Creamy Tomato & Basil Pasta with Burrata: A Quick Weeknight Meal
Imagine twirling your fork through strands of pasta bathed in a velvety tomato sauce, its rich flavor brightened by fragrant basil. This Creamy Tomato & Basil Pasta with Burrata is a comforting and elegant dish, punctuated by the luxurious creaminess of burrata cheese. Perfect for a quick yet satisfying weeknight meal, it's a simple pleasure that feels utterly indulgent. This recipe is a testament to the magic of simple, fresh ingredients elevated by a few clever techniques. It's the kind of dish that makes even the busiest weeknight feel a little more special.
A Celebration of Italian Flavors
This recipe is all about showcasing the vibrant flavors of Italy. The creamy tomato sauce, bursting with fresh basil and garlic, forms the heart of the dish. But it's the addition of the creamy burrata that truly takes this pasta to the next level. Burrata, with its soft, milky interior, provides a luscious counterpoint to the bright acidity of the tomatoes and the earthy notes of the basil. The result is a symphony of textures and tastes that will leave you wanting more. This #easyrecipe is perfect for a relaxing #weeknightmeal.
Recipe Details: Creamy Tomato & Basil Pasta with Burrata
| Prep Time | 15 minutes |
|---|---|
| Cook Time | 25 minutes |
| Servings | 4 |
Ingredients:
- 400g (14 oz) canned crushed tomatoes
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped, plus more for garnish
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 450g (1 lb) pasta (such as penne, rigatoni, or spaghetti)
- 2 balls (approx. 250g) burrata cheese
Instructions:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
- While the pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and chopped onion and sauté for 3-5 minutes, or until softened and fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
- Stir in the crushed tomatoes and red pepper flakes (if using). Bring to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to meld.
- Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Simmer for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened slightly.
- Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and toss to coat. If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency.
- Stir in the chopped fresh basil.
- Divide the pasta among bowls. Top each serving with half a ball of burrata cheese and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese and fresh basil.
Expert Tips & Variations:
- Ingredient Substitution: If you don't have burrata, you can substitute fresh mozzarella or ricotta cheese.
- Add Protein: For a heartier meal, add cooked chicken, Italian sausage, or shrimp to the sauce.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Approximately 650 calories, 25g protein, 70g carbohydrates, 30g fat.
Serving Suggestion:
Serve with a side of garlic bread or a simple green salad. A light-bodied Italian red wine, such as Chianti, would pair well with this dish.
For more delicious and easy #pasta recipes, be sure to check out our other amazing recipes on Flavor Trail Recipes. We're always adding new and exciting dishes to our collection, so you're sure to find something you love. This #italianfood recipe is a true #comfortfood classic.
Enjoy your creamy tomato and basil pasta! Don't forget to share your culinary creations with us using #creamytomato, #basilpasta, #burrata, #quickweeknightmeal, and #easyrecipe. We can't wait to see what you make!