If you are looking for a pasta dish that bursts with fresh, vibrant flavors and comforting richness, the Sweet Garlic Tomato & Basil Casarecce Recipe is an absolute gem. This recipe masterfully combines the mellow sweetness of slow-roasted garlic with the bright acidity of tomato passata and the fragrant freshness of basil, all wrapped in the delightfully textured casarecce pasta. Creamy burrata and a touch of Parmesan elevate every bite, making this a dish you’ll want to come back to again and again. Whether you’re cooking for family or impressing friends, this Sweet Garlic Tomato & Basil Casarecce Recipe promises a deliciously memorable meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of the Sweet Garlic Tomato & Basil Casarecce Recipe lies in its simplicity and quality ingredients. Each one plays a critical role: garlic gives depth and subtle sweetness, tomatoes add vibrant acidity, basil brings herbal brightness, and the creamy burrata finishes with luxury. Using fresh, well-chosen ingredients will truly make your dish sing.
- Casarecce pasta: This uniquely twisted pasta shape holds sauces wonderfully, ensuring every bite is flavorful.
- Garlic bulbs: Roasting garlic mellows its sharpness and brings out a natural sweetness that balances the tomatoes.
- Extra virgin olive oil: Used both for roasting and finishing, it adds richness and fruitiness.
- Salt: Essential for seasoning and enhancing the flavors across the dish.
- Unsalted butter: Adds silkiness and a subtle caramel note when browned.
- Tomato passata: Provides a smooth, concentrated tomato base that simmers into a luscious sauce.
- Parmesan rind: Infuses the sauce with umami and depth as it simmers.
- Burrata cheese: The luscious, creamy cheese topping that adds indulgence and contrast to the tomato sauce.
- Fresh basil: Garnishes the dish with bright, herbal notes and a pop of green color.
How to Make Sweet Garlic Tomato & Basil Casarecce Recipe
Step 1: Roast the Garlic
Begin by preheating your oven to 325°F (165°C). Peel the garlic cloves from two bulbs, making sure they’re clean but whole, and place them snugly into a small oven-safe dish. Pour in enough extra virgin olive oil to cover the cloves completely and season with a little salt. Roasting garlic slowly in olive oil transforms it from pungent and sharp to soft, sweet, and buttery—a magical flavor foundation for this dish.
Step 2: Mash the Roasted Garlic
Once roasted for about 45 minutes, the garlic cloves will be tender and lightly golden. Remove the dish from the oven and gently mash the garlic cloves with a fork. Set this fragrant garlic paste aside, and don’t forget to keep the flavorful garlic-infused olive oil—it will be a secret ingredient that boosts your sauce’s depth.
Step 3: Make the Sauce
In a heavy-bottomed pot, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Let it simmer until it bubbles warmly and turns a delicate caramel brown, which adds a nutty complexity. Add the tomato passata, the freshly mashed garlic confit, and the Parmesan rind for richness and umami. Pour in the reserved garlic oil to amplify the garlicky goodness. Season with salt, then stir to combine before letting this sauce gently simmer on low heat for 15 minutes. This slow melding allows every flavor to harmonize beautifully.
Step 4: Cook the Casarecce Pasta
While your sauce simmers, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the casarecce pasta until al dente, following the package directions closely for perfect bite. Before draining, don’t forget to save 3/4 cup of the pasta cooking water—this starchy liquid will help bring your sauce and pasta together flawlessly.
Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Remove the Parmesan rind from your sauce and take the pot off the heat. In a large sauté pan, toss together the cooked pasta, the remaining 4 tablespoons of butter, and about 1/4 cup of your reserved pasta water over medium heat. Stir gently but thoroughly to coat the pasta with the luscious sauce. If needed, add more pasta water a little at a time until your sauce reaches the perfect, silky consistency that clings to every twist of casarecce.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Plate your pasta with care and generous portions of burrata cheese on each serving. Top with fresh basil leaves and a final drizzle of extra virgin olive oil to add that lovely glossy finish. Serving this dish immediately ensures you enjoy the cheeses creamy richness alongside the warm, garlicky tomato sauce—pure bliss in every forkful.
How to Serve Sweet Garlic Tomato & Basil Casarecce Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh basil is an absolute must for a beautiful pop of color and a burst of herbal brightness. A sprinkle of cracked black pepper or a few shavings of Parmesan can add extra depth and visual appeal. Drizzling extra virgin olive oil just before serving adds a luscious sheen and enhances the dish’s vibrancy.
Side Dishes
Pairing this Sweet Garlic Tomato & Basil Casarecce Recipe with a crisp green salad offers a refreshing contrast to the richness of the sauce. Garlic bread or a crusty baguette is also perfect for soaking up every last drop of that dreamy tomato and garlic sauce. For a heartier meal, a simple roasted vegetable or grilled chicken works beautifully alongside.
Creative Ways to Present
For entertaining, serve the casarecce in individual shallow bowls and top each with burrata and basil right at the table, letting guests break into the cheese themselves. You can also arrange the pasta as a bed under roasted cherry tomatoes or even add a drizzle of balsamic glaze to create a playful flavor twist and stunning presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers from your Sweet Garlic Tomato & Basil Casarecce Recipe, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s best enjoyed within 2 to 3 days for optimal freshness and flavor.
Freezing
While this recipe tastes best fresh, you can freeze the sauce separately without the burrata for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Avoid freezing the cooked pasta as the texture may suffer.
Reheating
Reheat the pasta gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce and prevent it from drying out. Add fresh burrata after reheating for a creamy finish close to the original experience.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While casarecce is ideal for holding the sauce, other shapes like penne, rigatoni, or even fusilli work well too. Just cook according to package instructions and enjoy.
What if I don’t have tomato passata?
If you don’t have tomato passata, you can substitute with high-quality canned crushed tomatoes, but the sauce may be slightly chunkier. Blending them smooth before cooking will help replicate passata’s texture.
Is there a way to make this dish vegan?
You can make a vegan version by replacing butter with olive oil or vegan margarine and omitting the burrata. Consider using a vegan cheese or sprinkle with nutritional yeast for a cheesy note.
How do I know when the garlic is roasted enough?
The roasted garlic cloves should be soft enough to easily mash with a fork and have a light golden color. If they are still firm or sharp in taste, allow them to roast a little longer.
Can I prepare parts of the recipe ahead of time?
Yes, roasting the garlic in advance saves time, and the sauce can be made the day before. Just reheat gently and add fresh butter and pasta water when tossing with pasta for the best texture and flavor.
Final Thoughts
Making the Sweet Garlic Tomato & Basil Casarecce Recipe is like giving yourself a big, warm hug through food. The simple, fresh ingredients come together to create a dish that feels both elegant and comforting. Give this recipe a try—it’s perfect for any occasion when you want to impress yourself or loved ones with something truly special, easy, and utterly delicious.
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Sweet Garlic Tomato & Basil Casarecce Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Sweet Garlic Tomato & Basil Casarecce recipe features tender casarecce pasta tossed in a luscious tomato sauce infused with roasted garlic and Parmesan. Finished with creamy burrata and fresh basil, this comforting Italian dish offers rich, sweet, and savory flavors perfect for a satisfying dinner.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 1/2 lb. casarecce pasta
Roasted Garlic
- 2 bulbs of garlic
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil (approximate, for roasting garlic)
- Salt to taste
Sauce
- 6 tbsp. unsalted butter, divided
- 28 oz. tomato passata
- 1 Parmesan rind
- Salt to taste
- Reserved garlic-infused olive oil from roasting
Topping
- 8 oz. burrata
- Fresh basil for garnish
- Extra virgin olive oil for drizzling
Instructions
- Roast the Garlic: Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Peel the garlic cloves from 2 bulbs and place them in a small oven-safe baking dish. Pour enough extra virgin olive oil to fully submerge the garlic cloves. Season with salt to taste and roast uncovered in the oven for 45 minutes until cloves are soft and lightly golden.
- Mash Roasted Garlic: Remove the garlic confit from the oven and mash the soft garlic cloves with a fork. Set aside the mashed garlic and reserve the garlic-infused olive oil for later use.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a heavy-bottomed pot, melt 2 tbsp. butter over medium heat. Allow it to bubble and turn a light caramel brown color to develop nutty flavor.
- Add Ingredients to Sauce: Stir in the tomato passata, mashed garlic confit, and Parmesan rind. Pour in the reserved garlic-infused olive oil and season with salt to taste. Let the sauce simmer gently over low heat for 15 minutes to meld flavors.
- Cook the Pasta: While the sauce simmers, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the casarecce pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Reserve 3/4 cup of pasta water before draining.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Remove the Parmesan rind from the sauce and take the sauce off heat. In a large sauté pan, add the cooked pasta, remaining 4 tbsp. butter, and 1/4 cup reserved pasta water. Toss over medium heat, gently stirring to combine evenly. Add more pasta water in 1/4 cup increments as needed, until desired sauce consistency is reached.
- Serve: Plate the pasta and top each serving with a generous portion of burrata cheese, fresh basil leaves, and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil. Serve immediately for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Roasting garlic in olive oil mellows its flavor, adding sweetness and depth to the sauce.
- Reserve pasta water helps adjust sauce consistency and helps the sauce cling to the pasta better.
- Use fresh burrata for creamy texture and rich taste.
- Simmer the sauce gently to allow flavors to meld without bitterness.
- Adjust salt cautiously since Parmesan rind adds some saltiness.
