{a recipe}

you may have already figured this out, but i just love trying out new recipes. i've decided i'm going to share one with you each week. or at least that is the goal. feel free to remind me if i forget ;)

the first of this new series will be:

Penne with Shrimp and Herbed Cream Sauce

from one of my favorite cooks, Giada di Laurentiis. it is simple, quick and delicious (as long as you like shrimp)! be sure to use fresh herbs for this one - it wouldn't be the same with dried. the recipe serves 4 to 6 people, but i cut in in half since i was just cooking for my hubbs and i.

Ingredients

• 1 pound penne pasta
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1 pound medium shrimp peeled, and deveined
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, plus extra for seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, plus extra for seasoning
• 1 (15-ounce) can whole tomatoes, drained, roughly chopped
• 1/2 cup chopped fresh basil leaves
• 1/2 cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 1 cup white wine
• 1/3 cup clam juice
• 3/4 cup heavy whipping cream
  
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan

Directions

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add the pasta and cook until tender but still firm to the bite, stirring occasionally, about 8 to 10 minutes. Drain the pasta and set aside.

In a large skillet, heat the oil over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp, garlic, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of pepper. Cook, stirring frequently until the shrimp turn pink and is cooked through, about 3 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, remove the shrimp and set aside.

Add the tomatoes, 1/4 cup basil, 1/4 cup parsley, and the red pepper flakes. Cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly. Add the wine, clam juice, and heavy cream. Bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 7 to 8 minutes until the sauce thickens. Add 1/4 cup of the Parmesan, the cooked shrimp, the cooked pasta, and the remaining herbs. Toss together until all ingredients are coated. Season, to taste, with salt and pepper.

 

Sprinkle with the remaining cheese and serve immediately.