The moment you try this Creamy Burrata Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes and Basil Recipe, you’ll understand why it quickly becomes a cherished favorite. This delightful pasta combines the luscious creaminess of burrata cheese with the bright burst of cherry tomatoes and aromatic basil, creating a perfect harmony of flavors and textures. Whether you’re craving something comforting on a weeknight or looking to impress friends over dinner, this dish effortlessly delivers a rich, vibrant experience that warms the heart and satisfies the soul.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this recipe is beautifully simple but plays an essential role in crafting the dish’s vibrant personality. From luscious butter to fragrant basil, every addition enhances the flavor, texture, and colorful appeal of your pasta bowl.
- 1 Tablespoon salted butter: Adds richness and helps mellow the shallots for a gentle base flavor.
- 2 shallots (minced): Provides a mild onion flavor that softens into sweetness when cooked.
- 10 oz cherry tomatoes (halved): Brings juicy bursts of freshness and vibrant color.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the natural flavors and balances the acidity of tomatoes.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: Adds a fragrant medley of herbs to infuse the sauce with traditional Italian flair.
- 43.5 oz Italian style stewed tomatoes (undrained): Forms the rich, robust tomato base for the sauce.
- 2 cups hot water: Used to help cook the pasta directly in the sauce for maximum flavor absorption.
- 16 oz package spaghetti: Classic pasta shape chosen for its ability to hold onto the creamy sauce perfectly.
- â…“ cup fresh basil (lightly packed, chopped): Lifts the dish with fragrant herbal notes and a touch of freshness.
- 8 oz Burrata cheese: The crowning glory of creaminess, melting luxuriously over the pasta when served.
- Fresh basil (optional garnish): Adds a pop of green and extra herbal aroma for presentation.
- Fresh tomatoes (optional garnish): Elevates the vibrant look and bursts of juicy sweetness on the plate.
How to Make Creamy Burrata Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes and Basil Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Flavor Base
Start by melting the butter in a large stockpot or dutch oven over medium heat. Once melted, add the minced shallots. Sauté these until they turn golden and soften delightfully, about 2 to 3 minutes. This step unlocks the sweet, mellow aromatics that will lay the foundation for your sauce.
Step 2: Introduce the Cherry Tomatoes
Next, toss in the halved cherry tomatoes along with salt and Italian seasoning. Cook the mixture for about 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the skins start to loosen and slide off, releasing their natural juices and intensifying the flavor.
Step 3: Build the Sauce
Add the Italian style stewed tomatoes with their juices, then bring the pot to a low boil, stirring often to prevent burning. Lower the heat and simmer for about 5 minutes. Use a potato masher or a large spoon to gently crush the tomatoes into chunky pieces, which will give the sauce a wonderfully rustic texture. Stir in the hot water, then increase the heat to bring it back to a boil for approximately 2 minutes.
Step 4: Cook the Spaghetti
Carefully add the spaghetti to the boiling sauce. If your pot is small, feel free to break the pasta in half to ensure it fits comfortably. Stir to coat all strands evenly with the sauce. Lower the heat to a simmer and let it cook, stirring occasionally, for 10 to 15 minutes until the pasta is just about tender.
Step 5: Add Fresh Basil and Finish Cooking
Once the pasta nears tenderness, stir in the freshly chopped basil. Simmer for another 1 to 2 minutes to marry the herb’s fragrance with the sauce and allow the mixture to thicken slightly, creating that beautiful creamy coating on each pasta strand.
Step 6: Plate and Add Burrata
Transfer your perfectly sauced spaghetti to a serving platter if you wish. Then, place the Burrata cheese on top. Right before serving, slice open the Burrata to let its luscious, creamy inside gently spill over the warm pasta, adding an indulgent layer of richness.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
For the final touches, scatter fresh basil leaves and even some extra cherry tomatoes over the top. Serve this warm, comforting dish immediately for the best experience.
How to Serve Creamy Burrata Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes and Basil Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh basil leaves and extra cherry tomatoes aren’t just pretty; they add that refreshing contrast and a burst of flavor that brings this creamy dish to life right in front of you. A drizzle of good olive oil and a crack of black pepper goes wonderfully as well.
Side Dishes
This Creamy Burrata Pasta pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables. A crusty garlic bread on the side makes the meal feel complete and perfect for mopping up every last bit of sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Experiment by serving this pasta in individual shallow bowls topped with a whole mini Burrata portion per person. Alternatively, you can drizzle some balsamic reduction over the Burrata for a slightly tangy sweet contrast that dazzles the palate.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Creamy Burrata Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes and Basil Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The burrata flavor will remain delicious, though the texture of the cheese may change slightly once chilled.
Freezing
Due to the fresh cheese and delicate herbs, it’s best not to freeze this pasta. Burrata does not freeze well and can become watery and lose its creamy texture after thawing.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring often. Add a splash of water or broth if the sauce thickens too much. Burrata can be added fresh again after reheating to recapture its creamy magic.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Definitely! While spaghetti is classic here, feel free to use linguine, fettuccine, or even penne. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly to achieve the perfect texture.
What can I substitute for burrata?
If burrata isn’t available, fresh mozzarella or ricotta can work well as alternatives, though the creamy richness will be slightly less intense.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! This dish is completely vegetarian, featuring fresh produce, herbs, and rich cheese without any meat or fish.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
To make it vegan, use a plant-based burrata alternative or creamy nut cheese and substitute the butter with olive oil. The overall texture and flavor will be deliciously different but just as satisfying.
How spicy is this pasta?
This Creamy Burrata Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes and Basil Recipe is mild and focuses on fresh, comforting flavors. You can always add red pepper flakes if you like a bit of heat!
Final Thoughts
There is nothing quite like diving into a warm bowl of Creamy Burrata Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes and Basil Recipe to brighten your day and satisfy your cravings. This recipe balances simple, fresh ingredients with an irresistible indulgence thanks to the creamy burrata. Give it a try and experience how effortlessly it can bring joy to your table and loved ones.
Print
Creamy Burrata Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes and Basil Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Creamy Burrata Pasta Recipe features tender spaghetti cooked directly in a rich, flavorful tomato sauce infused with shallots, cherry tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and fresh basil. A luxurious burrata cheese topping adds a creamy, indulgent finish, making it a perfect comforting yet elegant Italian-inspired dish for any occasion.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 Tablespoon salted butter
- 2 shallots, minced
- 10 oz cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 43.5 oz Italian style stewed tomatoes, undrained (3 cans of 14.5 oz each)
- 2 cups hot water
- 16 oz package spaghetti
- â…“ cup fresh basil, lightly packed and chopped
- 8 oz Burrata cheese
Optional Garnishes
- Fresh basil leaves
- Fresh tomatoes
Instructions
- Sauté Shallots: In a large stockpot or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced shallots and sauté until golden and softened, about 2-3 minutes.
- Cook Cherry Tomatoes: Stir in the halved cherry tomatoes, salt, and Italian seasoning. Cook for 3-4 minutes or until the tomato skins begin to loosen and slide off.
- Add Stewed Tomatoes and Simmer: Pour in the undrained Italian-style stewed tomatoes and bring the mixture to a low boil while stirring frequently. Reduce heat to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes. Using a potato masher or large spoon, gently crush the tomatoes into large pieces. Add the hot water and stir well, then increase heat and bring the mixture back to a boil for about 2 minutes.
- Cook Spaghetti: Once boiling, add the spaghetti to the pot. Break the spaghetti in half if necessary to fit. Stir to submerge the pasta fully in the sauce.
- Simmer Pasta in Sauce: Reduce heat to a simmer and cook the spaghetti for 10-15 minutes until it is nearly fully softened. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Stir in the chopped fresh basil and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until the pasta reaches the desired texture and the sauce thickens.
- Serve with Burrata: Transfer the pasta and sauce to a serving platter if desired. Top with the burrata cheese and slice open just before serving to spread the creamy center over the pasta.
- Garnish and Enjoy: Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves and fresh tomatoes if you like, for added freshness and color.
Notes
- Breaking the spaghetti in half helps it fit better in the pot and cook evenly in the sauce.
- Use a potato masher gently to crush the stewed tomatoes without turning them into a purée for a chunkier texture.
- Adjust salt to taste since the stewed tomatoes may already contain salt.
- Burrata is best added just before serving to maintain its creamy texture.
- This dish is best enjoyed immediately for the freshest flavor and texture.
