Tomato Burrata Pasta

Tomato Burrata Pasta is a simple pasta dish made with a warm garlic tomato sauce, tender pasta, fresh basil, and creamy burrata cheese. The sauce is bright and rich, while the burrata melts slightly over the hot pasta and makes every bite creamy without needing a heavy cream sauce.

This recipe is great for a quick weeknight dinner, a cozy weekend meal, or a simple dish to serve when you want something that feels special but does not take a lot of work. It uses easy ingredients and comes together in about 30 minutes.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

• Simple ingredients: You only need pasta, tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, burrata, and a few seasonings.

• Quick dinner: It is ready in about 30 minutes from start to finish.

• Creamy without heavy cream: Burrata adds a soft, creamy texture right at the end.

• Easy to customize: You can add protein, vegetables, or a little spice.

Equipment Needed

• Large pot

• Large skillet or sauté pan

• Cutting board

• Sharp knife

• Measuring cups and spoons

• Wooden spoon or spatula

• Colander

• Tongs

Ingredients List

For the Pasta

• 12 ounces pasta, such as spaghetti, linguine, rigatoni, or penne

• 1 tablespoon salt, for boiling water

For the Tomato Sauce

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional

• 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved

• 1 can crushed tomatoes, 14.5 ounces

• 1/2 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste

• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

• 1/2 teaspoon sugar, optional, if the tomatoes taste too acidic

• 1/3 cup reserved pasta water

For Topping

• 8 ounces burrata cheese

• 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, torn or sliced

• 1 tablespoon olive oil, for drizzling

• Grated Parmesan cheese, optional

• Extra black pepper, optional

Timing & Servings

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4

How to Make Tomato Burrata Pasta Step by Step

Step 1: Boil the pasta water
Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add salt, then cook the pasta according to the package directions until al dente.

Step 2: Save pasta water
Before draining the pasta, scoop out about 1/2 cup of pasta water and set it aside. Drain the pasta and keep it nearby.

Step 3: Cook the garlic
While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, if using. Cook for about 30 seconds, stirring often, until the garlic smells fragrant.

Step 4: Add the tomatoes
Add the halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet. Cook for 5 to 6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they soften and start to release their juices.

Step 5: Make the sauce
Stir in the crushed tomatoes, salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, and sugar if needed. Let the sauce simmer for 8 to 10 minutes so the flavors come together.

Step 6: Add pasta water
Pour in 1/3 cup reserved pasta water and stir. This helps loosen the sauce and makes it coat the pasta better.

Step 7: Toss with pasta
Add the drained pasta to the skillet. Toss everything together until the pasta is well coated in the tomato sauce. If the sauce feels too thick, add a little more pasta water.

Step 8: Add the burrata
Transfer the pasta to serving bowls or a large platter. Tear the burrata into pieces and place it over the warm pasta. Let it sit for a minute so it softens.

Step 9: Finish and serve
Top with fresh basil, a drizzle of olive oil, Parmesan if using, and extra black pepper. Serve right away while the pasta is warm and the burrata is creamy.

Tips for the Best Tomato Burrata Pasta

• Use good-quality tomatoes if you can. Since this recipe is simple, the tomato flavor matters.
• Do not overcook the garlic. Garlic can turn bitter if it browns too much, so keep the heat at medium and stir often.
• Cook the pasta al dente. It will taste better and hold up well when tossed with the sauce.
• Always save some pasta water. The starchy water helps the sauce cling to the pasta.
• Add the burrata at the end. Burrata is best when it is gently warmed by the pasta, not cooked directly in the pan.
• Taste the sauce before serving. If it tastes too sharp, add a small pinch of sugar. If it tastes flat, add a little more salt.

Variations to Try

• Add chicken: Serve with grilled chicken or shredded rotisserie chicken.

• Make it spicy: Add more red pepper flakes or a spoonful of chili crisp.

• Use fresh tomatoes only: Use 3 to 4 cups of chopped fresh tomatoes instead of canned crushed tomatoes.

• Add vegetables: Stir in spinach, zucchini, mushrooms, or roasted bell peppers.

• Try pesto: Add a spoonful of basil pesto before serving for extra flavor.

• Use mozzarella: If you cannot find burrata, fresh mozzarella is a good swap, though it will be less creamy.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Tomato Burrata Pasta with garlic bread, a simple green salad, roasted vegetables, or grilled chicken.

For a fuller meal, pair it with a Caesar salad, sautéed zucchini, or a side of crispy bread for scooping up the sauce and creamy burrata.

Make-Ahead, Storage, and Reheating

1. You can make the tomato sauce up to 2 days ahead. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator, then warm it on the stove before adding freshly cooked pasta.
2. Store leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If possible, store the burrata separately and add it fresh when serving.
3. To reheat, warm the pasta gently in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of water. Stir until heated through. Add burrata after reheating, not before.
4. Freezing the finished pasta is not ideal because the burrata and pasta texture can change. If you want to freeze something, freeze only the tomato sauce for up to 2 months.

Nutritional Facts

Calories: 520
Fat: 22g
Carbs: 62g
Protein: 19g
Sugar: 8g
Sodium: 620mg

Tomato Burrata Pasta

Tomato Burrata Pasta is a fresh and flavorful Italian-inspired dish made with tender pasta, sweet tomatoes, creamy burrata cheese, garlic, and basil. It's an easy yet elegant meal that's perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining guests.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Course Dinner

Cuisine Italian

Servings 4 people

Calories 520 kcal

Equipment

• Large pot
• Large skillet or sauté pan
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Measuring Cups and Spoons
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Colander
• Tongs

Ingredients

  

For the Pasta

• 12 ounces pasta such as spaghetti, linguine, rigatoni, or penne
• 1 tablespoon salt for boiling water

For the Tomato Sauce

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic minced
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
• 1 pint cherry tomatoes halved
• 1 can crushed tomatoes 14.5 ounces
• 1/2 teaspoon salt plus more to taste
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon sugar optional, if the tomatoes taste too acidic
• 1/3 cup reserved pasta water

For Topping

• 8 ounces burrata cheese
• 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves torn or sliced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil for drizzling
• Grated Parmesan cheese optional
• Extra black pepper optional

Instructions

 

Step 1: Boil the pasta water

• Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add salt, then cook the pasta according to the package directions until al dente.

Step 2: Save pasta water

• Before draining the pasta, scoop out about 1/2 cup of pasta water and set it aside. Drain the pasta and keep it nearby.

Step 3: Cook the garlic

• While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, if using. Cook for about 30 seconds, stirring often, until the garlic smells fragrant.

Step 4: Add the tomatoes

• Add the halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet. Cook for 5 to 6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they soften and start to release their juices.

Step 5: Make the sauce

• Stir in the crushed tomatoes, salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, and sugar if needed. Let the sauce simmer for 8 to 10 minutes so the flavors come together.

Step 6: Add pasta water

• Pour in 1/3 cup reserved pasta water and stir. This helps loosen the sauce and makes it coat the pasta better.

Step 7: Toss with pasta

• Add the drained pasta to the skillet. Toss everything together until the pasta is well coated in the tomato sauce. If the sauce feels too thick, add a little more pasta water.

Step 8: Add the burrata

• Transfer the pasta to serving bowls or a large platter. Tear the burrata into pieces and place it over the warm pasta. Let it sit for a minute so it softens.

Step 9: Finish and serve

• Top with fresh basil, a drizzle of olive oil, Parmesan if using, and extra black pepper. Serve right away while the pasta is warm and the burrata is creamy.

Keyword Tomato Burrata Pasta

FAQs

Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh tomatoes?
Yes. This recipe uses both cherry tomatoes and canned crushed tomatoes, but you can use only canned tomatoes if that is what you have.

What pasta shape works best?
Spaghetti, linguine, rigatoni, penne, and fusilli all work well. Use a shape that holds sauce nicely.

Can I make this recipe without burrata?
Yes. Fresh mozzarella, ricotta, or a little Parmesan can work, but burrata gives the creamiest finish.

Should burrata be served cold or warm?
Burrata should be added at the end. The warm pasta softens it without fully cooking it.

Conclusion

Tomato Burrata Pasta is simple, creamy, and full of fresh tomato flavor. It is easy enough for a weeknight but still feels a little special because of the burrata on top. Try it with fresh basil, a drizzle of olive oil, and your favorite pasta shape for a comforting homemade meal.