Sometimes I’m late to the party.
Really late to the party.
Ever been there?
I was perusing through old magazines the other night, and I found a note I’d highlighted over 3 years ago about a site called stilltasty.com that tells you how long your food or beverage will stay safe and tasty and tell you the best way to store items.
Given my recent troubles of not wanting to stay in the kitchen and cook lately, Still Tasty was exactly what I needed for all the poor, neglected and long forgotten items that have been waiting for me in the fridge, while I’ve been gallivanting and playing outside.
Did you all know about this site and not tell me?
So, this last week, when the rain finally came and drove me inside…I punched in a few items (blue cheese, crumbled (opened)) and found out – I’m way overdue for using it.
But, (now here’s the kicker), I also learned you can freeze blue cheese. Get out!…I did not know that!
Did you all know you could freeze blue cheese? Seriously, I’m asking. Am I the only one that did not know that?
Well, if you’re naive like me, check out this article on storing blue cheese, because apparently you can.
Live and learn. live. and. learn.
Back to this recipe…here’s a light, summery, tomato and shrimp pasta dish that is fabulous for using up your summer tomatoes. Top it with a bit of fresh basil, and you have a delicious bite of summertime in a bowl.
Enjoy!
Linguine Pasta with Shrimp & Tomatoes
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 6 cloves garlic coarsely chopped
- 4 cups diced tomatoes
- 1 cup dry white wine
- 1 tablespoon red pepper flakes
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/4 cup fresh basil julliened
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 16 ounce package linguine pasta
- 1 pound raw shrimp peeled, deveined, tails removed
- 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the garlic; and cook 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Add the tomatoes, wine and red pepper flakes and bring to a simmer. Cook 30 minutes, stirring frequently. Once the tomatoes have simmered into a sauce, stir in the butter and season with salt and pepper.
- Fill a large pot with lightly-salted water and bring to a rolling boil. Stir in the linguine and return to a boil. Cook the pasta uncovered, stirring occasionally, until the pasta has cooked through but is still firm to the bite (al dente), about 11 minutes. Drain well and set aside.
- Season the shrimp with the Cajun seasoning, salt and pepper. Heat the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and cook until pink on the outside and no longer translucent in the center, about 5 minutes. Stir the shrimp and basil into the pasta sauce and stir until thoroughly coated. Serve sauce over pasta, top with fresh basil for garnish (if desired).
Recipes modified from Linquine Pasta with Shrimp & Tomatoes
Consuelo @ Honey & Figs says
Ok wait, what? Can you freeze blue cheese? Now, that’s great! I wonder if you can freeze feta too, because I have to buy it in 1kg pkg. and a lot of it goes off way too soon!
This recipe looks amazing by the way! Shrimp and pasta are such a beautiful combo! x
Kristi says
Yes! And, according to Better Homes & Gardens (http://www.bhg.com/advice/food/food-storage-safety/how-do-i-freeze-crumbled-feta-cheese/) you can freeze feta! I’ve never tried it, but I’m going to. This makes me happy – no more wasted cheese!
Christin@SpicySouthernKitchen says
I had no idea you could freeze blue cheese. And I just tossed some out earlier today. Love your linguine and shrimp. Your photo is gorgeous!
Kristi says
Thank goodness – I thought I was the only one that didn’t know! LOL
Marcie says
I love the sound of this dish! The fresh basil and Cajun spices with that shrimp and tomatoes just sound delicious. This is my kind of dinner!
Kristi says
Thanks! It really is tasty and light!
Anne ~ Uni Homemaker says
What a beautiful plate of pasta! I love shrimp and tomatoes together. Love the idea of using some cajun seasoning here. Great combination of flavors. Delicious!
Kristi says
Thanks!
Shashi @ http://runninsrilankan.com says
I was so late to a party once, I got there when it was almost over – no lie! But I do have a valid reason – I got lost! I did not have a GPS or phone app and just completely lost my bearings -which happens very easily for me!!!
This dish looks fabulous! And thanks for the blue cheese tip!
Kristi says
Love it! Haha!
Pamela @ Brooklyn Farm Girl says
I am loving this dish, not only do I bet it tastes great but it is beautiful on the eyes! What a great fresh dinner!
Kristi says
Thank you! So sweet!
Aida@TheCraftingFoodie says
Kristi,
Stilltasty sounds like a great resource. I’m so going to check it out! This pasta looks absolutely amazing! What a classic and delicious combo!
Kristi says
Thanks Aida! I love pasta – of all kinds! Have a great week!