If you’re craving a dish that’s effortlessly elegant and packed with fresh, vibrant flavors, this Easy Pasta with Burrata Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine silky pasta coated with a luscious tomato sauce, brightened by fresh basil, and crowned with creamy, dreamy burrata cheese. It’s a magical combination that’s as simple to prepare as it is delightful to eat. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or impressing friends, this recipe brings the taste of an Italian trattoria right into your kitchen with minimal fuss and maximum flavor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role in creating the perfect harmony of taste and texture. From the sweetness of cherry tomatoes to the creamy softness of burrata, each element adds a layer of deliciousness that makes this dish truly unforgettable.
- ¼ cup olive oil: This forms the base of your sauce, lending richness and helping to gently cook the tomatoes.
- 3 cups cherry tomatoes (or grape): Sweet and juicy, these burst open to create the fresh, flavorful sauce.
- 6 cloves garlic (minced): Garlic adds a warm, aromatic punch that elevates the whole dish.
- 1 ½ teaspoon kosher salt (or more to taste): Essential for seasoning and intensifying flavors.
- 8 ounces pasta (like spaghetti or bucatini): Choose your favorite long pasta for the ideal texture and sauce cling.
- ½ cup parmesan cheese (freshly grated, plus more for serving): Adds a nutty, salty depth to the sauce.
- ¼ cup basil (chopped, plus more for garnish): Fresh basil brings a bright, herbal freshness to balance the richness.
- 8 ounces burrata: The star of the dish, burrata’s creamy interior melts into the warm pasta, creating pure indulgence.
How to Make Easy Pasta with Burrata Recipe
Step 1: Simmer the Tomatoes
Begin by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add the cherry tomatoes along with the kosher salt, and let them cook for about 15 minutes, stirring often. You’ll notice the tomatoes start to soften and burst, releasing their sweet juices. Just before finishing, stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute to infuse the sauce with that irresistible aroma.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta
While the tomatoes are simmering, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your pasta and cook according to the package instructions, but take it off the heat about one minute before it reaches al dente. This way, the pasta will continue cooking slightly when added to the sauce, soaking up all those incredible flavors. Don’t forget to save one cup of pasta water before draining — it’s a valuable ingredient for adjusting your sauce’s consistency.
Step 3: Marry the Flavors
Return the drained pasta to the skillet with your simmered tomatoes. Add the reserved pasta water, freshly grated parmesan cheese, and chopped basil. Gently toss everything together, allowing the cheese to melt and the basil to distribute evenly. This step softens the sauce and helps the pasta absorb all those summery flavors, making every bite a delight.
Step 4: Add the Creamy Burrata
Now for the star ingredient — tear the burrata into large chunks and nestle it into the warm pasta. The cheese will melt slightly, creating a luxurious creaminess that brings the dish to life. Finish off with an extra sprinkle of fresh basil and parmesan cheese for a beautiful presentation and an added burst of flavor.
How to Serve Easy Pasta with Burrata Recipe
Garnishes
A few simple garnishes can elevate this dish from delicious to downright gorgeous. Fresh basil leaves add a vibrant pop of green and a fragrant herbal note. Additional parmesan cheese on top gives an irresistible salty finish. A drizzle of good quality extra virgin olive oil right before serving can add a lovely layer of richness and shine.
Side Dishes
This Easy Pasta with Burrata Recipe pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad dressed lightly with lemon vinaigrette, which cuts through the richness of the burrata. Garlic bread or crusty artisan bread is also perfect for mopping up any extra sauce, turning the meal into a complete Italian feast.
Creative Ways to Present
Serving this pasta in shallow bowls helps showcase the luscious burrata on top, creating an inviting centerpiece. For a special occasion, garnish with edible flowers or a twist of lemon zest for an unexpected flavor and visual twist. You can even serve it family-style on a large platter, inviting everyone to tear off chunks of burrata as they go.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftover Easy Pasta with Burrata Recipe, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Keep in mind that burrata’s creamy texture is best enjoyed fresh, so it’s better to add fresh burrata when reheating rather than storing it mixed in.
Freezing
Freezing pasta with burrata is not recommended because the cheese’s delicate texture and fresh tomatoes can change in consistency after thawing. Instead, prepare the pasta and sauce separately and add fresh burrata when serving.
Reheating
When reheating, warm the pasta gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave with a splash of reserved pasta water to keep it moist. Add fresh torn burrata after warming for that signature creamy richness. This will revive the dish without sacrificing flavor or texture.
FAQs
Can I use other types of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While spaghetti or bucatini are great choices because of their shape and texture, feel free to use penne, fettuccine, or even orecchiette. Just adjust cooking time accordingly to ensure your pasta is perfectly al dente.
What can I substitute for burrata if I can’t find it?
If burrata isn’t available, fresh mozzarella is a decent substitute, though it lacks the creamy center. For a richer alternative, try topping the pasta with ricotta or a mix of cream cheese and shredded mozzarella for a similar creamy effect.
Is this recipe suitable for a quick weeknight dinner?
Yes! One of the best things about this Easy Pasta with Burrata Recipe is how quick and straightforward it is. With just about 20 minutes from start to finish, you can have a restaurant-style meal on your table even on your busiest nights.
Can I prepare the tomato sauce in advance?
You sure can. The tomato sauce can be made up to two days ahead and refrigerated. Reheat it gently before tossing with pasta and adding burrata for a fast and fresh meal.
How do I know when the burrata is perfectly melted?
Burrata should stay creamy and not fully melt into the pasta. Tear it into chunks and add it at the end— the warmth of the pasta softens it just enough to create those luscious, gooey pockets of flavor that make this dish so special.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Pasta with Burrata Recipe is truly a celebration of simple ingredients coming together in the most delicious way. It’s perfect for anyone who loves fresh, comforting food without spending hours in the kitchen. I encourage you to give it a try, invite friends or family over, and watch how quickly this dish becomes a favorite in your home too!
Print
Easy Pasta with Burrata Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Easy Pasta with Burrata is a simple, flavorful dish featuring burst cherry tomatoes, aromatic garlic, fresh basil, and creamy burrata cheese. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, it combines tender pasta with a luscious cheese topping for an indulgent yet approachable Italian-inspired meal.
Ingredients
For the Tomato Sauce
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 3 cups cherry tomatoes (or grape)
- 6 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 ½ teaspoon kosher salt (or more to taste)
Pasta and Cheese
- 8 ounces pasta (like spaghetti or bucatini)
- ½ cup parmesan cheese (freshly grated, plus more for serving)
- ¼ cup basil (chopped, plus more for garnish)
- 8 ounces burrata
Instructions
- Cook the Tomatoes: Heat a large skillet over medium-low heat and add the olive oil. Add the cherry tomatoes and kosher salt. Cook for 15 minutes, stirring often, until the tomatoes begin to burst and release their juices. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute to infuse the flavors.
- Prepare the Pasta: While the tomato sauce cooks, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions, but reduce the cooking time by one minute to keep the pasta slightly firm. Drain the pasta, reserving 1 cup of the pasta cooking water for the sauce.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the tomato sauce. Pour in the reserved pasta water along with the grated parmesan cheese and chopped basil. Gently toss everything together to combine and soften the sauce, allowing the cheese to melt slightly and coat the pasta evenly.
- Add Burrata and Garnish: Tear the burrata cheese into chunks and add it to the pan atop the pasta. Garnish with extra chopped basil and additional parmesan cheese as desired. Serve immediately while the burrata is fresh and creamy.
Notes
- You can use grape tomatoes if cherry tomatoes are unavailable.
- If you prefer a smoother sauce, gently mash some of the bursting tomatoes with the back of a spoon while they cook.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute the pasta with gluten-free pasta.
- Reserve some pasta water to help loosen the sauce and bind the ingredients together without adding extra oil.
- Serve with a crisp green salad for a balanced meal.
