If you are looking for a dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, then this Creamy Burrata Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes and Basil Recipe is about to become your new favorite. It’s vibrant, fresh, and bursting with the rich creaminess of burrata cheese, mingled perfectly with the sweet pop of cherry tomatoes and the fragrant touch of basil. This dish delivers a beautiful balance of textures and flavors with simple ingredients that come together in a way that feels both elegant and comfortingly familiar. Whether you’re cooking a weeknight dinner or hosting friends, this pasta is guaranteed to impress and delight.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes this dish truly shine is the simplicity and quality of each ingredient. Every component plays a vital role in building layers of flavor, from the buttery base to the fresh, tender herbs, making the cooking process straightforward and satisfying.
- Salted butter: Adds a rich, creamy foundation and helps sauté the shallots to golden perfection.
- Shallots: Provide a delicate, sweet onion flavor that complements the tomatoes beautifully.
- Cherry tomatoes: Bring a juicy burst of sweetness and vibrant color to the pasta.
- Salt: Enhances all the natural flavors, tying the dish together.
- Italian seasoning: A fragrant blend of herbs that lift the tomato sauce with classic Mediterranean aromas.
- Italian-style stewed tomatoes: Offer a savory, comforting base with a slow-cooked tomato richness that melts into the sauce.
- Hot water: Helps to cook the spaghetti directly in the sauce, infusing it with flavor.
- Spaghetti: The perfect pasta choice to soak up the luscious sauce.
- Fresh basil: Adds a punch of herbal freshness and a lovely green color to the dish.
- Burrata cheese: The indulgent star ingredient with a creamy, delicate interior that transforms the pasta into a luxurious experience.
How to Make Creamy Burrata Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes and Basil Recipe
Step 1: Sauté Shallots in Butter
Start by melting the butter in a large stockpot or dutch oven over medium heat. Toss in the minced shallots and sauté them until they become golden and soft. This simple step builds a flavorful base and fills your kitchen with an irresistible aroma that hints at the delicious meal to come.
Step 2: Cook Cherry Tomatoes
Add the halved cherry tomatoes right into the pot along with salt and Italian seasoning. Let them cook for about 3 to 4 minutes until their skins soften and begin to loosen. This quick cooking process releases their natural sweetness and adds a juicy texture that bursts in every bite.
Step 3: Combine Stewed Tomatoes and Simmer
Pour in the undrained Italian-style stewed tomatoes and bring everything to a gentle boil. Stir frequently to prevent sticking. Reduce the heat to a simmer and let it cook for 5 minutes, then gently crush the tomatoes with a potato masher or a large spoon. Adding the hot water next brings the sauce to the perfect consistency. Shortly after, bring the mixture back to a boil, intensifying the rich tomato flavor.
Step 4: Add Spaghetti to the Sauce
Carefully place the spaghetti into the pot with the boiling sauce, breaking the strands if necessary to fit. Stir to coat the pasta completely in the sauce. Cooking the pasta this way allows it to absorb all those incredible tomato flavors right as it softens.
Step 5: Simmer Pasta and Basil Together
Lower the heat and let the spaghetti cook in the sauce for 10 to 15 minutes, until it becomes tender but still has a slight bite. Stir in the freshly chopped basil and simmer for an additional 1 to 2 minutes. The basil’s vibrant aroma infuses the dish, enhancing the fresh, garden-like essence of the recipe.
Step 6: Plate and Add Burrata
Transfer your pasta and sauce to a serving dish if you prefer a fancy presentation. Then, take the burrata cheese and gently slice it open right on top of the hot pasta. The creamy, milky interior slowly melds with the warm noodles, creating the signature richness of this dish.
Step 7: Serve Hot with Garnishes
Serve immediately, optionally garnished with more fresh basil leaves and a few whole cherry tomatoes for an extra pop of color and freshness. This final touch makes the dish look as incredible as it tastes.
How to Serve Creamy Burrata Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes and Basil Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your presentation, consider sprinkling freshly cracked black pepper or a drizzle of high-quality extra virgin olive oil. A handful of toasted pine nuts or a sprinkle of parmesan can also add texture and flavor contrasts that make each mouthful exciting. The fresh basil and cherry tomatoes used as garnish celebrate the simple ingredients that are at the heart of this recipe.
Side Dishes
This pasta is wonderfully versatile and pairs fabulously with a variety of sides. A crisp green salad with a zingy lemon vinaigrette will cut through the creaminess beautifully. Garlic bread or a warm focaccia complements the rich sauce and adds a lovely crunch to your meal. For something heartier, roast vegetables or even grilled chicken can make a complete feast.
Creative Ways to Present
For an impressive dinner party, serve this Creamy Burrata Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes and Basil Recipe in shallow bowls to showcase the colorful sauce. Garnish with whole burrata balls served on top or allow guests to break into the cheese themselves. Another idea is to serve the pasta family-style in a large rustic bowl that invites shared enjoyment and communal dining comfort.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers, store the pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Because of the delicate burrata, it’s best to add any additional cheese just before serving again. The sauce and pasta will keep their flavors surprisingly well.
Freezing
This pasta doesn’t freeze super well due to the creamy burrata and fresh tomatoes, which can separate or get watery upon thawing. For the best quality, enjoy it fresh. If needed, consider freezing the sauce separately without the cheese and add fresh burrata when reheating.
Reheating
Warm leftovers gently over low heat on the stove, adding a splash of water or olive oil to loosen the sauce if it has thickened too much. Reheat just until hot, then add fresh burrata or mozzarella if you want to restore that signature creamy touch before serving.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta with this recipe?
Absolutely! While spaghetti is classic here, feel free to use linguine, fettuccine, or even short pastas like penne or rigatoni. The key is to cook the pasta in the sauce so it absorbs all those wonderful flavors.
What if I can’t find burrata cheese?
Mozzarella di bufala or fresh mozzarella can work as a substitute, though you’ll miss a bit of that buttery creaminess that burrata offers. To mimic that richness, adding a spoonful of ricotta on top can help.
Is there a way to make this recipe vegan?
Yes! Skip the butter and burrata, substituting with olive oil and a plant-based cheese or crumbled tofu. Use a vegan cream cheese as a topping to recreate the creamy texture while keeping the fresh tomato and basil flavors intact.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time for a dinner party?
Definitely prepare the sauce and pasta separately in advance, then toss them together and add burrata right before serving to keep the cheese fresh and creamy. This approach allows you to enjoy your guests instead of fussing in the kitchen.
How important is the fresh basil in this recipe?
Fresh basil is essential for that bright, herbaceous note that balances the rich burrata and sweet tomatoes. While dried basil can be used if needed, the fresh herb truly elevates the flavor and aroma of the dish.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Burrata Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes and Basil Recipe is one of those magical dishes that makes home cooking feel special. It is quick enough for a weeknight yet appealing enough for guests. I encourage you to try it out, savor each component, and maybe even share it with your loved ones. Once you taste that luscious burrata melting into the vibrant tomato sauce, you’ll understand why it’s so beloved.
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Creamy Burrata Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes and Basil Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Creamy Burrata Pasta recipe features a luscious tomato sauce simmered with fresh cherry and stewed tomatoes, enhanced with aromatic shallots and Italian seasoning. Spaghetti is cooked directly in the flavorful sauce, then topped with creamy Burrata cheese, fresh basil, and optional tomato garnishes for a rich, comforting Italian meal perfect for sharing.
Ingredients
Sauce and Base
- 1 Tablespoon salted butter
- 2 shallots, minced
- 10 oz cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 43.5 oz Italian style stewed tomatoes (undrained, about 3 – 14.5 oz cans)
- 2 cups hot water
Pasta and Garnishes
- 16 oz package spaghetti
- â…“ cup fresh basil, lightly packed and chopped (measure then chop)
- 8 oz Burrata cheese
- Fresh basil leaves (optional garnish)
- Fresh tomatoes (optional garnish)
Instructions
- Sauté Shallots: In a large stockpot or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced shallots and sauté until golden and softened, about 2-3 minutes.
- Cook Cherry Tomatoes: Mix in the halved cherry tomatoes, salt, and Italian seasoning. Continue cooking for 3-4 minutes or until the tomato skins begin to slide off.
- Simmer with Stewed Tomatoes: Stir in the undrained Italian-style stewed tomatoes and bring to a low boil, stirring frequently. Lower heat to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes. Gently crush the tomatoes into large pieces with a potato masher or a large serving spoon. Add the hot water and stir well. Bring the mixture back to a boil over about 2 minutes.
- Add and Cook Spaghetti: Add the spaghetti to the boiling sauce. If needed, break the spaghetti in half to fit the pan. Stir until the pasta is completely covered with the sauce, then reduce heat to a simmer.
- Simmer Pasta in Sauce: Cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, or until the spaghetti is nearly softened. Stir in the chopped basil and continue simmering for another 1-2 minutes until pasta reaches desired texture and the sauce thickens.
- Plate and Top with Burrata: Transfer the pasta and sauce to a serving platter if desired. Top with 8 oz Burrata cheese, slicing it open just before serving to release its creamy interior.
- Garnish and Serve: Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves and fresh tomatoes if desired for added color and freshness.
Notes
- Breaking the spaghetti in half helps it fit better in the pot and cook evenly in the sauce.
- Using stewed tomatoes along with fresh cherry tomatoes creates a rich, textured sauce.
- Simmering the pasta directly in the sauce absorbs more flavor compared to boiling separately.
- Burrata cheese adds a creamy, fresh contrast to the acidic tomato sauce.
- For a vegetarian option, ensure the butter used is plant-based or substitute with olive oil.
- Garnishing with additional fresh basil and tomatoes brightens the dish visually and flavor-wise.
