Creamy Tomato & Basil Pasta with Burrata: Your Ultimate Quick Weeknight Meal
Indulge in the simple pleasure of Creamy Tomato & Basil Pasta, a dish where vibrant, sun-ripened tomato sauce embraces perfectly cooked pasta in a culinary hug. The rich, velvety texture is elevated by the fresh, fragrant basil, creating a symphony of Italian flavors that dance on your palate. Topped with a luscious, creamy Burrata, this effortlessly elegant dish is perfect for a comforting Quick Weeknight Meal or a delightful dinner party, offering a burst of fresh, creamy goodness in every bite.
Here at FlavorTrailRecipes.blogspot.com, our mission is to inspire everyday cooks to create extraordinary meals without the fuss. This particular pasta recipe is a shining example, proving that you don't need hours in the kitchen to achieve restaurant-quality results. In a world where time is a precious commodity, finding an easy dinner that's both satisfying and quick is like striking culinary gold. This dish comes together in under 30 minutes, making it the ideal solution for busy evenings when you crave a hearty, homemade meal that truly feels like comfort food.
The Recipe: Creamy Tomato & Basil Pasta with Burrata
Ingredients:
- 250g pasta (such as spaghetti, linguine, or penne)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a little kick!)
- 500g cherry tomatoes, halved
- 120ml heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped, plus extra for garnish
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1 ball (approximately 200g) burrata cheese
Instructions:
- Pasta Perfection: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add your chosen pasta and cook according to package directions until it's perfectly al dente. Before draining, remember to reserve about 1/2 cup of that starchy pasta water – it's liquid gold for your sauce! 💧
- Aromatic Start: While the pasta is bubbling away, heat the olive oil in a large skillet or pan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if you're using them for that gentle warmth) and sauté for just 1-2 minutes until they become fragrant but don't brown. We want aroma, not bitterness! 🧄🌶️
- Tomato Transformation: Toss the halved cherry tomatoes into the skillet. Cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes soften beautifully and start to burst, releasing their sweet juices. Use the back of a spoon or a potato masher to gently crush some of the tomatoes. This helps to create a wonderfully rustic and flavorful sauce base. 🍅
- Creamy Indulgence: Stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer and let it cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly and for all those delicious flavors to meld together. So luxurious! ✨
- Combine & Coat: Add the cooked pasta directly to the skillet with the creamy tomato sauce. Toss everything together, ensuring every strand of pasta is lovingly coated in that glorious sauce. If the sauce feels a bit too thick, gradually add a little of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired silky consistency. This is key for that perfect restaurant-style finish! 🍝
- Fresh Basil Burst: Finally, stir in the chopped fresh basil. The warmth of the pasta will release its amazing aroma, infusing the entire dish with a burst of freshness. 🌿
- Serve with Splendor: Serve immediately, dividing the pasta among plates. The grand finale? Tear or gently place the burrata cheese over each serving. The creamy, rich interior of the burrata will slowly melt into the warm pasta, creating pockets of unparalleled deliciousness. Garnish with extra fresh basil leaves for that final elegant touch. Enjoy this delightful easy dinner! 🎉
Expert Tips & Creative Variations for Your Pasta Recipe
This Creamy Tomato & Basil Pasta is incredibly versatile! Here are some ways to elevate or adapt your dish:
- Roasted Tomato Revelation: For an even richer, deeper flavor profile, consider roasting your cherry tomatoes before adding them to the sauce. Simply toss them with a drizzle of olive oil, salt, and pepper, and roast in the oven at 200°C (400°F) for 20 minutes until slightly charred and burst. This intensifies their sweetness and adds a beautiful complexity.
- Vodka Sauce Twist: Craving a popular classic? For a "vodka sauce" variation, add 2 tablespoons of good quality vodka to the skillet after cooking the garlic and before adding the tomatoes. Let it simmer for 1 minute to cook off the alcohol, then proceed with the recipe. The vodka helps to emulsify the sauce, adding a subtle sharpness and smoothness.
- Add Some Protein: Make this dish a more complete meal by adding cooked protein. Sautéed chicken breast, shrimp, or even Italian sausage would be fantastic additions. Add them to the skillet along with the pasta in step 5.
- Veggie Boost: Sneak in more vegetables! A handful of fresh spinach or baby kale can be stirred in during the last minute of cooking. Sautéed zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms could also be added with the tomatoes.
- Herb Harmony: While basil is king here, feel free to experiment with other fresh herbs. A sprinkle of fresh oregano or parsley stirred in at the end can offer a different aromatic dimension.
- Spice It Up: If you love heat, don't shy away from adding a bit more red pepper flakes. You can also finish with a drizzle of chili oil for an extra kick!
- Burrata Alternatives: Can't find burrata? Fresh mozzarella balls (torn), or even a dollop of creamy ricotta cheese can be used as a substitute for that lovely creamy element.
Nutritional Estimate (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Estimate |
|---|---|
| Calories | Approximately 650-750 |
| Protein | 25-30g |
| Carbohydrates | 70-80g |
| Fat | 30-40g |
*Note: Nutritional estimates are approximate and can vary based on exact ingredient brands, quantities, and cooking methods.
Serving Suggestions & Perfect Pairings
This Creamy Tomato & Basil Pasta with Burrata is a star on its own, but it truly shines when paired with simple accompaniments. For a balanced meal, we recommend:
- A Simple Side Salad: A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette is the perfect fresh counterpoint to the richness of the pasta. Think mixed greens, thinly sliced cucumber, and a bright lemon-herb dressing.
- Crusty Bread: A warm, crusty baguette or focaccia is essential for soaking up every last drop of that incredible tomato-basil sauce. It's truly a match made in heaven for any comfort food enthusiast.
- Wine Pairing: A glass of crisp white wine, such as a dry Rosé, Pinot Grigio, or Sauvignon Blanc, would complement the fresh tomato and basil notes beautifully. If you prefer red, a light-bodied Sangiovese or Barbera would also work well.
- Sparkling Water with Citrus: For a non-alcoholic option, chilled sparkling water with a slice of lemon or lime provides a refreshing palate cleanser.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I make this Creamy Tomato & Basil Pasta ahead of time?
A: While this dish is best served fresh, right after the pasta is tossed with the sauce and topped with burrata, you can prepare the tomato-cream sauce ahead of time. Simply make steps 2-4 and store the sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to serve, gently reheat the sauce, cook fresh pasta, and combine. Add the burrata just before serving.
Q: What's the best type of pasta to use for this recipe?
A: The beauty of this pasta recipe is its versatility! Long strands like spaghetti, linguine, or fettuccine are excellent for coating evenly with the creamy sauce. Shorter pasta shapes like penne, rigatoni, or farfalle also work wonderfully, as their nooks and crannies catch the sauce beautifully. Choose your favorite!
Q: Can I substitute the burrata cheese?
A: Absolutely! While burrata adds a unique creamy indulgence, you can substitute it with fresh mozzarella balls (torn into pieces), a dollop of creamy ricotta cheese, or even a sprinkle of crumbled feta for a tangy twist. The dish will still be delicious and satisfying.
Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Store any leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. When reheating, you may want to add a splash of water or a little extra cream to help loosen the sauce, as pasta tends to absorb liquids as it cools. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Q: Is this recipe genuinely "under 30 minutes"?
A: Yes! With proper mise en place (having all your ingredients prepped before you start cooking), this quick weeknight meal truly comes together in no time. While the pasta cooks, you're simultaneously building your flavorful sauce, making it incredibly efficient.
This Creamy Tomato & Basil Pasta with Burrata is more than just a meal; it's a culinary hug in a bowl. It perfectly embodies what we love at FlavorTrailRecipes.blogspot.com – delicious, approachable, and satisfying comfort food that makes every day a little more special. Whether you're a seasoned chef or a kitchen novice, this easy dinner will undoubtedly become a staple in your rotation.
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