Creamy Burst Cherry Tomato Pasta with Burrata
A quick and comforting pasta dish featuring gently burst cherry tomatoes in a creamy sauce, topped with luscious burrata cheese and fresh basil. Perfect for cozy dinners with simple ingredients and rich flavors.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
- 2 cups (300g) whole cherry tomatoes
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 cup (120ml) heavy cream
- 1/2 cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 8 ounces (225g) pasta (spaghetti, linguine, or fettuccine)
- 1 ball burrata cheese (about 4 ounces / 115g)
- A handful fresh basil, roughly chopped
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 ounces (225g) of pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 9-11 minutes. Reserve 1 cup (240ml) of pasta water, then drain and set pasta aside.
- Heat 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to brown it.
- Add whole cherry tomatoes to the skillet. Sprinkle with red pepper flakes if using, and season lightly with salt and black pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 8-10 minutes until tomatoes soften and start to burst, releasing their juices.
- Lower the heat and pour in 1/2 cup (120ml) heavy cream. Stir gently to combine with the tomato juices and let simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Stir in 1/2 cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time to loosen it to desired consistency.
- Add the cooked pasta directly into the skillet and toss gently with the sauce until well coated. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt or pepper if needed.
- Transfer pasta to serving bowls. Tear the burrata ball over the top, allowing the creamy center to ooze out. Sprinkle with chopped fresh basil.
- Serve immediately while warm, enjoying the burrata melting into the pasta.
Notes
Use ripe cherry tomatoes for best sweetness and bursting effect. Cook tomatoes gently over medium heat to avoid burning. Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency. Add burrata just before serving to maintain creamy texture. Fresh basil added last keeps aroma bright. Burrata can be substituted with fresh mozzarella but will be less creamy. For dairy-free, swap cream with coconut milk and use plant-based cheese alternatives.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approxima
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 7
- Sodium: 450
- Fat: 32
- Saturated Fat: 15
- Carbohydrates: 45
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 18
Keywords: cherry tomato pasta, creamy pasta, burrata pasta, easy pasta recipe, quick dinner, comfort food, Italian pasta, vegetarian pasta