This Burst Tomato Burrata Pasta features juicy, roasted tomatoes bursting with flavor, creamy burrata cheese, and perfectly cooked pasta. It’s a cozy dish that feels like a warm hug!
Honestly, who can resist that melted burrata? I love how it makes everything extra creamy! Pair it with a light salad, and you’ve got a meal that feels fancy but is super easy. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: Spaghetti or bucatini works beautifully, but you can swap for any pasta you like. Farfalle or penne would also be delightful! Whole wheat or gluten-free options are great if you have dietary needs.
Cherry Tomatoes: Fresh cherry tomatoes give the best burst of flavor. If they’re out of season, you could use canned diced tomatoes—just cook them a bit longer to thicken the sauce.
Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil is my go-to for its rich flavor. If you don’t have any, avocado oil can work too, but it won’t have the same taste.
Burrata Cheese: Burrata is creamy and divine, but if it’s hard to find, fresh mozzarella or ricotta can substitute. Both will still give you that lovely creamy texture.
Parmesan Cheese: If you want to keep it dairy-free, nutritional yeast is a fantastic substitute for a cheesy flavor. Otherwise, Pecorino Romano is another great cheese option.
How Can I Roast the Tomatoes to Maximize Their Flavor?
Roasting the cherry tomatoes is key to getting a punch of flavor. Here’s how to do it well:
- Heat the olive oil in the skillet over medium heat before adding the tomatoes to get them sizzling.
- Let them cook until they start to burst, usually 6-8 minutes. Be patient; don’t rush this step!
- Don’t forget to press some tomatoes with a spoon to release even more juices! This creates a delicious sauce.
- Taste and adjust seasonings while you cook. A little bit of salt and pepper makes a huge difference!
By focusing on this roasting technique, you’ll deepen the flavors and bring out their natural sweetness. Enjoy cooking!
How to Make Burst Tomato Burrata Pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pasta:
- 12 oz spaghetti or bucatini pasta
For the Sauce:
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For the Toppings:
- 1 large ball of burrata cheese (about 8 oz)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley or basil, chopped for garnish
- Zest of 1 lemon (optional for brightness)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This scrumptious dish will take around 25 minutes to prepare and serve. You’ll spend about 10-15 minutes cooking the pasta and making the sauce, plus a few minutes to plate everything up and enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the 12 oz of spaghetti or bucatini pasta. Cook according to the package instructions until the pasta is al dente. Remember to reserve 1 cup of the pasta water before draining it—this will help create a lovely sauce later!
2. Sauté Garlic and Red Pepper Flakes:
While your pasta is cooking, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is warm, add the sliced garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté for about 1 minute, just until the garlic is fragrant but not browned, as we want to keep its light flavor.
3. Add the Cherry Tomatoes:
Next, add the 2 cups of cherry tomatoes to the skillet. Cook them for about 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally. You’ll see the tomatoes start to burst and release their delicious juices. To intensify the flavor, use the back of a spoon to gently press on some tomatoes, allowing them to break open and create a quick, juicy sauce!
4. Season the Sauce:
Once the tomatoes are bursting and juicy, season the mixture with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. This adds a wonderful depth of flavor!
5. Combine Pasta and Sauce:
Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the tomato mixture and toss everything together until the pasta is well coated in the tomato sauce. If the sauce seems a little dry, gradually add some of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
6. Plate It Up:
Divide the pasta into serving bowls. Gently tear or spoon the burrata cheese on top while the pasta is still warm, which allows the creamy cheese to soften and melt slightly—yum! Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese generously over each bowl.
7. Add Final Touches:
For that extra special touch, garnish with freshly chopped parsley or basil and add some lemon zest for brightness, if you like. Finally, drizzle with the last tablespoon of olive oil before serving.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your Burst Tomato Burrata Pasta immediately and enjoy the creamy, bursting tomato goodness! It’s a delightful dish that’s perfect for any occasion.
Can I Use Different Types of Pasta?
Absolutely! While spaghetti or bucatini works great, feel free to use any pasta of your choice, like penne, farfalle, or fusilli. Just adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, use the microwave or warm it gently on the stove, adding a splash of olive oil or reserved pasta water to bring back some moisture!
Can I Substitute the Burrata Cheese?
Yes! If you can’t find burrata, fresh mozzarella or ricotta works well too. They’ll still give you that delicious creaminess in the dish, though the texture will differ slightly.
How Can I Make This Recipe Spicier?
If you like a bit of heat, just increase the amount of red pepper flakes to taste. You can also add sliced fresh chili peppers during the garlic sauté, or drizzle on some hot sauce before serving!
