This Easy Cherry Tomato Burrata Pasta is perfect for a quick and tasty meal! Juicy cherry tomatoes mixed with creamy burrata cheese make everything feel fancy without much effort.
You know it’s a winner when it takes less time to make than ordering takeout! I love tossing this together for a dinner that impresses without the mess.
It’s also a great way to enjoy summer tomatoes. Just cook the pasta, mix in the tomatoes, and top it off with burrata. Easy peasy and oh-so-delicious!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: I recommend spaghetti for its classic feel, but any pasta shape you love works. Try penne, fusilli, or even gluten-free pasta if needed.
Cherry Tomatoes: These burst with flavor and sweetness. If out of season, you can substitute with diced regular tomatoes or canned tomatoes, though fresh is best for this dish.
Burrata Cheese: This creamy delight is the star here. If you can’t find burrata, use fresh mozzarella or ricotta for a different, but still tasty, experience.
Fresh Basil: Basil adds a fresh touch! If you don’t have it, try parsley or even spinach for a different flavor, but fresh herbs are ideal.
How Do I Make the Most Flavorful Sauce?
The key to a flavorful sauce in this recipe is cooking the garlic and tomatoes properly. Start with a medium heat to avoid burning the garlic. Stir it for just a minute until it’s fragrant. Then, add the cherry tomatoes!
- Let the tomatoes cook down until they soften and blister, which takes around 5-7 minutes.
- Season during cooking to build layers of flavor; salt and pepper are essential here!
- If you want a little kick, add red pepper flakes for warmth, but that’s optional.
This technique creates a lovely sauce that pairs beautifully with the burrata cheese!
Easy Cherry Tomato Burrata Pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 12 oz (340 g) spaghetti or your favorite pasta
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 8 oz (225 g) burrata cheese
- Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Easy Cherry Tomato Burrata Pasta takes about 15 minutes of prep time and 15 minutes of cooking time, making it a quick 30-minute meal! Perfect for those busy weeknights!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add your pasta (spaghetti works great) and cook it according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Before you drain it, make sure to reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water. This starchy water will help loosen the sauce later. Once ready, drain the pasta and set it aside.
2. Sauté the Garlic:
While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is heated, toss in the minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute until you can smell the lovely garlic aroma. Be careful not to let it burn, as burnt garlic can taste bitter!
3. Cook the Cherry Tomatoes:
Add the halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet. Cook them, stirring occasionally, until they soften and start to blister—this should take about 5-7 minutes. Don’t forget to season them with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if you like a little heat!
4. Combine Pasta and Sauce:
Now it’s time to add the drained pasta to the skillet. Toss everything together to combine! If it looks a bit dry, gradually add some of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency. Finally, stir in the chopped fresh basil for a fragrant finish.
5. Serve with Burrata:
Plate up your delicious pasta and top each serving with torn pieces of burrata cheese. The warmth from the pasta will gently melt the burrata, creating a creamy sauce that enhances the dish even more!
6. Finish & Enjoy:
Drizzle a little more olive oil for added flavor and top with grated Parmesan cheese if you wish. Serve this delightful dish immediately, and enjoy every bite of your Easy Cherry Tomato Burrata Pasta!
Can I Use Other Types of Cheese Instead of Burrata?
Absolutely! If you can’t find burrata, fresh mozzarella or ricotta can be great alternatives. They won’t melt quite the same way, but they’ll still add creaminess and delicious flavor to the dish!
What If I Don’t Have Fresh Basil?
No worries! While fresh basil adds a lovely flavor, you can use dried basil instead. Use about 1 teaspoon of dried basil for a similar taste. Alternatively, parsley or arugula can also work nicely for a different herbaceous touch.
How Can I Make This Pasta Dish Vegan?
To make this dish vegan, substitute the burrata with a vegan cheese or simply skip the cheese altogether. You can also add a splash of plant-based cream for extra richness, and use nutritional yeast in place of Parmesan for added flavor.
Can I Prepare This Dish in Advance?
This pasta is best enjoyed fresh, but you can prepare the sauce ahead of time! Just store the tomatoes and garlic mixture in the fridge for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, cook the pasta and simply reheat the sauce before combining!
