Linguine with Shrimp, Kale, and Tomatoes

Lambeau is the best puppy. It seems like his biggest pleasure in life is to cuddle. Here are some puppy pics to brighten your day.

 Isn't he just the cutest?

I have been shopping at Whole Foods a lot lately. Yes, it can be expensive but it also has great produce and great seafood. I have also noticed that unless you're buying the exotic fruits, nice cheeses, and expensive beers, the prices are actually pretty comparable to the regular grocery store. Last week I really wanted to make something with shrimp in it and it just so happened that the shrimp at Whole Foods was on sale. I bought a pound of unpeeled shrimp but in hindsight I should've paid the extra dollar to get the already peeled and de-veined shrimp.

One thing I really like about this dish is that it tastes so fresh and light even though its a pasta dish. It also requires minimal ingredients, dishes, and time. Plus, as an added bonus, my non-fish-loving fiance really enjoyed it!

Linguine with Shrimp, Kale, and Tomatoes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Serves 2

1/2 pound Linguine
3-4 slices bacon
1/2 lb shrimp
1/2 onion
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 tsp crushed red pepper
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese
1 bunch (about 4 cups) kale, washed and chopped
1.5 cups cherry tomatoes, halved

Cook the pasta according to the directions on the box. Towards the end of the cooking time, reserve about 1 cup of pasta water.

Cut the bacon into small pieces and add it to a large non stick skillet. Cook until crispy then set aside to drain on a paper towel lined plate. Wipe out the bacon grease from the pan with a paper towel and put the pan back on the stove over medium heat. Add 1 teaspoon of olive oil and the shrimp. Cook the shrimp for a few minutes each side until it is completely pink. Just make sure not to over cook it since it will be going back into the pot, it would be best to under cook it just slightly at this point. My shrimp were pretty small so it only took like 3 minutes total. Remove the shrimp and set a side. Add the onion to the pan and saute until translucent, about 8 minutes. Add the garlic and the crushed red pepper and cook until its fragrant. Then add the kale and saute for about 10 minutes. Add the tomatoes, the shrimp, the cheese, and the pasta to the pan and cook until the tomatoes get warm and the cheese melts, about 5 minutes. At this point you can decide if you want to add the pasta water. I added about 1/2 cup to mine just to give it a little bit more sauce. Sprinkle in the bacon and serve with more Parmesan if desired.