Print

Fresh Burst Cherry Tomato Pasta with Creamy Burrata & Basil

Fresh Burst Cherry Tomato Pasta - featured image

A quick and easy pasta dish featuring roasted cherry tomatoes, creamy burrata cheese, and fresh basil, perfect for a fresh and satisfying homemade meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups (300g) cherry tomatoes, preferably vine-ripened
  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 8 ounces (225g) pasta (spaghetti, linguine, or penne)
  • 1 ball (4 ounces / 115g) creamy burrata cheese
  • A handful fresh basil leaves, torn
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (optional)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add about 1 tablespoon of salt to the water. Cook 8 ounces (225g) of pasta according to package instructions until al dente, usually around 8-10 minutes.
  2. While the pasta cooks, heat 3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 3 thinly sliced garlic cloves and sauté gently, stirring often, until fragrant and lightly golden—about 2 minutes. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
  3. Add the cherry tomatoes (2 cups/300g) to the skillet. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tomatoes soften and burst, releasing their juices. If desired, sprinkle in 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes.
  4. Season the tomatoes with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Stir gently and let the tomatoes simmer until the sauce thickens slightly, about 2-3 minutes.
  5. Reserve about 1/2 cup (120ml) of pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta. Add the pasta directly to the skillet with the tomatoes. Toss everything together over low heat, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time to loosen the sauce and help it cling to the noodles.
  6. Remove the skillet from heat. Tear the burrata into chunks and gently fold it into the pasta so it begins to melt but still holds some shape. Add 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice if desired.
  7. Tear fresh basil leaves (a handful) and sprinkle over the pasta. Toss lightly or scatter on top.
  8. Serve immediately while warm.

Notes

Use a stainless steel skillet for better caramelization of tomatoes. Avoid burning garlic to prevent bitterness. Add reserved pasta water gradually to achieve desired sauce consistency. Burrata can be substituted with fresh mozzarella but will be less creamy. Tear basil leaves instead of chopping to keep flavor bright. Leftovers keep for up to 2 days; reheat gently with a splash of water or olive oil and add fresh basil after warming.

Nutrition

Keywords: cherry tomato pasta, burrata pasta, easy pasta recipe, fresh basil pasta, quick dinner, vegetarian pasta, Italian pasta recipe