This Burst Tomato Burrata Pasta is a cheerful dish that brings together juicy cherry tomatoes, creamy burrata cheese, and perfectly cooked pasta. It’s fresh, colorful, and so easy to make!
Watching those tomatoes pop in the pan is almost like a mini fireworks show! 🎆 I love serving this dish with a sprinkle of basil on top for an extra zing. Give it a try, it’ll brighten up your table!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: Rotini is a great choice because its shape holds the sauce well. If you prefer, you can use penne, fusilli, or even whole wheat pasta for a healthier option.
Cherry Tomatoes: A medley of red and yellow cherry tomatoes adds color and sweetness. If they’re not in season, you can substitute with grape tomatoes or even diced larger tomatoes, but cooking times might vary.
Olive Oil: Using extra virgin olive oil gives a nice flavor. If you’re watching calories, you can reduce the amount, but don’t skip it entirely as it aids in flavor development.
Burrata Cheese: Burrata is creamy and luxurious, perfect for this dish! If you can’t find it, fresh mozzarella or ricotta can be nice alternatives, though the texture will differ slightly.
Fresh Basil: Fresh is key for that aromatic touch! If you don’t have basil, try using fresh parsley or arugula for a different yet delicious flavor profile.
How Do You Get Perfectly Burst Tomatoes?
Getting those tomatoes to burst just right is all about the heat and patience. Here’s how to do it:
- Cook the tomatoes in a hot skillet so they can quickly release their juices.
- Keep the heat at medium-high to help them soften and pop. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Don’t rush it! Let them cook for about 5-7 minutes until they start bursting. A little pressure with the spoon helps!
- Once they burst, season quickly to enhance their fresh flavor while there’s still some juice in the pan.
Following these steps will give you a wonderful tomato sauce that mixes perfectly with the pasta and burrata!
How to Make Burst Tomato Burrata Pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pasta:
- 12 oz (340g) rotini pasta (or any preferred short pasta)
For the Tomato Sauce:
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes (a mix of red and yellow if possible)
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, sliced thin
- 1/2 tsp red chili flakes (optional, adjust to taste)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For the Toppings:
- 1 ball burrata cheese (about 4-6 oz), torn into chunks
- Fresh basil leaves, thinly sliced (a handful)
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- Juice of half a lemon (optional, for brightness)
Time Needed:
This recipe will take about 25 minutes total—10 minutes for prep and 15 minutes for cooking. It’s a quick and delightful meal that’s perfect for a busy weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
First, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rotini pasta and cook it according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. This usually takes around 8-10 minutes. Before you drain the pasta, be sure to reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside.
2. Prepare the Tomato Sauce:
While your pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the sliced garlic and optional red chili flakes. Sauté gently until the garlic becomes fragrant and starts to turn golden, which should take about 1-2 minutes. Keep a close eye on it—burnt garlic isn’t tasty!
3. Burst the Tomatoes:
Next, add the cherry tomatoes to the skillet. Turn the heat up to medium-high and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 5-7 minutes. You’ll want to keep an eye on them as they soften and begin to burst, releasing their delightful juices! Feel free to use the back of a spoon to gently smash some of them to encourage bursting while leaving others whole for texture.
4. Season the Sauce:
Once the tomatoes are bursting and juicy, season the mixture with salt and freshly ground black pepper. If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up and make it saucier!
5. Combine Pasta and Sauce:
Add the drained pasta directly into the skillet with the burst tomatoes. Toss everything together so that the pasta gets nicely coated in that beautiful, bursting tomato sauce. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Now it’s time to plate! Transfer the pasta and tomatoes to serving plates or a large serving bowl. Tear chunks of the creamy burrata cheese over the pasta, allowing it to melt slightly into the warm dish. Sprinkle fresh basil on top and drizzle with just a little extra olive oil.
Optional Finishing Touch:
If you like, finish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten up all those rich flavors.
Serve your Burst Tomato Burrata Pasta right away, and enjoy every creamy, fresh, and flavorful bite! It’s a delightful dish that celebrates simple ingredients at their best. Enjoy!
Can I Use Different Types of Pasta?
Absolutely! While rotini is great for holding the sauce, you can use any short pasta like penne, fusilli, or even spaghetti if you prefer. Just adjust the cooking time according to the type of pasta you choose!
Can I Substitute the Burrata Cheese?
Yes, if burrata isn’t available, fresh mozzarella or ricotta cheese can work in a pinch. Keep in mind that the texture will differ slightly, but you’ll still get a deliciously creamy element in your dish!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, warm gently in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of water or olive oil to help bring the sauce back to life!
Can I Make This Recipe Vegan?
You can easily make this dish vegan by omitting the burrata cheese and replacing it with a dairy-free alternative, such as cashew cream or a dairy-free mozzarella. This will keep the dish creamy without the use of dairy!
