Romantic Tomato Burrata Pasta
Highlighted under: Simple Food
I absolutely adore making this Romantic Tomato Burrata Pasta, especially for a special evening. The combination of juicy tomatoes, creamy burrata, and fresh herbs creates a delightful harmony of flavors that feels both indulgent and comforting. When I prepare this dish, I can feel the love in every bite as it melts in my mouth. Plus, it’s quick and easy to make, allowing me to focus on the ambiance while impressing my loved ones with a gourmet experience right at home.
When I first stumbled upon the concept of combining burrata with pasta, I was intrigued. The creamy cheese adds a rich texture that elevates simple ingredients like tomatoes and basil. After several attempts, I found that roasting the tomatoes really enhances their sweetness, making the dish an absolute treat.
One trick I've learned is to finish cooking the pasta in the sauce for the last few minutes. This allows the pasta to absorb the flavors from the tomatoes and garlic, resulting in a wonderfully integrated taste. Trust me, your guests will be singing praises!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Creamy burrata that adds richness to every bite
- Bright, fresh tomatoes bursting with flavor
- Quick enough for a weeknight but special enough for date night
The Magic of Burrata Cheese
Burrata cheese is the star of this dish, bringing a luscious creaminess that elevates the overall experience. When you cut into it, the rich, soft interior spills out, creating a beautiful texture contrast with the al dente spaghetti. To achieve the best flavor, look for fresh burrata, ideally made the same day. This will ensure you get that decadent creaminess that makes this dish truly special.
If you can’t find burrata, a high-quality fresh mozzarella can serve as an alternative, though it won’t deliver the same rich creaminess. To mimic the texture, consider adding a splash of heavy cream or drizzle of olive oil onto the mozzarella before serving, aiding in that indulgent feel without losing the essence of the dish.
Perfecting Roasted Tomatoes
Roasting the cherry tomatoes is key to enhancing their natural sweetness, so don’t rush this step. The high heat caramelizes the sugars in the tomatoes, leading to a concentrated, burst of flavor with each bite. You’ll know they’re done when they are blistered and wrinkled, with a slightly charred edge – this usually takes about 15-20 minutes in the oven. Keeping an eye on them will prevent burning and ensure the best flavor.
For an added layer of complexity, consider adding a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes to the tomatoes before roasting. This gives a slight kick that beautifully contrasts with the creamy burrata, creating a more balanced taste profile. Additionally, tossing the tomatoes halfway through roasting helps ensure even cooking and prevents them from sticking to the baking sheet.
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to plating, consider serving this pasta in shallow bowls to showcase the vibrant colors of the ingredients. Garnishing with a handful of fresh basil leaves not only adds visual appeal but also enhances the aromatic experience of the dish. I love to drizzle a bit of good-quality extra virgin olive oil over the top right before serving, giving it a glossy finish that makes it look and taste gourmet.
For a complete meal, pair this dish with a simple arugula salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette. The peppery arugula complements the rich burrata and sweet tomatoes beautifully, making for a balanced and satisfying dinner. If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding some toasted pine nuts or walnuts to add crunch and enhance the overall texture.
Ingredients
Gather these fresh ingredients for a delicious pasta dish.
Ingredients
- 300g spaghetti
- 500g cherry tomatoes
- 200g burrata cheese
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)
Make sure to use the freshest ingredients for the best flavor.
Instructions
Follow these steps to create a mouthwatering pasta.
Roast the Tomatoes
Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). On a baking sheet, toss the cherry tomatoes with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Roast for 15-20 minutes until the tomatoes are blistered and soft.
Cook the Pasta
While the tomatoes are roasting, cook the spaghetti according to package instructions in a pot of salted boiling water. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the spaghetti.
Combine Ingredients
Add the cooked spaghetti to the roasted tomatoes on the baking sheet. Pour in a bit of the reserved pasta water and gently toss to combine. Stir in the fresh basil and remaining olive oil.
Add Burrata
Transfer the pasta to serving bowls and top each with a generous piece of burrata. Drizzle with extra olive oil and sprinkle with Parmesan if desired.
Enjoy your delicious pasta and make it a memorable meal!
Pro Tips
- For added flavor, consider adding a splash of balsamic vinegar to the roasted tomatoes or some crushed red pepper for a bit of heat.
Make-Ahead Tips
This pasta can be prepped in advance, making it an excellent choice for a dinner party. You can roast the tomatoes earlier in the day and store them in an airtight container in the fridge. Just reheat them in the oven for a few minutes before combining with the pasta to revitalize their flavor and warmth at serving time.
If you want to make the meal even easier, cook the spaghetti ahead of time as well. Simply toss the drained pasta with a little olive oil after cooking to prevent sticking, then keep it refrigerated. When you're ready to serve, combine the pasta with the roasted tomatoes and a splash of reserved pasta water to warm through, ensuring everything is nicely blended.
Variations to Explore
Feel free to experiment with different types of tomatoes! While cherry tomatoes are sweet and perfect, you can also use heirloom varieties for their unique flavors and colors, adding even more visual appeal to your plate. Additionally, incorporating sun-dried tomatoes can add a wonderful depth of flavor that complements the fresh ingredients beautifully.
For a protein boost, consider adding sautéed shrimp or grilled chicken to the pasta. This not only enriches the dish with additional flavors but also turns it into a heartier meal suitable for a main course. Simply sauté your protein of choice with some garlic in olive oil, seasoning it with travel in mind, so that it pairs harmoniously with the burrata and tomatoes.
Storage and Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers, store the pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. When reheating, add a splash of olive oil and a bit of reserved pasta water while warming on low to revive its original creaminess, keeping the pasta from drying out.
Keep in mind that burrata is best enjoyed fresh, so if you do have leftovers, store any uneaten burrata separately to maintain its texture. You may also find the flavors develop more with a day in the fridge, enhancing the overall taste of the leftovers.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! This recipe works well with fettuccine, penne, or your favorite pasta shape.
→ Is burrata the only cheese I can use?
While burrata is recommended for its creaminess, you can substitute with fresh mozzarella if necessary.
→ How do I store leftovers?
Store leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently before serving.
→ Can I prepare this dish in advance?
While it's best enjoyed fresh, you can roast the tomatoes in advance and toss them with the pasta just before serving.
Romantic Tomato Burrata Pasta
I absolutely adore making this Romantic Tomato Burrata Pasta, especially for a special evening. The combination of juicy tomatoes, creamy burrata, and fresh herbs creates a delightful harmony of flavors that feels both indulgent and comforting. When I prepare this dish, I can feel the love in every bite as it melts in my mouth. Plus, it’s quick and easy to make, allowing me to focus on the ambiance while impressing my loved ones with a gourmet experience right at home.
Created by: Ivy Sanderson
Recipe Type: Simple Food
Skill Level: Intermediate
Final Quantity: Serves 4
What You'll Need
Ingredients
- 300g spaghetti
- 500g cherry tomatoes
- 200g burrata cheese
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)
How-To Steps
Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). On a baking sheet, toss the cherry tomatoes with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Roast for 15-20 minutes until the tomatoes are blistered and soft.
While the tomatoes are roasting, cook the spaghetti according to package instructions in a pot of salted boiling water. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the spaghetti.
Add the cooked spaghetti to the roasted tomatoes on the baking sheet. Pour in a bit of the reserved pasta water and gently toss to combine. Stir in the fresh basil and remaining olive oil.
Transfer the pasta to serving bowls and top each with a generous piece of burrata. Drizzle with extra olive oil and sprinkle with Parmesan if desired.
Extra Tips
- For added flavor, consider adding a splash of balsamic vinegar to the roasted tomatoes or some crushed red pepper for a bit of heat.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Total Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
- Sodium: 320mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 48g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 6g
- Protein: 12g