Description
This Summer Weeknight Burst Tomato Burrata Pasta is a vibrant, easy-to-make Italian dish perfect for warm evenings. Featuring al dente pasta tossed with garlic-scented, bursting cherry tomatoes, fresh basil, and creamy burrata cheese, it combines fresh summer flavors with a luscious texture that’s perfect for a quick yet elegant vegetarian dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Sauce
- 12 ounces pasta (such as spaghetti, rigatoni, or fusilli)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 pints cherry or grape tomatoes
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
Cheese and Garnish
- 8 ounces burrata cheese (2 small balls or 1 large)
- Extra basil for garnish
- Olive oil for drizzling
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining the pasta.
- Prepare the Tomato Sauce: While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add sliced garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking for about 1 minute until aromatic but not browned.
- Burst the Tomatoes: Add the cherry or grape tomatoes to the skillet along with salt and pepper. Cook for 7 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes burst and release their juices, forming a saucy consistency. Gently press some tomatoes with the back of a spoon to help them break down.
- Add Flavorings: Stir in balsamic vinegar and chopped fresh basil into the tomato mixture to deepen the sauce’s flavor.
- Toss Pasta with Sauce: Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the tomato sauce. Pour in a splash of reserved pasta water and toss everything together to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce.
- Plate and Garnish: Transfer the pasta to serving bowls. Tear the burrata cheese over the top of each portion. Finish with a drizzle of olive oil and garnish with extra fresh basil leaves.
- Serve Immediately: Serve the pasta warm for the best flavor and texture experience.
Notes
- You can substitute burrata with fresh mozzarella or ricotta cheese if preferred.
- For a non-vegetarian option, add grilled chicken or shrimp for extra protein.
- Reserve some pasta water carefully to adjust sauce consistency as needed.
- Red pepper flakes are optional but add a nice subtle heat to the dish.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 460
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 16g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
