Burrata Pasta Shells Recipe Creamy Tomato Sauce 2024

Name: Burrata Pasta Shells
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Italian-inspired
Ingredients: – 12 ounces pasta shells; – 2 tablespoons olive oil; – 2 tablespoons butter; – 1 yellow onion, diced; – 6 cloves garlic, chopped; – 1 pound ground chicken (optional); – Salt and pepper to taste; – 24 ounces tomato basil sauce; – 1 cup heavy whipping cream; – 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese; – 4 ounces Burrata cheese; – Fresh basil for garnish

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Why You’ll Love This Burrata Pasta Shells

Picture this: a steaming plate of pasta shells coated in a silky, creamy tomato basil sauce that hugs every curve, topped with gooey burrata that melts into pure bliss with the first bite. This burrata pasta shells recipe is your new go-to for weeknight wins. It comes together fast, tastes like a restaurant treat, and leaves everyone scraping their plates clean.

Ease of Preparation

This recipe shines with its simplicity and quick cooking time, perfect for busy weeknights. You can whip up these burrata pasta shells in about 15-20 minutes using minimal ingredients and straightforward steps. No fancy equipment needed, just a pot for pasta and a skillet for the sauce. Busy parents, students, and working professionals will appreciate how it fits right into hectic schedules without sacrificing flavor.

Start by boiling your pasta shells while you build the sauce. The optional ground chicken adds protein effortlessly, cooking right in the pan. Before you know it, dinner is ready, and you have time to relax with your family.

Health Benefits

Burrata pasta shells strike a nice balance of nutrition that keeps you fueled. The fresh burrata cheese brings calcium, protein, and vitamins to the table, supporting bone health and more. Pasta shells offer steady energy from carbohydrates, while the optional pound of ground chicken boosts lean protein for muscle repair.

Heavy whipping cream and Parmesan add richness without overwhelming the dish. Check out the health benefits of burrata cheese for why this fresh cheese is a smart pick. For diet-conscious folks, it feels indulgent yet nourishing.

Versatility

One of the best parts of this dish is how adaptable it is to fit different needs. Skip the ground chicken for a lighter vegetarian meal, or keep it for extra heartiness. Make tweaks for vegan, gluten-free, or low-calorie diets by swapping key items.

Food enthusiasts and newlyweds can experiment with add-ins, while seniors appreciate the soft textures. Travelers missing home flavors will find comfort here. If you enjoy other comforting pasta dishes, try our creamy chicken and broccoli pasta recipe for another cozy option.

Distinctive Flavor

What makes burrata pasta shells stand out is the dreamy combo of creamy burrata with tender pasta shells. The tomato basil sauce, enriched with cream and Parmesan, delivers tangy sweetness and savory depth. Onion and garlic sautéed in olive oil and butter build a flavorful base, while fresh basil ties it all together with herbal brightness.

Adding torn burrata at the end gives that fresh, melty pop that defines the dish. It’s rich, comforting, and memorable, perfect for creating joyful moments around the table, just like on my blog where I share simple recipes to inspire your cooking passion.

This quick dish turns basic pantry staples into something special, proving great food doesn’t need hours in the kitchen.

Jump To

1. Why You’ll Love This Burrata Pasta Shells
2. Essential Ingredients for Burrata Pasta Shells
3. How to Prepare the Perfect Burrata Pasta Shells: Step-by-Step Guide
4. Dietary Substitutions to Customize Your Burrata Pasta Shells
5. Mastering Burrata Pasta Shells: Advanced Tips and Variations
6. How to Store Burrata Pasta Shells: Best Practices
7. FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About Burrata Pasta Shells
8. Burrata Pasta Shells

Essential Ingredients for Burrata Pasta Shells

Gathering the right ingredients makes all the difference in nailing these burrata pasta shells. This list keeps things straightforward so you can shop easily and get cooking. Focus on fresh items for the best taste.

Main Ingredients

12 ounces pasta shells
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons butter
1 yellow onion, diced
6 cloves garlic, chopped
1 pound ground chicken (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste
24 ounces tomato basil sauce
1 cup heavy whipping cream
1/4 cup Parmesan cheese
4 ounces Burrata cheese
Fresh basil for garnish

These precise amounts serve 4-6 people generously. Pasta shells hold the sauce perfectly, while burrata adds that signature creaminess.

Special Dietary Options

Tailor the recipe to your needs with simple swaps. Home cooks love how flexible it is.

Vegan: Swap burrata with plant-based ricotta or cashew cream, use vegan butter and cream, and dairy-free Parmesan.
Gluten-free: Choose gluten-free pasta shells that mimic the shape and texture.
Low-calorie: Use light cream or half-and-half, reduce butter, and opt for whole wheat pasta shells.

For added protein without chicken, stir in lentils or chickpeas. These changes keep the cozy vibe intact.

How to Prepare the Perfect Burrata Pasta Shells: Step-by-Step Guide

Follow these easy steps for burrata pasta shells that wow every time. Reserve 1 cup pasta water as you go, it’s a game-changer for sauce consistency. Total time is just 15-20 minutes.

Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta shells and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup pasta water, then drain.
Sauté aromatics: Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil and 2 tablespoons butter over medium heat in a large skillet. Add the diced yellow onion and sauté for 3-5 minutes until translucent.
Add garlic and chicken: Stir in 6 cloves chopped garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. If using, add 1 pound ground chicken and cook for 8-10 minutes, breaking it up as it cooks.
Build the sauce: Stir in 24 ounces tomato basil sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Simmer on low heat for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Finish the sauce: Remove from heat. Stir in 1 cup heavy whipping cream and 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese. Adjust seasoning and thin with reserved pasta water if needed.
Combine and serve: Toss cooked pasta shells with the sauce. Garnish with torn 4 ounces Burrata cheese and fresh basil. Serve immediately for peak creaminess.

Tips: Always add burrata at the end to preserve its fresh texture and flavor. Ground chicken is optional but adds nice protein. Taste as you go for perfect balance.

Reserving pasta water is key, it helps create that glossy sauce that clings to every shell.

Dietary Substitutions to Customize Your Burrata Pasta Shells

Make burrata pasta shells work for any table with these smart swaps. Whether for dietary tweaks or variety, they keep the dish delicious.

Protein and Main Component Alternatives

For vegan options, replace burrata with vegan ricotta or cashew-based cheese, and use coconut cream instead of heavy cream.
Add grilled chicken or shrimp for extra protein if not going vegan. Learn about chicken nutrition to see why it’s a healthy boost.
Try turkey or plant-based grounds in place of chicken.

Vegetable, Sauce, and Seasoning Modifications

Swap tomato basil sauce with marinara or add sun-dried tomatoes for deeper flavor.
Mix in spinach, arugula, or mushrooms for greens and extra nutrients.
Switch basil for oregano or thyme to change the herb profile.
Use dairy-free cream or pesto for sauce variations based on needs.

Substitution Table

Original	Substitution	Best For
Burrata cheese	Vegan ricotta	Vegan diet
Heavy whipping cream	Coconut cream	Dairy-free
Pasta shells	Gluten-free shells	Gluten sensitivity
Ground chicken	Lentils	Vegetarian
Tomato basil sauce	Pesto	Herb lovers

These options ensure everyone enjoys the meal. Experiment to find your favorite twist.

Mastering Burrata Pasta Shells: Advanced Tips and Variations

Take your burrata pasta shells to the next level with these pro moves. Small changes yield big rewards in taste and look.

Pro cooking techniques: Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce perfectly. Briefly sauté garlic to unlock flavors without burning.
Flavor variations: Toss in roasted red peppers, caramelized onions, or spinach for depth. Spice it up with red pepper flakes.
Presentation tips: Garnish with whole basil leaves, a Parmesan grate, and olive oil drizzle for that chef touch.
Make-ahead options: Prep sauce ahead, store in fridge up to 2 days. Reheat gently, then mix with fresh pasta and burrata.

For pasta fans, pair with our baked cream cheese spaghetti. Serve with garlic bread, salad, or wine for full meals. Baking enthusiasts can broil briefly for bubbly burrata.

Busy schedules? Double the batch for lunches. These tips make it foolproof and fun.

How to Store Burrata Pasta Shells: Best Practices

Leftovers taste great if stored right. Follow these steps to keep flavors fresh.

Refrigeration

Place burrata pasta shells in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Store burrata separately to avoid sogginess.

Freezing

Freeze sauced pasta shells for up to 1 month. Add fresh burrata after thawing, as freezing ruins its texture. Thaw overnight in fridge.

Reheating

Warm in a skillet over low heat with a splash of pasta water or milk. Stir often to revive creaminess. Microwave works but stir midway.

Meal Prep Considerations

Cook pasta and sauce apart for best results. Portion into containers with burrata on side. Ideal for working professionals and students.

Avoid overcooking on reheat to prevent mushy shells.
Add fresh basil when serving again.

FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About Burrata Pasta Shells

What are Burrata pasta shells and how do you prepare them?

Burrata pasta shells are large pasta shells stuffed with creamy burrata cheese, often combined with ingredients like tomato sauce, basil, or spinach. To prepare them, cook the pasta shells until al dente, drain and cool slightly. Gently stuff each shell with burrata cheese and arrange in a baking dish topped with marinara or your favorite sauce. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through. Finish with fresh basil, cracked black pepper, and a drizzle of olive oil for best flavor.

Can I use fresh mozzarella instead of burrata in pasta shells?

Yes, fresh mozzarella is a good substitute but the texture will be different. Burrata has a creamy center that makes the dish richer and smoother, while mozzarella is firmer. To mimic burrata’s creaminess, consider mixing shredded mozzarella with a little cream cheese or ricotta before stuffing the shells. This blend will melt well and provide a similar creamy texture without altering the cooking process.

How do I prevent burrata from curdling or separating when baked?

To keep burrata creamy and prevent curdling, avoid baking it at very high temperatures or for too long. Usually, placing the stuffed shells in a moderate oven (350°F or 175°C) for no longer than 20 minutes is best. Add the burrata to the shells close to the end of cooking or layer it under a sauce to protect it from direct heat. This method keeps the cheese soft and luscious without separating.

What sauces pair well with burrata pasta shells?

Burrata pasta shells pair beautifully with light, fresh sauces like classic marinara, basil pesto, or a simple garlic and olive oil sauce. Tomato-based sauces balance the richness of the cheese, while pesto adds herbal brightness. Creamy sauces can work, but be careful not to overpower the delicate flavor of burrata. Garnish with fresh herbs like basil or parsley and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for added flavor.

How can I make burrata pasta shells a vegetarian main course?

To keep burrata pasta shells vegetarian, use vegetable-based sauces and add vegetables like spinach, roasted red peppers, or mushrooms to the stuffing or sauce. Incorporate herbs, garlic, and spices to boost flavor. Serve with a side salad or garlic bread to complete the meal. This approach creates a satisfying, meat-free dish with plenty of protein and texture from the cheese and veggies.

Creamy Tomato Burrata Pasta Shells Recipe