Description
Burst Tomato Burrata Pasta is a vibrant and creamy Italian-inspired dish featuring tender pasta tossed with sweet, bursting cherry tomatoes, fragrant garlic and basil, and rich burrata cheese. This rustic yet elegant meal balances the freshness of herbs with the creaminess of cheese, making it perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner or a casual dinner party.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Sauce
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 6 garlic cloves, minced
- ½ teaspoon dried basil
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes, plus more for sprinkling
- 3 cups cherry or grape tomatoes
- Kosher salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Pasta
- ½ pound pasta (such as spaghetti or bucatini)
- ¼ cup chopped fresh basil, plus more for sprinkling
- 8 ounces burrata cheese
- Parmesan cheese, for topping
Instructions
- Prepare the Sauce: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add minced garlic, dried basil, and crushed red pepper flakes. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant. Add the cherry tomatoes along with a generous pinch of kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Toss the tomatoes in the oil and cook for 20 to 25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes begin to burst. Adjust heat as needed to encourage bursting without burning.
- Cook the Pasta: While the tomatoes are cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving a small amount of pasta water if desired.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained pasta directly to the skillet with the burst tomato sauce. Toss the pasta gently to coat the noodles evenly with the tomato mixture. Turn off the heat, then toss in the chopped fresh basil.
- Add Burrata Cheese: Tear the burrata cheese into pieces or add it as a whole ball on top of the pasta. Mix it gently into the pasta to allow the creamy cheese to melt into the sauce, adding richness and texture.
- Season and Serve: Taste the pasta and adjust seasoning with more salt and black pepper if needed. Serve immediately, topped with freshly grated Parmesan cheese, additional fresh basil, and a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes for extra heat.
Notes
- Use good quality olive oil for the best flavor.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes.
- Burrata can be substituted with fresh mozzarella if unavailable, but burrata provides a creamier texture.
- Reserve a splash of pasta water to loosen the sauce if it gets too thick.
- This recipe pairs well with a crisp white wine or sparkling water with lemon.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing and boiling
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 46g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Keywords: Burst Tomato Burrata Pasta, Cherry Tomato Pasta, Italian Pasta, Burrata Cheese, Easy Pasta Recipe, Vegetarian Pasta
