Delicious Cherry Tomato Pasta topped with creamy burrata cheese and fresh basil.

Irresistible Cherry Tomato Pasta with Creamy Burrata Bliss

ByJOHN
Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe
Spread the love

Why Make This Recipe

Cherry Tomato Pasta with Creamy Burrata Bliss is not just another pasta dish; it embodies the essence of simple, fresh ingredients coming together to create something truly delightful. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or an impressive dish for weekend gatherings, this recipe fits the bill perfectly. The rich, creamy burrata cheese combined with sweet, juicy cherry tomatoes makes for a meal that’s both comforting and tasty. Not to mention, it comes together in less than 30 minutes, which means you can spend less time cooking and more time enjoying your meal with family and friends.

How to Make Cherry Tomato Pasta

Making this delicious Cherry Tomato Pasta with Creamy Burrata Bliss is straightforward and fun. Don’t worry if you’re not a pro in the kitchen; I will walk you through each step. Let’s dive into the details!

Ingredients:

  • 12 ounces spaghetti (Choose your favorite type of pasta.)
  • 3 quarts water (For boiling.)
  • 1.5 tablespoons salt (To enhance flavor while cooking pasta.)
  • 2 pounds cherry tomatoes (Halved.)
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (Adds richness to the dish.)
  • 1 clove garlic (Pressed or grated.)
  • 1 teaspoon salt (Balances the sweetness of tomatoes.)
  • 2 twists black pepper (To taste.)
  • 0.125 teaspoon red pepper flakes (Adjust based on spice preference.)
  • 15 leaves fresh basil (Adds aromatic flavor.)
  • 0.5 cup parmesan cheese (Grated.)
  • 1 – 2 burrata (Optional, for a luxurious touch.)

Directions:

How to Make Cherry Tomato Pasta

  1. Boil the Pasta

    • Begin by bringing 3 quarts of water to a rolling boil in a large pot. Once boiling, add the 1.5 tablespoons of salt. This step is key as it enhances the flavor of the pasta. Now toss in 12 ounces of spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. This usually takes about 8 to 10 minutes.

  2. Prepare the Cherry Tomatoes

    • While the pasta cooks, it’s time to get the cherry tomatoes ready. Halve 2 pounds of cherry tomatoes and set them aside.

  3. Sauté the Ingredients

    • In a large skillet, add 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the pressed or grated garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant but be careful not to burn it.

  4. Add the Tomatoes

    • Next, add the halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet. Sprinkle with 1 teaspoon of salt, 2 twists of black pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes (0.125 teaspoon). Stir everything together and let it cook for about 5-7 minutes. You want the tomatoes to soften and release their juices, creating a beautiful sauce.

  5. Combine with Pasta

    • As soon as the pasta is cooked, reserve about 1 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the spaghetti. Add the drained spaghetti directly into the skillet with the sautéed tomatoes. Toss to combine and add reserved pasta water as needed to achieve your desired sauce consistency.

  6. Finish with Fresh Ingredients

    • Tear the fresh basil leaves and add them to the pasta. Toss everything together to combine the flavors. Finally, add the grated parmesan cheese and stir until melted and creamy.

  7. Serve with Burrata

    • For an elegant finish, serve the pasta on plates or in bowls, and gently place 1 to 2 pieces of burrata on top. The warm pasta will make the burrata ooze, adding an irresistible creaminess to each bite.

How to Serve Cherry Tomato Pasta

Serving Cherry Tomato Pasta with Creamy Burrata Bliss is all about presentation and timing. Once you’ve plated the pasta, consider garnishing with additional fresh basil leaves and a sprinkle of parmesan cheese on top. A good drizzle of extra virgin olive oil can also add a nice shine and further enhance the flavor.

Pair this dish with a fresh green salad on the side and crusty Italian bread to soak up any leftover sauce. A nice glass of white wine or lemonade can complement the dish well, making it a perfect meal for either lunch or dinner.

How to Store Cherry Tomato Pasta

If you have leftovers (which is rare), you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The pasta is best eaten within 2-3 days to ensure freshness. To reheat, simply warm it up in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or extra olive oil to help revive the sauce. However, it’s best not to heat the burrata, as this soft cheese is best enjoyed fresh and creamy.

Tips to Make Cherry Tomato Pasta

  1. Perfect Pasta: Always salt the water generously for boiling pasta. This is your only chance to flavor the pasta itself.

  2. Tomato Choices: Feel free to experiment with different varieties of tomatoes. For instance, using heirloom tomatoes can add a different flavor profile to the dish.

  3. Nut-Free Option: If you’re allergic to nuts, double-check your parmesan cheese brand, as some may contain nut traces. Look for nut-free cheeses if needed.

  4. Burrata Bliss: When adding burrata, consider cutting it just before serving to enjoy its creamy texture at its best!

  5. Flavor Boost: Don’t hesitate to add other spices like oregano or fresh thyme for additional flavor.

Variation

  • Add Protein: You can easily add grilled chicken, shrimp, or even chickpeas to this dish to turn it into a heartier meal.
  • Vegetable Boost: Consider adding sautéed zucchini, spinach, or bell peppers for extra nutrition and color.
  • Vegan Option: Substitute burrata with a vegan cheese alternative or just omit it altogether for a lighter version.

FAQs

1. Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh basil?
Yes, you can use dried herbs. However, the flavor will be less vibrant. Typically, use about 1-2 teaspoons of dried herbs in place of fresh.

2. What can I do if the sauce is too thick?
If your sauce turns out too thick, simply add a little reserved pasta water or olive oil until you achieve the desired consistency.

3. Is burrata necessary for this dish?
Not at all! While burrata adds a creamy sophistication, the pasta is delicious even without it. You can skip it or replace it with a sprinkle of feta or goat cheese if you prefer.

4. Can I use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta?
Absolutely! You can use any type of pasta you prefer. Just cook it according to package instructions. Whole wheat or gluten-free options would work beautifully in this recipe.

5. How spicy is this dish with red pepper flakes?
The addition of red pepper flakes adds a mild heat, but feel free to adjust the quantity based on your spice preference. You can start with a pinch and add more if desired.

Creating this Irresistible Cherry Tomato Pasta with Creamy Burrata Bliss is not only easy but also a great way to impress your guests or enjoy a cozy dinner at home. The combination of fresh ingredients and incredible flavors will make you want to make this recipe over and over again. Enjoy your cooking adventure!

Print

Cherry Tomato Pasta with Creamy Burrata Bliss

Print Recipe

A delightful pasta dish combining rich burrata cheese and sweet cherry tomatoes, perfect for quick dinners or special occasions.

  • Author: hbibamine1980
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Italian
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces spaghetti
  • 3 quarts water (for boiling)
  • 1.5 tablespoons salt
  • 2 pounds cherry tomatoes (halved)
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 clove garlic (pressed or grated)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 twists black pepper
  • 0.125 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 15 leaves fresh basil (torn)
  • 0.5 cup parmesan cheese (grated)
  • 1 – 2 burrata (optional)

Instructions

  1. Boil the water in a large pot; add salt and cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente (8 to 10 minutes).
  2. Halve the cherry tomatoes and set aside.
  3. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat, add garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds.
  4. Add halved cherry tomatoes, sprinkle with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes; cook for 5-7 minutes.
  5. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, drain spaghetti, and add to the skillet with tomatoes; toss to combine.
  6. Add reserved pasta water as needed for desired sauce consistency.
  7. Tear basil leaves and add to pasta; mix in parmesan cheese until melted and creamy.
  8. Serve pasta topped with burrata, allowing it to ooze for added creaminess.

Notes

Garnish with additional basil and parmesan. Serve with crusty bread and a side salad.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 450
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Sodium: 600mg
  • Fat: 15g
  • Saturated Fat: 5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 60g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Protein: 18g
  • Cholesterol: 30mg

Did you make this recipe?

Share a photo and tag us — we can't wait to see what you've made!

Similar Posts