Description
This Burst Tomato Burrata Pasta is a vibrant, comforting Italian-inspired dish featuring garlic-infused olive oil, burst cherry tomatoes, fresh basil, creamy burrata cheese, and al dente pasta. Perfect for a quick yet elegant meal, this recipe balances fresh flavors with rich, cheesy indulgence.
Ingredients
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 pepper, to taste
For the Pasta
- ½ pound pasta (spaghetti or bucatini)
- ¼ cup chopped fresh basil, plus more for sprinkling
- 8 ounces burrata cheese
- Parmesan cheese, for topping
Instructions
- Prepare the tomato sauce: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add minced garlic, dried basil, and crushed red pepper flakes, cooking gently for 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant. Add the cherry tomatoes, season with a big pinch of kosher salt and pepper, and toss well to coat in the oil. Cook the tomatoes for 20 to 25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they soften and begin to burst. Adjust the heat as needed to ensure slow bursting without burning.
- Cook the pasta: While the tomatoes are cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta well once done.
- Combine pasta and sauce: Immediately add the drained pasta to the skillet with the burst tomatoes. Toss thoroughly to coat the pasta in the flavorful sauce. Turn off the heat and stir in the chopped fresh basil.
- Add the burrata cheese: Incorporate the burrata cheese into the pasta mixture, either by breaking it into pieces or adding whole and lightly mixing to distribute the creamy texture as desired. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if necessary.
- Serve: Plate the pasta immediately. Garnish with a sprinkle of parmesan cheese, extra fresh basil leaves, and additional crushed red pepper flakes for heat, if desired. Enjoy warm for the best taste and texture.
Notes
- Use good-quality cherry or grape tomatoes for the best flavor.
- Adjust the amount of crushed red pepper flakes to control the spice level.
- Burrata adds creaminess — if unavailable, fresh mozzarella can be a substitute but with less creaminess.
- Reserve some pasta water when draining if you wish to loosen the sauce further.
- Serve immediately as burrata softens quickly and tastes best fresh.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
