Get ready to transform your ordinary dinner into a restaurant-worthy masterpiece with this incredibly simple yet luxurious Pasta with Burst Cherry Tomatoes, Burrata, and Basil. Imagine twirling your fork into a plate of perfectly cooked pasta, surrounded by juicy, caramelized cherry tomatoes that literally burst with flavor, creamy chunks of decadent burrata, and fragrant fresh basil. This Italian-inspired dish is not just a meal - it's a culinary experience that will transport you straight to the sun-drenched hills of Italy in just 25 minutes!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes
- 1 ball burrata cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes.
- While pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add whole cherry tomatoes and cook for 5-6 minutes, gently shaking the pan occasionally, until tomatoes start to burst and release their juices.
- Season the tomatoes with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Reduce heat to low and keep warm.
- When pasta is cooked, reserve 1/2 cup of pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta in a colander.
- Transfer the hot pasta directly into the skillet with burst tomatoes. Toss gently to coat the pasta with the tomato sauce, adding a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to create a light sauce.
- Remove skillet from heat. Tear the burrata cheese into large chunks and distribute over the hot pasta.
- Sprinkle freshly chopped basil over the pasta. Drizzle with additional olive oil if desired.
- Serve immediately, ensuring each serving gets some burrata, burst tomatoes, and fresh basil.
Tips
- • Always salt your pasta water generously - it should taste like the sea to properly season your pasta from the inside out. • Use medium-high heat when bursting tomatoes to get that perfect caramelization without burning. • Reserve some pasta water before draining - the starchy liquid is key to creating a silky, clingy sauce. • Tear burrata by hand for a rustic, beautiful presentation that allows the creamy center to melt slightly into the hot pasta. • Use the freshest basil possible and add it at the very end to preserve its bright, aromatic flavor. • For best results, serve immediately while the pasta is hot and the burrata is still creamy and soft.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 40mg