Burrata-Topped Pasta: Creamy Tomato Bliss

Indulge in the Simple Elegance of Creamy Tomato & Basil Pasta

Are you craving a delicious and satisfying meal that won't keep you chained to the kitchen all evening? Then look no further! This Creamy Tomato & Basil Pasta with Burrata is the perfect weeknight dinner solution. It's a celebration of fresh, simple flavors, a true testament to the magic that can happen when you combine perfectly cooked pasta, a luscious tomato sauce, aromatic basil, and the creamy indulgence of burrata cheese. Prepare to be transported to a cozy Italian trattoria, all from the comfort of your own home.

A Weeknight Meal That Tastes Like a Restaurant Dish

This recipe is designed for busy weeknights. With minimal prep time and a cooking time of under an hour, this creamy pasta dish is surprisingly effortless. The key is using high-quality ingredients to let the natural flavors shine. The sweetness of the ripe tomatoes perfectly complements the creamy richness of the sauce and the bright, herbaceous notes of fresh basil. And the crowning glory? That unbelievably creamy burrata, melting into the warm pasta, adding a touch of elegance and unforgettable richness to every bite.

This recipe isn't just about speed and convenience; it's about delivering a restaurant-quality experience without the restaurant price tag. It's a dish that will impress your family and friends, leaving them wondering how you managed to create such a sophisticated meal in such little time. The vibrant colors, the rich aromas, and the exquisite flavors will make this a new weeknight favorite.

Creamy Tomato & Basil Pasta with Burrata Recipe

Yields:

4 servings

Prep time:

15 minutes

Cook time:

25 minutes

Ingredients:

Category	Ingredient	Quantity
Olive Oil	Olive Oil	3 tbsp
Aromatics	Garlic, minced	2 cloves
Spice	Red pepper flakes (optional)	1/2 tsp
Sauce Base	Crushed tomatoes (28 ounce can)	1 can
Dairy	Heavy cream	1/2 cup
Cheese	Grated Parmesan cheese	1/4 cup + more for serving
Seasoning	Salt	1/2 tsp + more to taste
Seasoning	Black pepper	1/4 tsp + more to taste
Pasta	Pasta (spaghetti, penne, or rigatoni)	1 pound
Herb	Fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped	1 cup + more for garnish
Cheese	Burrata cheese (8 ounces, 2 balls)	8 ounces

Instructions:

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
2. While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) and sauté for 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
3. Pour in the crushed tomatoes, heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened slightly.
4. Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the tomato sauce. Toss to coat. If the sauce is too thick, add some of the reserved pasta water, 1/4 cup at a time, until it reaches your desired consistency.
5. Stir in the chopped basil.
6. Divide the pasta among bowls. Top each serving with a ball of burrata cheese, a drizzle of olive oil, a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, and fresh basil leaves for garnish.

Expert Tips & Variations:

• For a richer flavor, use roasted tomatoes instead of canned. Roast them at 400°F (200°C) for 30-40 minutes before crushing.
• Add a protein! Grilled chicken, shrimp, or Italian sausage would all be delicious additions. Sauté or grill separately and add to the pasta in the last few minutes of cooking.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve your Creamy Tomato & Basil Pasta with Burrata with a side of garlic bread or a simple green salad. A crisp white wine, such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc, pairs perfectly with this dish. This pasta dish is also a great option for a light lunch or even a romantic dinner.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):

Approximately 650 calories, 25g protein, 75g carbohydrates, 30g fat.

Keywords:

pasta, tomato, basil, burrata, creamy, recipe, weeknight meal, Italian, Parmesan, garlic, olive oil, red pepper flakes, spaghetti, penne, rigatoni, chicken, shrimp, sausage, Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc

Hashtags:

#pasta, #tomato, #basil, #burrata, #creamy, #weeknightmeal, #italianfood

Enjoy this simple yet elegant pasta dish! Don't forget to share your culinary creations with us on social media using #FlavorTrailRecipes. And for more delicious and easy weeknight meal ideas, be sure to explore more recipes on our blog, FlavorTrailRecipes.blogspot.com!