Summer Weeknight Burst Tomato Burrata Pasta Recipe
If you’re craving something fresh, vibrant, and downright irresistible for dinner, the Summer Weeknight Burst Tomato Burrata Pasta is your new go-to recipe. Imagine sweet cherry tomatoes bursting into a garlicky, tangy sauce, tossed with perfectly al dente pasta and crowned with creamy burrata that melts into every bite. This dish is as stunning as it is simple, making it ideal for busy summer evenings when you want maximum flavor with minimal effort. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, this pasta brings the sunshine of Italian summer right to your table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
With just a handful of ingredients, each one truly shines in the Summer Weeknight Burst Tomato Burrata Pasta. Every element here is chosen for its ability to add bold flavor, luxurious texture, or eye-catching color—proving that the best dishes are often the simplest.
- Pasta (12 ounces): Choose spaghetti, rigatoni, fusilli, or your favorite shape—each one cradles the sauce differently for its own special twist.
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons): A good extra-virgin olive oil forms the backbone of your sauce, adding richness and that classic Mediterranean aroma.
- Garlic (4 cloves, thinly sliced): Slicing instead of mincing lets the garlic gently infuse the oil without burning, giving a subtle, sweet flavor.
- Red pepper flakes (1/2 teaspoon, optional): For a gentle heat that lifts all the other flavors—adjust or omit to suit your spice preference.
- Cherry or grape tomatoes (2 pints): Their natural sweetness and juiciness make the sauce bright and tangy—choose the ripest you can find.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Essential for making every ingredient sing and balancing the acidity of the tomatoes.
- Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): A hint of freshly cracked black pepper adds warmth and depth to the sauce.
- Balsamic vinegar (1 tablespoon): Just a splash brings out the tomatoes’ sweetness and adds gentle complexity.
- Fresh basil (1/4 cup, chopped): For a burst of herbal brightness that screams summer in every bite.
- Burrata cheese (8 ounces): The creamy, dreamy centerpiece—tear it over the finished pasta for instant luxury.
- Extra basil and olive oil (for garnish): These finishing touches make the dish look as beautiful as it tastes.
How to Make Summer Weeknight Burst Tomato Burrata Pasta
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of well-salted water to a boil. Add your chosen pasta and cook it until just al dente, following the package instructions. Before draining, remember to scoop out about half a cup of that starchy pasta water—this magic liquid will help bring your sauce together later.
Step 2: Sauté the Garlic and Red Pepper Flakes
While the pasta is cooking, heat your olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium heat. Toss in the thinly sliced garlic and, if you like a bit of heat, the red pepper flakes. Stir for about a minute, just until the garlic smells fragrant and is ever-so-slightly golden. Keep a close eye—you want mellow, aromatic garlic, not burned bits!
Step 3: Burst the Tomatoes
Add all those gorgeous cherry or grape tomatoes to the skillet, then sprinkle over the salt and black pepper. Cook for 7 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes start to collapse and their juices create a luscious, chunky sauce. Feel free to use the back of a spoon to gently press some of the tomatoes—this helps them burst and speeds up the sauciness.
Step 4: Add Balsamic and Basil
Once your tomatoes are saucy and vibrant, drizzle in the balsamic vinegar and sprinkle in the chopped fresh basil. Stir everything together—your kitchen should smell like the heart of summer! The balsamic will deepen the flavor and the basil will bring a refreshing lift to the sauce.
Step 5: Toss Pasta with Sauce
Add your drained pasta directly into the skillet, along with a generous splash of that reserved pasta water. Toss everything together so the noodles are thoroughly coated in the tomato-basil goodness. The pasta water helps the sauce cling beautifully and gives everything a silky finish.
Step 6: Plate and Add Burrata
Divide the pasta among serving bowls or plates, making sure to spoon plenty of those juicy tomatoes on top. Tear the burrata into generous pieces and arrange them over each portion—the creamy cheese will gently melt into the warm pasta, creating an irresistible sauce.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Finish each bowl with a drizzle of olive oil and a scattering of extra fresh basil. Serve the Summer Weeknight Burst Tomato Burrata Pasta right away, while the cheese is luscious and the tomatoes are still warm from the pan.
How to Serve Summer Weeknight Burst Tomato Burrata Pasta
Garnishes
For a show-stopping finish, always garnish your Summer Weeknight Burst Tomato Burrata Pasta with extra torn basil and a drizzle of your best olive oil. A crack of fresh black pepper or a few flakes of sea salt add a subtle punch, while a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts or grated lemon zest can bring a new layer of flavor if you’re feeling adventurous.
Side Dishes
This pasta is truly a star on its own, but it loves a good supporting cast. Serve it with a crisp green salad tossed in a bright vinaigrette, or a platter of grilled vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers. Warm, crusty bread is perfect for mopping up every last bit of that dreamy tomato-burrata sauce. If you’re hosting, a chilled glass of Pinot Grigio or sparkling water with lemon completes the summer vibe.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dramatic dinner party presentation, pile the pasta onto a large serving platter and nestle whole balls of burrata on top—let guests tear into the cheese themselves. Or, swirl individual portions into shallow bowls and top with a mini burrata ball for each person. Want to make it picnic-friendly? Toss everything together and serve at room temperature for a rustic, crowd-pleasing pasta salad.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftover Summer Weeknight Burst Tomato Burrata Pasta (lucky you!), transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate within two hours of serving. It will keep nicely for up to two days. For best results, store the burrata separately and add it just before reheating or serving to preserve its creamy texture.
Freezing
While the tomato-basil sauce and pasta can technically be frozen, the burrata does not freeze well—it loses its luscious creaminess and becomes grainy. If you want to freeze, do so before adding the cheese. Thaw the pasta and sauce overnight in the fridge, then finish with fresh burrata and basil when you’re ready to eat.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the pasta and sauce in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water to loosen the sauce if needed. Once hot, plate and top with fresh burrata and basil. Avoid microwaving the burrata itself to keep its signature creamy center intact.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Main Course
Absolutely! Fresh mozzarella torn into pieces is a fantastic substitute, or try dollops of creamy ricotta. Both offer a lovely richness, though nothing quite matches the oozy interior of burrata.
Is this dish good for meal prep?
Summer Weeknight Burst Tomato Burrata Pasta is best enjoyed fresh, but you can make the tomato sauce ahead and cook the pasta just before serving. Add the burrata and basil at the very end for maximum creaminess and flavor.
What’s the best pasta shape for this recipe?
You have lots of delicious options! Spaghetti or linguine gives that slurpable experience, while rigatoni or fusilli catch all the saucy bits in their nooks and crannies. Use whatever shape you love or have on hand.
How can I add more protein to this meal?
For a heartier version, toss in some grilled chicken, shrimp, or even white beans. These additions pair seamlessly with the tomato-basil flavors and keep the dish filling for everyone at the table.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Definitely! Simply swap in your favorite gluten-free pasta and follow the recipe as written. The sauce and burrata are naturally gluten-free, so you won’t miss a thing.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something magical about the way Summer Weeknight Burst Tomato Burrata Pasta brings people together—each forkful is a celebration of summer’s best flavors. Give this recipe a try and let it become your new weeknight favorite; it’s easy, beautiful, and sure to impress every single time.
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Summer Weeknight Burst Tomato Burrata Pasta Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Summer Weeknight Burst Tomato Burrata Pasta is a vibrant and easy Italian-inspired dish featuring al dente pasta tossed with garlicky, bursting cherry tomatoes and fresh basil, topped with creamy burrata cheese. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, it celebrates fresh summer flavors with simple ingredients and minimal fuss.
Ingredients
Pasta and Sauce
- 12 ounces pasta (such as spaghetti, rigatoni, or fusilli)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 pints cherry or grape tomatoes
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
Cheese and Garnish
- 8 ounces burrata cheese (2 small balls or 1 large)
- Extra basil leaves for garnish
- Extra olive oil for drizzling
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente, usually about 8 to 10 minutes. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining the pasta.
- Sauté Garlic and Red Pepper Flakes: While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned to avoid bitterness.
- Cook the Tomatoes: Add the cherry tomatoes, salt, and black pepper to the skillet. Cook for 7 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes burst and a saucy consistency forms. Use the back of a spoon to gently press some tomatoes to release their juices and enrich the sauce.
- Add Basil and Balsamic Vinegar: Stir in the balsamic vinegar and chopped fresh basil to the tomato mixture, letting the flavors meld for a minute.
- Toss Pasta with Sauce: Add the drained pasta to the skillet. Pour in a splash of the reserved pasta water and toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce and glossy.
- Plate and Garnish: Transfer the pasta to serving bowls. Tear the burrata cheese over each portion, allowing its creamy interior to spread. Drizzle additional olive oil and garnish with extra fresh basil before serving immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- You can substitute burrata with fresh mozzarella or creamy ricotta if preferred for a different cheesy texture.
- For added protein, consider including grilled chicken or shrimp to make the meal more substantial.
- Be careful not to burn the garlic when sautéing to avoid a bitter taste.
- Reserve some pasta water to loosen the sauce if it becomes too thick before tossing it with pasta.
- Serve immediately to enjoy the burrata at its freshest creamy consistency.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 460
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 16g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
