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.
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.