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
Scale
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
