This Shrimp Burrata Spaghetti is an elegant yet approachable pasta dish featuring tender shrimp and creamy burrata cheese. It comes together quickly with simple ingredients, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining guests. The rich tomato sauce infused with garlic and fresh basil creates a restaurant-quality meal at home.

I first discovered the magic of burrata cheese during a trip to Italy, where I learned that its creamy center perfectly complements seafood pasta dishes. This creamy shrimp pasta has become my go-to recipe when I want something special but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen. I love serving it with homemade dinner rolls for dipping into the delicious sauce, and it pairs beautifully with a simple green salad or garlic mashed potatoes on the side.

What You’ll Need for Perfect Shrimp Burrata Spaghetti

Be sure to see the recipe card below for the full listing of ingredients, instructions, notes, and estimated nutritional information.

Shrimp Burrata Spaghetti

Creamy shrimp burrata spaghetti with cherry tomatoes and fresh basil. This easy Italian-inspired pasta dish comes together in just 40 minutes for a gourmet dinner.

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Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Course Dinner

Cuisine Italian

Servings 4 servings

Calories 580 kcal

Equipment

• mixing bowl
• knife
• cutting board
• measuring spoons
• measuring cups
• large pot
• skillet
• tongs

Ingredients

  

Pasta

• 1 pound spaghetti
• 1 pound medium or large shrimp peeled and deveined
• 8 ounces burrata cheese at room temperature
• 2 tablespoons olive oil plus more for serving
• 6 cloves garlic thinly sliced or minced
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes or to taste
• 1 pint cherry or grape tomatoes halved
• 0.5 teaspoon fine sea salt plus more for pasta water
• 0.25 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper plus more to taste
• 0.5 cup fresh basil leaves torn or roughly chopped

Instructions

 

• Bring a large pot of heavily salted water to a rolling boil over high heat. Add the 1 pound of spaghetti and cook according to package directions until al dente, usually 8 to 10 minutes. Before draining, reserve 1 1/2 cups of the starchy pasta water, then drain the pasta well and set aside.
• While the pasta cooks, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the 6 cloves of minced garlic and 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes, then cook for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring frequently, until the garlic is fragrant and lightly golden but not browned.
• Add the 1 pint of halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet along with 1/2 teaspoon of fine sea salt and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes have softened and burst, releasing their juices to create a light sauce. Use the back of a spoon to gently smash any tomatoes that haven’t burst.
• Add the 1 pound of peeled and deveined shrimp to the skillet with the tomatoes. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the shrimp turn opaque pink and are just cooked through. Be careful not to overcook the shrimp, as they can become tough.
• Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet with the shrimp and tomato mixture. Pour in 1/2 cup of the reserved pasta water. Toss everything together vigorously using tongs, allowing the sauce to coat the pasta and emulsify. Add more pasta water, 1/4 cup at a time, if the sauce seems too dry or needs to loosen up, until it reaches your desired consistency.
• Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the 1/2 cup of torn fresh basil leaves. Taste the pasta and adjust seasoning with additional salt and black pepper as needed.
• Divide the shrimp and spaghetti mixture among serving bowls. Gently tear the 8 ounces of room-temperature burrata cheese into large pieces over the top of each serving. The burrata should be soft and creamy, melting slightly into the warm pasta.
• Finish each bowl with a drizzle of fresh olive oil and a sprinkle of extra red pepper flakes or torn basil, if desired, then serve immediately.

Notes

The burrata should be at room temperature for optimal creaminess. Don’t overcook the shrimp to keep them tender.

Keyword Burrata, pasta, shrimp, spaghetti

Creative Ways to Customize Your Pasta

• Protein Variations: Substitute shrimp with chicken, scallops, or keep it vegetarian with extra vegetables
• Spice Adjustments: Increase red pepper flakes for extra heat or omit for a mild version
• Vegetable Additions: Include spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers for extra nutrition and color

My Pro Tips for Perfect Shrimp Pasta

• Shrimp Timing: Cook shrimp just until opaque to prevent rubbery texture – they continue cooking in the hot sauce
• Pasta Water Gold: Reserve starchy pasta water before draining – it’s essential for creating the creamy sauce emulsion
• Burrata Technique: Add room-temperature burrata at the end so it gently melts rather than breaking down completely
• Tomato Preparation: Halve cherry tomatoes evenly so they cook at the same rate and release their juices uniformly

Storing and Reheating Your Shrimp Pasta

• Store: Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days, though best enjoyed fresh due to the delicate shrimp texture
• Freeze: Not recommended as the creamy sauce may separate and shrimp can become tough upon thawing
• Reheat: Gently warm in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of water or broth to refresh the sauce
• Make-Ahead Tip: Prep ingredients in advance – chop garlic, wash tomatoes, and devein shrimp for faster assembly

Frequently Asked Questions

More Italian-Inspired Recipes to Try

• Chicken Parmesan
• Traditional Italian Meatballs
• Spinach Manicotti
• Stuffed Bell Peppers
• Sheet Pan Lasagna
• Creamy Garlic Pasta

Why This Shrimp Burrata Spaghetti Becomes a Favorite

With its perfect balance of juicy shrimp, creamy burrata, and vibrant tomato sauce, this Italian seafood pasta delivers restaurant-quality flavors with home kitchen simplicity. The easy preparation makes it accessible for busy weeknights, while the elegant presentation ensures it’s special enough for guests. I think you’ll find this creamy shrimp pasta becomes a regular in your rotation once you experience how effortlessly impressive it turns out.