Pin It This Burrata Caprese Pasta is a vibrant and comforting dish that brings the classic flavors of an Italian summer directly to your table. Featuring juicy cherry tomatoes and fresh basil, the star of the show is the creamy burrata cheese that melts beautifully into the spaghetti, creating those irresistible cheese pulls that make every bite feel luxurious.
Pin It Whether you're looking for a simple dinner solution or a sophisticated meal to impress guests, this recipe delivers on all fronts. It captures the essence of Italian cuisine—simplicity, quality, and heartiness—in a single skillet.
Ingredients
- Pasta: 400 g (14 oz) spaghetti or linguine
- Vegetables & Herbs: 400 g (14 oz) cherry tomatoes (halved), 2 cloves garlic (minced), 1 small bunch fresh basil (leaves torn), 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- Cheese: 250 g (9 oz) burrata cheese (2 medium balls)
- Seasonings: 1 tsp sea salt (plus extra for pasta water), 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper, Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
- Garnish: Additional fresh basil leaves, Drizzle of olive oil
Instructions
- Step 1
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta.
- Step 2
- While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 3
- Add cherry tomatoes, salt, and pepper (plus red pepper flakes if using). Cook, stirring occasionally, for 5–7 minutes until tomatoes are softened and releasing their juices.
- Step 4
- Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the tomatoes. Toss to combine, adding a little reserved pasta water as needed to create a silky sauce.
- Step 5
- Remove from heat. Add torn basil leaves and toss gently.
- Step 6
- Transfer pasta to serving plates or a large platter. Place burrata balls on top and gently tear open to reveal the creamy centers.
- Step 7
- Drizzle with olive oil and scatter extra basil leaves over the top. Serve immediately for the best cheese pull effect.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
To ensure a perfect sauce, make sure to add the reserved pasta water gradually. The starchy water emulsifies with the olive oil and tomato juices to create a glossy coating for the noodles. Be careful not to overcook the garlic, as it can become bitter if browned too much.
Varianten und Anpassungen
You can easily customize this dish by adding a splash of balsamic glaze just before serving for an extra layer of sweetness. If you prefer a different noodle shape, spaghetti can be swapped for penne or rigatoni. For those following a vegan diet, use high-quality plant-based cheese alternatives instead of burrata.
Serviervorschläge
For the best experience, serve this dish immediately while the pasta is hot and the burrata is fresh. A side of crusty Italian bread is perfect for mopping up any leftover tomato sauce and creamy cheese on the plate. Garnish generously with fresh basil to enhance the aromatic profile.
Pin It With its vibrant colors and rich textures, this Burrata Caprese Pasta is a testament to how simple ingredients can create a spectacular meal. Enjoy the perfect balance of savory garlic, sweet tomatoes, and velvety cheese in every forkful.
Recipe FAQs
- → How do I achieve the best cheese pull effect?
Place the burrata balls on top of the hot pasta just before serving so the warmth gently softens the creamy center. Tear the cheese open with a fork right at the table for dramatic presentation and optimal texture contrast with the warm pasta.
- → Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Cook the pasta and tomato sauce ahead of time and store separately in the refrigerator. Reheat gently before serving, then top with fresh burrata and basil just before plating to maintain the creamy texture and freshness of the cheese.
- → What's the best way to select ripe cherry tomatoes?
Choose tomatoes that are deeply colored, fragrant, and yield slightly to gentle pressure. Farmers market tomatoes are ideal for peak flavor. Avoid refrigerating them before cooking to preserve their natural sweetness and texture.
- → Can I make this vegan?
Yes, substitute the burrata with quality vegan cheese alternatives like cashew-based or plant-based mozzarella. Look for brands that have a creamy center similar to traditional burrata for the best texture and presentation.
- → What pasta shapes work best for this dish?
Spaghetti and linguine are traditional choices that allow the tomato sauce to coat the strands beautifully. Penne or rigatoni also work wonderfully as their ridges capture more sauce and create interesting texture combinations with the cheese.
- → How do I prevent the burrata from breaking apart during cooking?
Never add burrata to the hot skillet with the pasta. Always add it after transferring to serving plates and while the pasta is still warm but off the heat. This gentle warmth softens the cheese without causing it to completely melt and lose its distinctive texture.