## Mediterranean Shrimp Pasta with Burrata & Pine Nuts
There’s something about Mediterranean Shrimp Pasta with Burrata & Pine Nuts that makes it absolutely irresistible. This dish is a symphony of flavors—perfectly cooked shrimp, al dente pasta, sweet roasted tomatoes, and creamy burrata, all topped with toasty pine nuts for that extra crunch. It’s the kind of meal that feels indulgent yet comes together effortlessly. Trust me, once you take a bite, you’ll be hooked!
Why You’ll Love Mediterranean Shrimp Pasta with Burrata & Pine Nuts
This pasta isn’t just delicious—it’s an experience. Here’s why you’ll love it:
Light Yet Satisfying: The perfect balance of fresh and creamy flavors.
Bursting with Mediterranean Goodness: Fresh basil, juicy tomatoes, and zesty lemon bring everything together.
Quick & Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for weeknights.
Elegant Enough for Guests: This dish looks and tastes restaurant-worthy!
Customizable: Easily swap out ingredients to suit your preferences.
Ingredients in Mediterranean Shrimp Pasta with Burrata & Pine Nuts
This pasta comes together with simple yet flavorful ingredients:
Shrimp: The star of the dish—tender, juicy, and full of flavor.
Pasta: Any long pasta works, like spaghetti or linguine.
Cherry Tomatoes: Roasted until they burst, adding natural sweetness.
Garlic: Infuses the dish with aromatic depth.
Olive Oil: For that rich Mediterranean touch.
Burrata Cheese: Creamy, dreamy, and utterly delicious.
Pine Nuts: Adds a delightful crunch and nuttiness.
Fresh Basil: Brings in a pop of freshness.
Lemon Zest: A bright, citrusy finish.
Red Pepper Flakes: For a hint of spice.
(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s bring this dish to life step by step:
Cook the Pasta: Boil salted water and cook pasta until al dente. Reserve some pasta water before draining.
Sauté the Shrimp: In a hot pan with olive oil, cook shrimp until pink and opaque, then set aside.
Roast the Tomatoes & Garlic: In the same pan, add cherry tomatoes and garlic, cooking until they burst and caramelize.
Combine Everything: Toss the pasta with the roasted tomatoes, shrimp, lemon zest, and red pepper flakes. Add pasta water if needed for extra sauce.
Finish with Burrata & Pine Nuts: Tear the burrata over the pasta and sprinkle with toasted pine nuts.
Garnish & Serve: Top with fresh basil, drizzle with olive oil, and serve warm.
How to Serve Mediterranean Shrimp Pasta with Burrata & Pine Nuts
With a Side of Crusty Bread: Perfect for soaking up every last drop of flavor.
Paired with a Crisp White Wine: A Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio complements it beautifully.
As a Main or Side Dish: Serve as a hearty meal or alongside grilled veggies.
Topped with Extra Parmesan: Because more cheese is always a good idea!
Additional Tips
Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh shrimp and herbs make a huge difference.
Toast the Pine Nuts: Brings out their nutty, buttery flavor.
Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: They cook fast—keep an eye on them!
Reserve Pasta Water: Helps create a silky, flavorful sauce.
Customize It: Swap shrimp for chicken, or add spinach for extra greens.
FAQ
Q1: Can I use frozen shrimp?
A1: Yes! Just thaw them completely before cooking.
Q2: What’s the best pasta to use?
A2: Spaghetti, linguine, or even fettuccine works well.
Q3: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A3: It’s best fresh, but you can prep ingredients ahead for quicker cooking.
Q4: How do I store leftovers?
A4: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Q5: Can I make this without burrata?
A5: Yes! Swap it for fresh mozzarella or goat cheese.
Q6: What’s a good substitute for pine nuts?
A6: Try almonds, walnuts, or sunflower seeds for a different crunch.
Q7: Can I make this dairy-free?
A7: Yes! Omit the burrata or use a dairy-free cheese alternative.
Q8: How do I make it spicier?
A8: Add extra red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne.
Q9: Can I add more veggies?
A9: Absolutely! Zucchini, spinach, or artichokes would be delicious.
Q10: Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh?
A10: Fresh is best, but canned diced tomatoes can work in a pinch.
Final Thoughts
This Mediterranean Shrimp Pasta with Burrata & Pine Nuts is a flavor-packed dish that’s both easy and elegant. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or a quick weeknight dinner, it’s sure to be a hit. Give it a try and let me know what you think!
Print
Mediterranean Shrimp Pasta with Burrata & Pine Nuts
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This Mediterranean-inspired shrimp pasta is packed with fresh flavors and vibrant ingredients. Juicy shrimp, sweet cherry tomatoes, creamy burrata, and toasted pine nuts come together in an olive oil and lemon-based sauce. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s an easy yet elegant meal perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion!
Ingredients
For the Pasta:
- 10 oz fettuccine, spaghetti, or linguine
For the Shrimp:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1.5 lb large raw shrimp (peeled, deveined, tails off)
- 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1/4 tsp salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
For the Sauce & Toppings:
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 10 oz cherry or grape tomatoes (red and yellow), halved
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 3 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 8 oz burrata cheese
- 1/3 cup pine nuts, toasted
- Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Cook the Shrimp:
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add 2 tbsp olive oil.
- Add shrimp in a single layer (work in batches if needed).
- Sprinkle with Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.
- Cook for 3-4 minutes, flipping once or twice, until shrimp are pink and opaque.
- Remove shrimp from skillet and set aside.
3. Sauté the Tomatoes:
- In the same skillet, add 1 tbsp olive oil, halved cherry tomatoes, minced garlic, and salt.
- Cook over medium heat for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tomatoes soften and release their juices.
4. Assemble the Dish:
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the tomatoes.
- Pour in 3 tbsp lemon juice and toss everything together.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper, if needed.
5. Add Toppings & Serve:
- Top the pasta with the cooked shrimp.
- Tear the burrata cheese into pieces and place it on top.
- Drizzle with tomato juices from the skillet.
- Sprinkle with toasted pine nuts, extra red pepper flakes, and chopped parsley.
Storage & Tips:
- Leftovers: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
- Reheating: Warm gently on the stovetop with a splash of olive oil or lemon juice.
- Substitutes: Swap burrata for fresh mozzarella or use almonds instead of pine nuts.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 726 kcal
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 62g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 50g
- Cholesterol: 250mg