2 teaspoons parsley, minced
1 tablespoon plus 1/2 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil, divided
4 medium roma tomatoes, deseeded, then rough chopped

Put a large pot of salted water on to boil. Cook pasta according to package directions to the al dente stage.

While the pasta is cooking, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in large saute pan and add shrimp.


Saute over medium heat until curled and pink on one side, about 2 minutes, turn and continue to cook until almost cooked through.

Throw in the garlic, capers and black olives. Add the wine or broth and stir in the tomato paste. Saute for about 2 minutes to combine flavors. Add the tomatoes and herbs and saute until just heated through, tossing all about.


Drain the pasta, drizzle with the remaining olive oil, toss the shrimp/tomatoes over pasta and serve. Pass some shredded parmesan or romano cheese on the side.

A Cook's Notes: Have you seen the tubes of tomato paste yet? So convenient. Just squeeze out the amount you need and store the tube in the fridge. An idea whose time has come!!



8 comments:

  1. I admit, I do miss shrimp... and salmon.
    *mouth watering*

    Tomato paste in a tube?!
    It's genius!

    ReplyDelete
  2. I was JUST thinking about getting the tube of tomato paste the other day! And look at the littles!

    ReplyDelete
  3. What cute Grandlittles!

    I love tomato paste in a tube. I don't know why I still buy it in a can... I don't think they have tubes at Trader Joe's. (That must be WHY!)

    ReplyDelete
  4. Phoebe - I know!!!

    Kate - those littles own my heart.

    Jen - it is a little's job to be cute and they are really good at their job.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Those are some of the cutest grandlittles I have ever seen .

    ReplyDelete
  6. What sweet little faces! Wish I had thought of that.......tomato paste in a tube!

    ReplyDelete
  7. That is some important stuff! :)

    ReplyDelete
  8. This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

    ReplyDelete

Wow. Thank you so much for taking the time to comment. I love feedback... what with being a cook and all. I will respond to your comments via email (if you do not have a "noreply" address or here, below your comment) As always, Bon Appetite!

Related Posts with Thumbnails