Creamy Tomato and Basil Pasta with Burrata
Description of this Recipe: This creamy tomato and basil pasta recipe is a celebration of simple, fresh ingredients that come together to create a comforting and flavorful dish. The sweet and tangy tomato sauce, enriched with cream and infused with fresh basil, coats perfectly cooked pasta, while a generous dollop of creamy burrata elevates the dish to a restaurant-worthy experience. It’s a quick and easy meal that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Effortless Elegance: This recipe requires minimal effort and time but delivers maximum flavor and satisfaction.
- Versatile and Adaptable: You can easily customize this recipe to your liking by adding vegetables, protein, or different types of cheese.
- A Crowd-Pleaser: The combination of creamy tomato sauce, fresh basil, and burrata is a guaranteed hit with everyone.
- Year-Round Comfort: Whether it’s a warm summer evening or a cozy winter night, this pasta dish is a perfect comfort food.
- Showcases Fresh Ingredients: The recipe highlights the vibrant flavors of fresh tomatoes and basil, making it a delightful seasonal dish.
Introduction:
Pasta dishes are often seen as a quick and easy solution for busy weeknights, but they can also be elevated to a gourmet experience with the right ingredients and techniques. This creamy tomato and basil pasta recipe with burrata is a perfect example of how simple ingredients can be transformed into a sophisticated and satisfying meal. The recipe starts with a base of sweet and tangy tomato sauce, made from fresh or canned tomatoes, garlic, and onions. The sauce is then enriched with cream, which adds a velvety texture and enhances the richness of the flavors. Fresh basil is added towards the end of the cooking process, infusing the sauce with its aromatic and slightly peppery notes.
The choice of pasta is also crucial for the overall success of the dish. While any type of pasta can be used, long, thin pasta shapes like spaghetti, linguine, or fettuccine are particularly well-suited for this recipe, as they allow the sauce to cling to them beautifully. The pasta is cooked al dente, meaning “to the tooth,” which ensures that it has a slightly firm texture that provides a pleasant contrast to the creamy sauce. The final touch that elevates this pasta dish to a whole new level is the addition of burrata. Burrata is a fresh Italian cheese made from mozzarella and cream. It has a delicate, milky flavor and a soft, creamy texture that melts in your mouth. When placed on top of the hot pasta, the burrata slowly melts, creating a luxurious and decadent experience.
This recipe is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. You can easily customize it to your liking by adding vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms, or protein like grilled chicken, shrimp, or sausage. You can also experiment with different types of cheese, such as Parmesan, Pecorino Romano, or goat cheese. Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy weeknight dinner or a show-stopping dish for a special occasion, this creamy tomato and basil pasta with burrata is sure to impress.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound pasta (spaghetti, linguine, or fettuccine)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 28 ounces crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 8 ounces burrata cheese
- Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)
Prep:
Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
Step 2: While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and chopped onion and cook until softened and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
Step 3: Pour in the crushed tomatoes and bring to a simmer. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to meld together.
Step 4: Stir in the heavy cream and chopped basil leaves. Simmer for another 2-3 minutes, until the sauce is heated through and slightly thickened.
Step 5: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the tomato sauce. Toss to coat the pasta evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water to thin it out.
COOK Rating: 5/5
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve immediately while the pasta is hot and the burrata is still creamy.
- Place a generous dollop of burrata on top of each serving of pasta.
- Garnish with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.
- Serve with a side of crusty bread for soaking up the delicious sauce.
- Pair with a light salad for a complete and balanced meal.
- Consider adding a drizzle of balsamic glaze for an extra touch of sweetness and tanginess.
Tips:
- Use high-quality crushed tomatoes for the best flavor. San Marzano tomatoes are a great option.
- Don’t overcook the pasta. Al dente pasta has a slightly firm texture that holds up well in the sauce.
- Reserve some pasta water before draining the pasta. The starchy water can be used to adjust the consistency of the sauce.
- Add the basil at the end of the cooking process to preserve its fresh flavor and aroma.
- If you don’t have burrata, you can substitute with fresh mozzarella or ricotta cheese.
- For a richer flavor, add a tablespoon of tomato paste to the sauce while it’s simmering.
- If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
- Adjust the amount of cream to your liking. You can use more or less cream depending on how creamy you want the sauce to be.
- This recipe can easily be doubled or tripled to serve a larger crowd.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Nutrition Information: (Per serving, estimated)
Calories: 650
Protein: 25g
Sodium: 700mg
Conclusion:
This creamy tomato and basil pasta with burrata is a testament to the fact that simple ingredients, when combined with care and attention, can create a truly extraordinary dish. The creamy tomato sauce, infused with fresh basil, coats perfectly cooked pasta, while the creamy burrata adds a touch of luxury and indulgence. Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy weeknight dinner or a show-stopping dish for a special occasion, this recipe is sure to impress. So, gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and get ready to experience the magic of Italian cuisine in the comfort of your own home. Buon appetito!
Write 5 questions and answers about this recipe.
Q1: Can I use canned diced tomatoes instead of crushed tomatoes?
A1: Yes, you can definitely use canned diced tomatoes instead of crushed tomatoes. However, the texture of the sauce will be slightly different. Crushed tomatoes create a smoother sauce, while diced tomatoes will give the sauce a chunkier texture. If you prefer a smoother sauce with diced tomatoes, you can use an immersion blender to blend the sauce to your desired consistency after it has simmered.
Q2: I don’t have burrata cheese. What can I substitute it with?
A2: If you don’t have burrata cheese, you can substitute it with fresh mozzarella or ricotta cheese. Fresh mozzarella will provide a similar milky flavor and slightly chewy texture, while ricotta cheese will add a creamy and slightly tangy flavor. You can also use other soft cheeses like goat cheese or mascarpone, depending on your preference.
Q3: Can I add vegetables to this pasta dish?
A3: Absolutely! This pasta dish is very versatile and can easily be customized with your favorite vegetables. Some great options include spinach, zucchini, mushrooms, bell peppers, and cherry tomatoes. Simply sauté the vegetables with the garlic and onion at the beginning of the recipe, before adding the crushed tomatoes.
Q4: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A4: While the pasta is best served immediately, you can make the tomato sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to serve, cook the pasta according to package directions, reheat the sauce, and toss them together. Add the burrata just before serving to prevent it from melting completely.
Q5: Can I use dried basil instead of fresh basil?
A5: While fresh basil is highly recommended for its vibrant flavor and aroma, you can use dried basil in a pinch. Use about 1 teaspoon of dried basil for every 1/4 cup of fresh basil. Add the dried basil to the sauce while it’s simmering, along with the salt and pepper. Keep in mind that dried basil has a more concentrated flavor than fresh basil, so use it sparingly.
Creamy Tomato and Basil Pasta with Burrata
Ingredients
Method
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
- Step 2: While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and chopped onion and cook until softened and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
- Step 3: Pour in the crushed tomatoes and bring to a simmer. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Step 4: Stir in the heavy cream and chopped basil leaves. Simmer for another 2-3 minutes, until the sauce is heated through and slightly thickened.
- Step 5: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the tomato sauce. Toss to coat the pasta evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water to thin it out.
