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Fresh Burst Cherry Tomato Pasta Recipe with Creamy Burrata and Basil for Easy Homemade Dinner

fresh burst cherry tomato pasta - featured image

A quick and easy pasta dish featuring cherry tomatoes gently bursting in olive oil, topped with creamy burrata and fresh basil for a light yet indulgent meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups (about 300g) cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 8 ounces (225g) spaghetti or linguine
  • A generous handful fresh basil leaves, torn
  • 1 ball burrata cheese (about 46 ounces or 120-170g)
  • Lemon zest from one lemon (optional)
  • Grated Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 ounces (225g) of spaghetti or linguine and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Reserve 1/2 cup (120ml) of pasta water before draining.
  2. While the pasta cooks, heat 3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 3 thinly sliced garlic cloves and 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes if using. Cook gently for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant without browning the garlic.
  3. Add 2 cups (300g) of halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook uncovered for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tomatoes soften and begin to burst, releasing their natural juices.
  4. When the pasta is ready, drain it and add directly to the skillet with the tomatoes. Toss well to coat the pasta in the sauce, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time if it looks dry.
  5. Remove from heat and stir in a generous handful of torn fresh basil leaves. Grate lemon zest over the top if desired.
  6. Divide the pasta among plates and top each serving with a ball of creamy burrata. Let it soften slightly before mixing it into the warm pasta.
  7. Finish with a drizzle of olive oil and freshly grated Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve immediately.

Notes

Keep the heat moderate when cooking garlic to avoid bitterness. Do not rinse pasta after draining to help sauce cling better. Save some pasta water to adjust sauce consistency. Let burrata soften on warm pasta before mixing for creamy pockets. For gluten-free, use gluten-free noodles; for dairy-free, substitute burrata with avocado or vegan cheese.

Nutrition

Keywords: cherry tomato pasta, burrata pasta, easy pasta recipe, summer pasta, fresh basil pasta, quick dinner, vegetarian pasta