This Burst Tomato Burrata Pasta is a delicious twist on your usual pasta dish! Fresh tomatoes burst with flavor, mixing perfectly with creamy burrata cheese for a cozy meal.
Who can resist that melty burrata? It’s like a hug in a bowl! I love adding a sprinkle of basil on top. It makes everything taste like a warm summer day! 🌞
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: Rotini is great for this recipe as its twisty shape holds the sauce well. If you don’t have rotini, spaghetti or penne work wonderfully too!
Cherry Tomatoes: The stars of this dish! Look for ripe ones. If cherry tomatoes are out of season, you can substitute with grape tomatoes or even diced larger tomatoes.
Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil is ideal for flavor. If you’re running low, you can use any neutral cooking oil, but the taste won’t be as rich.
Burrata Cheese: This creamy cheese is key for that dreamy texture. If you can’t find burrata, try using fresh mozzarella or ricotta for another creamy touch.
Fresh Basil: Adds a fresh aroma and flavor. If you need a substitute, you can use parsley or a pinch of dried Italian herbs, but fresh is always best!
How Do You Perfectly Burst Tomatoes for This Dish?
Cooking the tomatoes just right is what makes this dish pop! Here’s how:
- Heat the skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil.
- Place halved tomatoes cut side down in the skillet. This helps them caramelize and burst beautifully.
- Let them cook undisturbed for about 4-5 minutes. Don’t rush this step; it builds flavor!
- Once they start bursting, it’s time to add garlic and red pepper flakes for that wonderful aroma and flavor.
Remember, keep an eye on them; you want them soft but not completely disintegrated. This is where the magic happens!
How to Make Burst Tomato Burrata Pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pasta:
- 8 oz rotini or your favorite pasta
For the Burst Tomato Sauce:
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes (a mix of red and yellow if possible), halved
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For the Topping:
- 1 ball burrata cheese (about 4-6 oz)
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, thinly sliced
- Fresh lemon juice (optional, for brightness)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 20 minutes from start to finish! You’ll need around 10 minutes to prep and cook the pasta and sauce, and about 10 minutes for mixing and serving. It’s quick, easy, and absolutely delicious!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the rotini and cook according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Remember to reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta water before you drain it! This will help you later on if you need to loosen up the sauce.
2. Burst the Tomatoes:
While your pasta is cooking, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the halved cherry tomatoes, cut side down. Allow them to cook, undisturbed, for about 4-5 minutes. This is when they start to burst and release all their delicious juices!
3. Add Garlic and Seasoning:
Next, toss in the minced garlic and the red pepper flakes (if you’re using them). Stir everything together and cook for another 1-2 minutes until the garlic becomes fragrant. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
4. Combine Pasta and Sauce:
Take the skillet off the heat and add the drained pasta to the burst tomato mix. Toss everything together gently, adding in some of that reserved pasta water a little at a time if it seems too dry. You want it nice and saucy!
5. Finish It Off:
Drizzle the remaining tablespoon of olive oil over your pasta and give it another good stir. Now, it’s time to plate! Transfer your pasta to serving bowls.
6. Serve with Burrata and Basil:
Tear the burrata cheese into chunks and place generous dollops over the pasta. Sprinkle with fresh basil and add a crack of black pepper to finish.
7. Enjoy!
If you like, know that a squeeze of fresh lemon juice adds a nice bright flavor, so consider that too! Serve your Burst Tomato Burrata Pasta immediately while it’s fresh and warm. Enjoy this delightful dish that will surely impress your family and friends!
Enjoy your creamy, fresh, and vibrant Burst Tomato Burrata Pasta! Bon appétit!
Can I Use Different Types of Pasta?
Absolutely! While rotini works well in this recipe, you can use any pasta shape you prefer, like penne, spaghetti, or farfalle. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time according to the shape you choose!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or olive oil to keep it from drying out.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegan?
Yes! To make this dish vegan, simply omit the burrata cheese or substitute it with a plant-based cheese alternativa or a creamy vegan sauce. The burst tomatoes will still provide plenty of flavor!
What If I Can’t Find Burrata Cheese?
If burrata isn’t available, you can substitute fresh mozzarella or even ricotta cheese for a different but delicious creamy texture. Just tear the cheese and mix it in the same way!
