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Creamy Burrata Pasta Recipe Easy with Cherry Tomatoes and Basil

creamy burrata pasta - featured image

A quick and easy creamy burrata pasta with cherry tomatoes and fresh basil that creates a silky, dreamy sauce perfect for busy weeknights or casual dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 oz (340 g) pasta (spaghetti, fettuccine, or linguine)
  • 1 fresh burrata ball (about 8 oz / 225 g)
  • 2 cups (300 g) cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup loosely packed fresh basil leaves, torn
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt to taste
  • Black pepper to taste
  • Lemon zest from half a lemon (optional)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 1 tablespoon of salt for every 4 quarts (4 liters) of water. Cook 12 oz (340 g) pasta according to package instructions until al dente (8-10 minutes). Reserve 1 cup (240 ml) of pasta water before draining.
  2. While the pasta cooks, heat 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned, stirring constantly.
  3. Add halved cherry tomatoes to the pan. Cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tomatoes soften and release their juices. Add 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes if using.
  4. Season the tomato mixture with salt and freshly cracked black pepper. Stir in lemon zest if desired.
  5. Drain the pasta and add it directly to the skillet with tomatoes. Toss to combine, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time (start with 1/2 cup / 120 ml) to loosen the sauce and help it cling to the noodles.
  6. Tear the burrata ball into chunks and gently fold it into the pasta. The cheese should start to melt but keep a creamy texture.
  7. Remove from heat and sprinkle torn fresh basil over the pasta. Toss gently to distribute herbs and cheese evenly.
  8. Serve immediately, optionally drizzling a little more olive oil on top and adding a pinch of freshly ground black pepper.

Notes

Do not overcook garlic to avoid bitterness. Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency. Add burrata off heat or on very low heat to keep creamy texture. Use fresh basil at the end to preserve flavor. Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 2 days; reheat gently on stove with splash of water or broth.

Nutrition

Keywords: burrata pasta, creamy pasta, cherry tomatoes, basil, easy pasta recipe, quick dinner, Italian pasta, weeknight meal