Name: Creamy Burrata and Cherry Tomato Pasta
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 2 servings
Ingredients: 8 ounces pasta; 2 cups cherry tomatoes; 4 cloves garlic; 3 tablespoons olive oil; 8 ounces burrata cheese; 0.5 cup fresh basil; 0.25 teaspoon red pepper flakes; 1 teaspoon salt; 0.25 teaspoon black pepper; 0.25 cup parmesan cheese

Creamy Burrata and Cherry Tomato Pasta

Italian-InspiredPastaQuickVegetarianWeeknightitalianvegetarianweeknight

10 minPrep15 minCook2Serves

Ingredients

8 ouncespasta (rigatoni or penne)
2 cupscherry tomatoes
4 clovesgarlic
3 tablespoonsolive oil
8 ouncesburrata cheese
½ cupfresh basil
¼ teaspoonred pepper flakes
1 teaspoonsalt
¼ teaspoonblack pepper
¼ cupparmesan cheese (grated)

Method

01
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente, about 9-11 minutes. Reserve 3/4 cup pasta water before draining.
02
While pasta cooks, heat 3 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the halved cherry tomatoes cut-side down and cook without stirring for 3-4 minutes until they begin to blister and caramelize.
03
Add the minced garlic and 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes to the tomatoes. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant, stirring gently.
04
Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the tomatoes. Toss to combine, adding reserved pasta water a few tablespoons at a time until a light sauce forms and coats the pasta.
05
Remove from heat. Tear the burrata into chunks and add to the pasta along with the torn basil leaves. Toss gently, allowing the creamy burrata to melt into the warm pasta.
06
Season with 1 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Divide between two bowls and top with grated parmesan and additional fresh basil.

Spice Tips

This dish is mildly spiced as written. For more heat, increase red pepper flakes to 1/2 teaspoon or add a few slices of fresh chili pepper with the garlic. A crack of extra black pepper at the table adds subtle warmth. For an aromatic touch, try a pinch of dried oregano in the tomato step.

Burrata's creamy center creates a luscious sauce when tossed with hot pasta. If burrata is unavailable, substitute fresh mozzarella and add 2 tablespoons heavy cream. Best served immediately while the cheese is warm and melty.