Burrata pasta can correctly be termed comfort food with a gourmet twist. The rich, creamy interior of burrata melts into the warm pasta, coating each bite in silky sauce. Juicy tomatoes, fresh basil, and good-quality olive oil make it perfectly balanced between the simplicity of ingredients and boldness of taste.
If you like creamy pasta but want something a little fresher and lighter, and not a cream-based sauce, then this is your burrata pasta. Have this restaurant-worthy dish in under 30 minutes with just minimum effort and top-notch ingredients.
Why You Will Love This Burrata Pasta
- Ultra-creamy and dreamy – This is not due to any heavy cream; the courtesy actually comes from the burrata.
- Few fresh ingredients – Simple and elegant, they come together to make this dish both look and taste gourmet.
- Quick and easy – Ready in 30 minutes, perfect for a busy weeknight or special occasion.
- Versatile – Works well with other pasta shapes and additional ingredients like roasted vegetables or prosciutto.
Be it dinner for one, your family, or wanting to impress your guests, burrata pasta never disappoints.
Ingredients for Burrata Pasta
This dish comes together with just a handful of fresh ingredients:
For the Pasta:
- 12 oz (340g) pasta, such as spaghetti, rigatoni, or penne
- Salt for boiling water
For the Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ cup reserved pasta water
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Garnish:
- 1 large ball of burrata, or two smaller
- Fresh basil leaves
- Grated Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)
- Balsamic glaze (optional)
How to Make Burrata Pasta
1. Cook the Pasta
Boil salted water in a big pot. Cook your pasta in this seasoned water to al dente, just as directed in the package. In the last minute of cooking, reserve about ½ cup of pasta water before draining.
2. Sauté the Garlic and Tomatoes
In a large skillet over medium heat, heat the olive oil. Add minced garlic and cook, releasing the aroma, for about 30 seconds.
Add the cherry tomatoes, red pepper flakes, and oregano. Cook, occasionally stirring, for 5-7 minutes, or until the tomatoes start softening and just bursting.
3. Toss Pasta with the Sauce
Toss in the cooked pasta with the tomato mixture. If the sauce seems too thick, add some of the reserved pasta cooking water to give it a silky feel. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
4. Add the Burrata
Tear the burrata into large pieces and place them on top of the hot pasta. Let this sit for a minute or so; the heat will slightly melt the cheese, creating a creamy sauce.
5. Serve and Garnish
Mix the burrata into the pasta lightly, then top with fresh basil, grated Parmesan, and a drizzle of olive oil. Add more flavor with a balsamic glaze drizzle. Serve immediately!
How to Serve Burrata Pasta
This dish can be served with various sides. Here are some top choices:
- Garlic Bread – Perfect to clean up the creamiest burrata sauce from your plate.
- Simple Green Salad – A fresh, light arugula or spinach salad works great to contrast the rich dish.
- Grilled Vegetables – Add color, texture, and flavor.
Tips for the Best Burrata Pasta
- Use High-Quality Burrata – The fresher the burrata, the creamier and more flavorful it will be.
- Don’t Overcook the Tomatoes – Keep them slightly chunky for freshness in texture.
- Let the Burrata Sit on Warm Pasta – This allows it to soften and meld into the sauce naturally.
- Reserve Pasta Water – Helps loosen the sauce and gives a silky coating.
- Play with Pasta Shapes – Short pasta like rigatoni holds the sauce well, while spaghetti twirls beautifully with melted burrata.
Variations to Try
Want to customize your burrata pasta? Try these delicious variations:
- Pesto Burrata Pasta – Stir in a spoonful of basil pesto for extra flavor.
- Creamy Mushroom Burrata Pasta – Add sautéed mushrooms for an earthy depth.
- Burrata and Roasted Peppers – Roasted red peppers add sweetness and smokiness.
- Spicy ‘Nduja Burrata Pasta – Add in ‘nduja sausage for a spicy kick.
- Vegan Burrata Pasta – Use dairy-free burrata alternatives and vegan Parmesan.
This recipe is super versatile, so get creative!
Health Benefits of Burrata Pasta
While rich, this dish does have some great health benefits:
- Tomatoes Are Filled with Antioxidants – High in lycopene for heart health.
- Burrata Provides Calcium and Protein – A great source of dairy nutrition.
- Olive Oil Adds Healthy Fats – Maintains heart health and reduces inflammation.
- Fresh Basil is High in Vitamins – Excellent for immune support and digestion.
If the recipe is prepared with whole-grain pasta or balanced with vegetables, it can also form part of a healthy diet.
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
If you have leftovers, here’s how to keep them fresh:
Storing:
- Store in the refrigerator, in an airtight container, for up to 3 days.
- Freeze the sauce separately for up to 2 months for easy meal prep.
Reheating:
- Stovetop – Add a little splash of water or broth and warm over low heat.
- Microwave – Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.
- Oven – Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes, or until heated through.
Note: Burrata is best when fresh, so feel free to add extra cheese if serving reheated pasta.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is burrata necessary? Can I use mozzarella instead?
Yes! Mozzarella is denser than burrata but will still melt nicely with the pasta.
What tomatoes work best?
Heirloom or cherry tomatoes offer a nice sweetness vs. acidity contrast.
Can I make this as a pasta salad?
Yes! Just save the burrata fresh for presentation.
What type of pasta works best?
Short pasta like penne, rigatoni, or fusilli holds sauce well, but spaghetti is a classic choice.
Is burrata a kind of mozzarella?
Not exactly! Burrata is a ball of cheese filled with a creamy interior, while mozzarella is solid throughout.
Final Thoughts
Rich, creamy, and full of flavor, burrata pasta is gourmet in result but can be prepared in mere minutes. One could serve this recipe as a quick weeknight dinner or dress it up for a special occasion.
Fresh ingredients and a rich texture certainly prove that sometimes the simplest recipes are ultimately the most satisfying.
Give this recipe a try today and indulge in a bowl of creamy perfection!