This Burst Tomato Burrata Pasta is a vibrant and tasty dish! With juicy tomatoes bursting with flavor and creamy burrata cheese on top, it’s a perfect comfort meal.
Making it is a breeze! Just cook the pasta, toss in those sweet tomatoes, and add the burrata. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you for this easy yet delightful meal!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: I recommend fusilli or rotini for their ability to hold sauce well. If you’re gluten-free, you can use gluten-free pasta or even zucchini noodles for a lighter dish!
Cherry Tomatoes: These tiny, sweet gems add flavor. If you can’t find them, you can use halved grape tomatoes or even regular diced tomatoes. Just cook a bit longer to achieve that saucy consistency.
Burrata Cheese: Burrata adds creaminess, but fresh mozzarella is a suitable substitute, although you won’t get that wonderful ooze. For a vegan option, try a cashew-based cheese spread.
Fresh Basil: Basil provides a fragrant finish. If you don’t have fresh, dried basil works in a pinch, but use less as dried herbs are stronger. Parsley or arugula can also add a fresh touch!
How Can I Make Perfect Burst Tomatoes?
Getting your tomatoes to burst creates a delicious sauce! Here’s how to do it right:
- Cook the tomatoes in a skillet with olive oil over medium-high heat. Timing is key; about 5-7 minutes should do the trick.
- Use a spatula to gently press down on each tomato. This releases their juices and creates that lovely sauce.
- Keep an eye on them, and once softened, add garlic for flavor—just don’t burn it!
Letting those tomatoes burst enhances their natural sweetness, making your pasta incredible!
How to Make Burst Tomato Burrata Pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Pasta:
- 8 oz fusilli or rotini pasta
For The Sauce:
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes (a mix of red and yellow)
- 3 tbsp olive oil, divided
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Red pepper flakes, to taste
For The Topping:
- 1 ball (about 8 oz) burrata cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, thinly sliced
- Optional: 1 tsp balsamic vinegar or lemon juice (for brightness)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious pasta takes about 30 minutes to prepare from start to finish. In that time, the pasta will cook, the tomatoes will burst into a flavorful sauce, and you’ll have a perfect meal ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the fusilli or rotini pasta. Cook according to the package directions until al dente. Then, drain the pasta and set it aside, but remember to reserve about 1/2 cup of that pasta water for later!
2. Sauté the Tomatoes:
While your pasta cooks, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the cherry tomatoes to the skillet, halved if you prefer. Now, take a spatula and gently press the tomatoes to make them “burst”—this releases all those wonderful juices! Sauté for 5-7 minutes until they’re soft and starting to create a sauce.
3. Flavor with Garlic:
Next, add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for about 1 minute until it smells amazing! Season with salt, freshly ground black pepper, and red pepper flakes to give it a little kick. Stir everything together so that the flavors mingle.
4. Combine and Toss:
Add the cooked pasta to your skillet with the tomato sauce. Toss everything together, coating the pasta with that delicious sauce. If the sauce seems a little dry, drizzle in some of that reserved pasta water to make it nice and saucy!
5. Finish with Burrata:
Remove the skillet from heat. Drizzle the last tablespoon of olive oil over the pasta and, if you like, add a splash of balsamic vinegar or lemon juice for brightness. Toss everything lightly again.
6. Serve:
Transfer your beautiful pasta to serving plates. Tear the burrata cheese into large chunks and scatter it on top—like creamy little clouds! Garnish with fresh basil slices and an extra pinch of red pepper flakes if you want some extra spice. Serve immediately and enjoy every bite!
This Burst Tomato Burrata Pasta is a delightful dish filled with fresh flavors, creamy richness, and a bit of heat. Perfect for a quick dinner or a special occasion—enjoy!
Can I Use Different Types of Pasta?
Absolutely! While fusilli or rotini work great for this dish, you can use any pasta you have on hand, such as penne, spaghetti, or even gluten-free pasta if needed. Just adjust the cooking time according to package instructions.
What If I Can’t Find Burrata Cheese?
No worries! If burrata isn’t available, fresh mozzarella is a good substitute, though it won’t have the same creamy center. For a plant-based option, consider using a cashew-based cheese or your favorite vegan cheese spread.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
It’s best to enjoy this dish fresh since the pasta and burrata can lose their best texture upon reheating. However, you can prepare the sauce (tomatoes and garlic) in advance and store it in the fridge. When ready to serve, cook the pasta and combine everything just before serving for optimal flavor and freshness!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. However, keep in mind that pasta is best enjoyed fresh. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of water or olive oil to revive it!
