Burrata Pasta: 30-Minute Dinner to Impress Recipe
Introduction
This Burrata Pasta is a simple yet elegant dish perfect for a quick dinner that feels special. Creamy burrata cheese paired with a homemade tomato sauce and fresh basil creates a flavorful, comforting meal in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
- 1 ball fresh burrata cheese
- 13oz / 360g pasta (such as paccheri)
- 30oz / 800g canned peeled tomatoes (or fresh ripe tomatoes or cherry tomatoes)
- 1.5oz / 40g freshly grated Parmigiano Reggiano cheese
- 2 large garlic cloves
- ½ handful fresh basil leaves (about 8 large leaves)
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Garnish: extra virgin olive oil, fresh basil leaves, red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Step 1: Place the burrata in a bowl to come to room temperature while you prepare the sauce.
- Step 2: In a large saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the garlic cloves and sauté for a few minutes until golden and fragrant.
- Step 3: Add the canned tomatoes to the pan. Break them up slightly with a wooden spoon. Pour a cup of water into the can to collect any remaining sauce, then add that to the pot as well.
- Step 4: Season the sauce with salt and pepper. Tear the basil leaves and add them to the pot. Cover and simmer on low-medium heat for 20 minutes.
- Step 5: Remove the sauce from heat and let it cool slightly. Blend it smooth using an immersion blender or regular blender, then return it to the pot.
- Step 6: Cook the pasta in a large pot of boiling salted water until al dente, about 2 minutes less than the package instructions.
- Step 7: Drain the pasta, reserving some of the pasta cooking water. Add the pasta to the tomato sauce along with the grated Parmigiano Reggiano and a splash of pasta water. Stir until silky, adding more pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
- Step 8: Remove the pan from heat. Place the burrata cheese in the center of the pasta and carefully cut it open to release the creamy interior. Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil, garnish with fresh basil leaves and red pepper flakes, then serve immediately.
Tips & Variations
- Use cherry tomatoes for a sweeter, more vibrant sauce if you prefer fresh ingredients.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the tomato sauce for a subtle spicy kick.
- Swap paccheri for rigatoni or penne if you can’t find it; the sauce clings well to tubular pasta.
- For extra richness, stir a splash of cream into the sauce before combining with the pasta.
Storage
Store any leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of water or olive oil to loosen the sauce. Burrata is best served fresh and shouldn’t be stored once cut open.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese instead of burrata?
Yes, fresh mozzarella can be used as a substitute, but burrata offers a creamier texture that makes the dish special.
How do I know when the pasta is perfectly al dente?
Al dente means the pasta is cooked but still firm to the bite. Taste the pasta about 2 minutes before the package time ends to check the texture.
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Burrata Pasta: 30-Minute Dinner to Impress Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Burrata Pasta is a simple yet elegant Italian dish featuring creamy burrata cheese paired with a homemade tomato sauce and perfectly cooked pasta. Ready in just 30 minutes, this dinner recipe impresses with fresh flavors of garlic, basil, and Parmigiano Reggiano, making it ideal for a quick weeknight meal or special occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Cheese & Dairy
- 1 ball fresh burrata cheese
- 1.5oz / 40g freshly grated Parmigiano Reggiano cheese
Pasta
- 13oz / 360g pasta (paccheri pasta shape recommended)
Sauce
- 30oz / 800g canned peeled tomatoes (or fresh ripe tomatoes or cherry tomatoes)
- 2 large garlic cloves
- ½ handful fresh basil leaves (approximately 8 big leaves)
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Garnish
- Extra virgin olive oil
- Fresh basil leaves
- Red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Prepare Burrata: Carefully place the burrata cheese in a bowl to come to room temperature while preparing the sauce, ensuring its creamy texture remains soft and luscious when served.
- Make the Tomato Sauce Base: Heat a large saucepan or pot over medium heat, add olive oil and whole garlic cloves, and sauté for a few minutes until the garlic turns golden and fragrant, infusing the oil.
- Add Tomatoes: Pour in the canned peeled tomatoes and gently break them up with a wooden spoon. Add a cup of water from the tomato can to capture all the sauce, mixing well.
- Season and Simmer: Season the sauce with salt and pepper, tear the fresh basil leaves and add them in. Cover the pot with a lid and simmer on low to medium heat for 20 minutes to develop flavor.
- Blend Sauce: Remove the pot from heat and allow the sauce to cool slightly. Use an immersion blender or regular blender to puree the sauce until smooth, then return it to the pot over low heat.
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta until al dente — about 2 minutes less than the package instructions. This ensures the pasta remains firm and perfect for mixing into the sauce.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Drain the pasta, reserving some pasta water. Add the pasta to the sauce along with the grated Parmigiano Reggiano and a splash of reserved pasta water. Stir well to create a silky, cohesive sauce, adding more water if needed for desired consistency.
- Serve with Burrata: Remove the pan from heat. Place the burrata ball in the center of the pasta and carefully cut it open, allowing the creamy interior to meld with the sauce. Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil, garnish with fresh basil leaves and red pepper flakes, and serve immediately.
Notes
- Bringing burrata to room temperature helps maintain its creamy texture when mixed with hot pasta.
- Using pasta water when combining sauce and pasta helps achieve a silky sauce consistency.
- You can substitute paccheri with other short, tubular pasta shapes like rigatoni or penne.
- Adjust red pepper flakes to taste for desired spice level.
- Fresh tomatoes can be used instead of canned but may require longer cooking time to break down.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Keywords: Burrata Pasta, Italian Pasta Recipe, Homemade Tomato Sauce, Creamy Burrata, Easy Dinner Recipes, Vegetarian Pasta
