Creamy Tomato and Basil Pasta with Burrata: Your Ultimate Quick Weeknight Meal
Life can be a whirlwind, can't it? After a long day, the last thing you want is a complex culinary project that leaves your kitchen looking like a disaster zone. But who says a quick meal can't be an extraordinary one? Enter our star today: a vibrant, comforting, and incredibly satisfying Creamy Tomato and Basil Pasta with luscious burrata. This isn't just any pasta dish; it's a hug in a bowl, an effortless gourmet experience, and precisely what you need when time is of the essence. It’s the quintessential Quick Weeknight Meal that delivers on flavor without demanding hours of your precious time.
Imagine this: sweet, sun-kissed tomatoes dancing with fragrant basil, all enveloped in a velvety, rich sauce. Then, just when you think it can't get any better, a glorious ball of creamy burrata is added, melting into pure bliss. This Burrata Pasta recipe transforms simple ingredients into something truly spectacular. It’s an Easy Recipe that feels anything but, perfect for busy evenings or a delightful, light lunch. Get ready to fall in love with your new favorite Italian Pasta dish!
Ingredients You'll Need:
- 400g (14 oz) canned crushed tomatoes 🍅
- 250g (9 oz) pasta (penne, rigatoni, or your favorite shape)
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped 🧅
- 2 cloves garlic, minced🧄
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving 🧀
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped, plus more for garnish 🌿
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a little kick!)🌶️
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 2 balls (approximately 250g/9 oz) burrata cheese 🤩
- 1 tbsp butter 🧈
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- 💧 Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your chosen pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Before draining, make sure to reserve 1 cup of that precious pasta water – it's your secret weapon for a silky sauce!
- 🔥 While the pasta is doing its thing, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for 5-7 minutes until it's beautifully softened and translucent. Then, introduce the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if you're feeling a little adventurous!) and cook for just another minute until they release their fragrant aromas.
- 🥫 Now for the heart of our Tomato Sauce! Add the crushed tomatoes, dried oregano, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Bring this vibrant mixture to a gentle simmer and let it cook for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. This simmering time is crucial, allowing all those wonderful flavors to meld and deepen, creating the perfect foundation for our Creamy Tomato Pasta.
- 🥛 Stir in the heavy cream and the grated Parmesan cheese. Continue to simmer for another 2-3 minutes, watching as the sauce transforms into a luscious, slightly thickened, and incredibly creamy consistency. Finally, stir in the butter for that extra touch of richness.
- 🍝 Add the drained pasta directly to the skillet with the glorious tomato sauce. Toss everything together, ensuring every strand of pasta is beautifully coated. If the sauce feels a bit too thick, add a little of that reserved pasta water, a tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.
- 🌿 Gently fold in the chopped fresh basil. Its vibrant color and aromatic presence truly elevate this Basil Pasta to the next level.
- ✨ Time for the grand finale! Divide the pasta among your serving bowls. Top each generous serving with a whole ball of burrata cheese – watch it gloriously melt into the warm pasta. Finish with an extra sprinkle of fresh basil leaves and more Parmesan cheese for that perfect flourish.
Expert Tips & Variations:
- 🌶️ **Spice it Up:** For those who love a bit more zing, don't hesitate to add extra red pepper flakes or even a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce. This transforms it into a fiery Comfort Food experience!
- 🥕 **Vegetable Boost:** Want to sneak in some extra nutrients? Sauté finely chopped vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms along with the onion. They'll add wonderful texture and flavor.
- 🧀 **Burrata Substitutes:** If burrata isn't available, don't fret! Fresh mozzarella, torn into rustic pieces, makes a fantastic alternative. For a different kind of creaminess, dollops of fresh ricotta cheese on top are also divine. This flexibility makes it an even easier Pasta Recipe to adapt.
- 🍅 **Tomato Quality:** The quality of your canned tomatoes truly makes a difference. Opt for San Marzano if you can find them for the best flavor in your Tomato Sauce.
Nutritional Estimate (Per Serving):
| Nutrient | Approximate Value |
|---|---|
| Calories | 650 kcal |
| Protein | 25g |
| Carbohydrates | 70g |
| Fat | 30g |
(Approximate values, calculated based on standard ingredients. Actual values may vary.)
Serving Suggestion:
This Creamy Tomato and Basil Pasta with Burrata is a complete meal in itself, but to round out your dining experience, consider serving it with a crisp, simple green salad tossed with a light vinaigrette. For the adults, a glass of Italian red wine, like a Sangiovese or Chianti, pairs beautifully with the rich tomato and cheese flavors. And let's be honest, you'll absolutely want a crusty loaf of bread nearby to sop up every last drop of that incredible Burrata Cheese sauce!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
- Q: Can I make this pasta dish ahead of time?
A: While the sauce can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator, it's best to cook the pasta fresh and combine it with the warm sauce just before serving. The burrata should always be added right before eating for the best creamy texture. - Q: What’s the difference between burrata and mozzarella?
A: While both are fresh Italian cheeses made from cow's milk, burrata is essentially a mozzarella shell filled with a rich, creamy mixture of stracciatella (shreds of mozzarella) and cream. This gives burrata its signature soft, buttery interior, making it much more decadent than traditional fresh mozzarella. - Q: How can I make this dish vegetarian?
A: Good news! This Pasta Recipe is already vegetarian as written. For a vegan option, you would need to substitute the heavy cream with a plant-based cream (like cashew or oat cream), nutritional yeast for Parmesan, and a vegan mozzarella alternative for burrata. - Q: Why reserve pasta water?
A: Pasta water is starchy! This starch helps to emulsify the sauce, making it cling better to the pasta and creating a smoother, silkier consistency. It's a chef's secret for perfect pasta every time!
🎉 We hope this Creamy Tomato and Basil Pasta becomes a beloved staple in your home! Its simplicity and exquisite flavor prove that gourmet meals don't have to be complicated. If you loved this Quick Weeknight Meal, be sure to explore more of our easy and delicious recipes on Flavor Trail Recipes!