Romantic Tomato Burrata Pasta
Highlighted under: Global Flavors
When I first tried my hand at making this Romantic Tomato Burrata Pasta, I was immediately transported to a quaint Italian bistro. The rich, creamy burrata paired with the vibrant freshness of tomatoes creates a dish that is not only visually stunning but also bursting with flavor. I love how easy it is to prepare, making it perfect for date nights or a cozy dinner at home. The combination ingredients delivers a romantic touch that truly elevates any meal occasion.
I remember the first time I paired burrata with fresh tomatoes; it was a revelation! I made this dish to impress a special someone, and the results were extraordinary. The creaminess of the burrata with the sweet, juicy tomatoes brought smiles all around. The secret is using ripe tomatoes and fresh basil to elevate the flavors even more.
While I was cooking, I discovered that lightly roasting the tomatoes enhances their natural sweetness and brings out the best in the burrata. I recommend drizzling a little olive oil and a sprinkle of sea salt before baking them for a truly mouthwatering experience!
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- The perfect balance of creamy burrata and fresh tomatoes makes every bite decadent.
- A quick and easy recipe that is perfect for impressing your loved ones.
- The vibrant colors make it visually stunning, perfect for romantic dinners.
Cooking the Pasta Perfectly
The type of pasta you choose significantly influences the dish's texture and overall experience. For this Tomato Burrata Pasta, spaghetti is a classic choice due to its ability to hold the sauce well. Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water for about 8-10 minutes, depending on your preferred doneness. Make sure to reserve a cup of the pasta water before draining; this starchy water can be added later to help bind the sauce.
When you drain the pasta, avoid rinsing it with cold water as this cools it down and washes away the starch that helps the sauce adhere. Instead, toss the pasta gently in a drizzle of olive oil to prevent sticking. This small step ensures that your strands are glossy and ready to embrace the rich flavors of the roasted tomatoes and creamy burrata.
Roasting the Tomatoes to Perfection
Roasting cherry tomatoes enhances their natural sweetness, creating a wonderful contrast with the rich burrata. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and use a rimmed baking sheet for easy cleanup. When tossing the tomatoes with olive oil and seasonings, make sure all tomatoes are evenly coated to ensure consistent roasting. They should roast for about 15-20 minutes until they soften and begin to caramelize, developing a slightly charred edge for depth of flavor.
Keep an eye on the tomatoes as they roast; you'll know they're ready when they're tender and juicy, releasing their natural juices. This roasted mixture will infuse your pasta with vibrant flavors, so don't skip this crucial step. If you want to experiment with flavors, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or fresh herbs like thyme before roasting for an extra layer of complexity.
Ingredients
Ingredients
For the Pasta
- 200g spaghetti or your preferred pasta
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 ball of burrata cheese
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
Instructions
Instructions
Prepare the Pasta
Cook the pasta in salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Roast the Tomatoes
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). On a baking sheet, toss cherry tomatoes with olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Roast for 15-20 minutes until they are soft and slightly caramelized.
Combine and Serve
In a large bowl, mix the cooked pasta with the roasted tomatoes. Gently fold in the burrata cheese, allowing it to slightly melt. Serve with fresh basil leaves on top.
Pro Tips
- For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat. Also, ensure to use the freshest tomatoes you can find for the best taste.
Serving Suggestions
This Romantic Tomato Burrata Pasta is a stunning dish on its own, but you can easily elevate it further. For an extra touch of sophistication, drizzle some balsamic reduction over the top just before serving. This adds a perfect balance of acidity that complements the creamy burrata and sweet tomatoes beautifully.
To enhance the dining experience, consider pairing this pasta with a light, crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio. The wine's acidity can cut through the richness of the burrata, balancing the meal and refreshing your palate. Adding a simple side salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette can also provide a delightful crunch alongside the creamy pasta.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
One of the great features of this recipe is that you can prepare the roasted tomatoes in advance. Roast them a day ahead and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This not only saves time on busy nights but also intensifies their flavor as they marinate in their juices. Just reheat gently before mixing with the fresh pasta.
If you have leftovers, store them in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. However, note that the burrata will lose its creamy texture upon reheating. To enjoy the dish another day, consider serving the pasta cold as a pasta salad, which allows the bright flavors to shine through without the need to reheat the burrata.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use different pasta varieties?
Absolutely! Feel free to use any pasta you like, such as fettuccine or penne.
→ Is burrata cheese necessary?
While burrata adds richness, you can substitute with mozzarella or ricotta if needed.
→ Can I make this dish vegan?
You can omit the cheese and replace the pasta with a gluten-free option for a vegan version.
→ How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days, but the cheese may lose some creaminess.
Romantic Tomato Burrata Pasta
When I first tried my hand at making this Romantic Tomato Burrata Pasta, I was immediately transported to a quaint Italian bistro. The rich, creamy burrata paired with the vibrant freshness of tomatoes creates a dish that is not only visually stunning but also bursting with flavor. I love how easy it is to prepare, making it perfect for date nights or a cozy dinner at home. The combination ingredients delivers a romantic touch that truly elevates any meal occasion.
Created by: Josie Lambert
Recipe Type: Global Flavors
Skill Level: Beginner
Final Quantity: Serves 2
What You'll Need
For the Pasta
- 200g spaghetti or your preferred pasta
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 ball of burrata cheese
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
How-To Steps
Cook the pasta in salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). On a baking sheet, toss cherry tomatoes with olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Roast for 15-20 minutes until they are soft and slightly caramelized.
In a large bowl, mix the cooked pasta with the roasted tomatoes. Gently fold in the burrata cheese, allowing it to slightly melt. Serve with fresh basil leaves on top.
Extra Tips
- For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat. Also, ensure to use the freshest tomatoes you can find for the best taste.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Total Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
- Sodium: 110mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 43g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 6g
- Protein: 15g