- quick recipe of the week -

I hope everyone had a wonderful 4th of July last week! I've been missing from blogland for the past week because we were celebrating the 4th up at the lake...a fun family tradition that we started when I was still pregnant with Ellie. We had an awesome, relaxing time, and I wish were were still there! I think Ellie enjoyed it a lot more this year now that she is a little older. We actually got her out on a floatie in the lake this year!

So now it's back to work and back to reality! I'll share pictures of our trip in a few days...once I catch up reading all of your lovely blogs!! :-)

I am so excited for the recipe today, because I absolutely love any sort of pasta recipe! Gina, from Contemplating Beauty , posted pictures of this pasta dish on Instagram, and I just knew I had to share the recipe with you guys.

But first, let's meet Gina! Gina lives in St.Paul, Minnesota with her husband of 10 years, her two teenage daughters, and her little apricot bichon-poo, Nells. She is a writer, and will be starting classes to become a Lay Counselor this Fall. In her free time she adores spending time with family, friends, her pooch, volunteering, and finding thrifted treasures. She is an amazing woman whom I have already learned so much from just from following her blog!

(Image credit Gina)

Gina's Linguine
4 cloves of fresh garlic (chopped fine)
1/4 cup of olive oil (extra virgin or regular is fine)
2 Tbs of butter
1/2 cup of shredded or grated Parmesan
1 tomato
1/4 tsp of crushed red pepper
About 8 or so fresh leaves of basil, chopped
Salt and pepper

Cook your linguine al dente, drain, and rinse with cold water.  Place the linguine back into the pot, and mix in all the other ingredients. Salt and pepper to taste. Keep it on the stove on low for 10-15 minutes and then serve.

(Image credit Gina)

(Image credit Gina)

(Image credit Gina)

Printable Recipe

This sounds like a perfect quick and easy summer recipe! This will definitely be one of my favorite pasta recipes! Don't forget to go visit Gina and her blog and tell her how good her recipe sounds! Once you're there, take some time to get to know her! You won't regret it!

And...here's another special treat for you today. If you haven't tried out my Crockpot Chicken yet, head over to Cropped Stories. I'm taking over Elena's blog today and sharing another delicious, quick, and easy recipe over there!