Alright, pasta aficionados, gather ’round because we’re about to dive into a bowl of pure, unadulterated comfort! This Burst Tomato Burrata Pasta is a symphony of simple yet sensational flavors. Imagine sweet cherry tomatoes bursting with juicy goodness, mingling with fragrant garlic and herbs, all clinging to perfectly cooked pasta. And then, the pièce de résistance: creamy, dreamy burrata melting into the warm sauce. This is weeknight dinner perfection, my friends!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless Elegance: It looks and tastes like you’ve been slaving away, but it’s ridiculously easy to make.
- Flavor Explosion: The combination of burst tomatoes, garlic, and burrata is a culinary dream come true.
- Quick and Satisfying: Ready in under 45 minutes, it’s perfect for those nights when you want something delicious without the fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Olive Oil: For sautéing the garlic and tomatoes. Use a good quality oil for the best flavor.
- Garlic (Minced): Because everything is better with garlic!
- Dried Basil and Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: For a touch of herbaceousness and heat.
- Cherry or Grape Tomatoes: The star of the show! They burst into sweet, juicy perfection.
- Pasta (Spaghetti or Bucatini): Long pasta shapes work best to soak up the sauce.
- Fresh Basil (Chopped): For a burst of fresh flavor at the end.
- Burrata Cheese: Creamy, dreamy, and utterly irresistible.
- Parmesan Cheese: For topping and adding a salty, nutty note.
- Kosher Salt and Pepper: To season to taste.
Variations
Want to add your own flair? Here are some fun ideas:
- Add Veggies: Toss in some sautéed spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers.
- Protein Boost: Add grilled shrimp, chicken, or Italian sausage.
- Spice It Up: Add a diced jalapeño or a dash of hot sauce for extra heat.
- Herb Twist: Use oregano or thyme instead of basil, or add a mix of fresh herbs.
Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.
How to Make Burst Tomato Burrata Pasta
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add garlic, dried basil, and red pepper flakes. Cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Step 2: Burst the Tomatoes
Add tomatoes, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Cook for 20-25 minutes, until they burst. Adjust heat as needed.
Step 3: Cook the Pasta
While tomatoes burst, boil salted water and cook pasta until al dente. Drain and add to skillet.
Step 4: Toss and Finish
Toss pasta with the tomato sauce. Turn off heat and toss in fresh basil. Add burrata, mixing as much or as little as you like.
Step 5: Serve
Serve immediately, topped with parmesan, fresh basil, and red pepper flakes.
Pro Tips for Making the Recipe
- Low and Slow Tomatoes: Cooking the tomatoes over medium-low heat allows them to burst slowly and develop intense sweetness.
- Don’t Overcook the Garlic: Keep an eye on the garlic to prevent it from burning.
- Al Dente Pasta: Cook the pasta until al dente so it holds its shape and texture.
- If your tomatoes are taking a long time to burst, you can increase the heat slightly, but watch them closely!
How to Serve
This pasta is perfect for:
- Quick Weeknight Dinner: A satisfying and easy meal.
- Date Night: Impress your partner with minimal effort.
- Casual Gathering: A crowd-pleasing dish for any occasion.
- Lunch: Enjoy leftovers the next day!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Freezing
Freezing is not recommended as the texture of the burrata will change.
Reheating
Reheat in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave until warm. Add a splash of water or olive oil to loosen the sauce.
FAQs
1. Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh?
While fresh tomatoes are best, you can use canned diced tomatoes as a substitute. Drain them well before adding to the skillet.
2. Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, you can use fresh mozzarella or ricotta instead of burrata.
3. Can I make this gluten-free?
Absolutely! Use gluten-free pasta and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free.
4. Can I add other vegetables?
Yes! Sautéed spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers would be delicious additions.
Conclusion
There you have it, folks! A Burst Tomato Burrata Pasta that’s sure to become a new favorite. Go ahead, give it a try, and get ready to fall in love with this simple yet sensational dish!
Print
Burst Tomato Burrata Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 2 to 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main-course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This Burst Tomato Burrata Pasta is a simple yet elegant dish, featuring sweet, burst cherry tomatoes, creamy burrata cheese, and al dente pasta. It’s a quick and flavorful meal perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 6 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes, plus more for sprinkling
- 3 cups cherry or grape tomatoes
- Kosher salt and pepper
- 1/2 pound pasta, like spaghetti or bucatini
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil, plus more for sprinkling
- 8 ounces burrata cheese
- Parmesan cheese, for topping
Instructions
- Cook Tomato Sauce: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add in the garlic, dried basil, and red pepper flakes, cooking for 1 to 2 minutes. Add in the tomatoes with a big pinch of salt and pepper and toss them in the oil. Let the tomatoes cook for 20 to 25 minutes, until they begin to burst. Keep an eye on the skillet and lower the heat if needed. If the tomatoes aren’t bursting, you can increase the heat just a bit too.
- Cook Pasta: While the tomatoes burst, bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Once the pasta is done, drain it and add it directly to the skillet. Toss the mixture a few times so all the noodles are coated. Turn off the heat and toss in the fresh basil.
- Add Burrata: Add in the burrata cheese, either in pieces or one large ball, and mix it in as much as you’d like (or as little!). Taste the pasta and add in more salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve: Serve immediately, top with parmesan cheese, more fresh basil, and red pepper flakes.
Notes
- Using high-quality olive oil and fresh burrata cheese makes a big difference in this recipe.
- Cooking the tomatoes over low heat allows them to burst and release their sweetness.
- Adjust the amount of crushed red pepper flakes to your preferred level of spiciness.
- Serve immediately to enjoy the creamy texture of the burrata.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
