If you are craving a dish that tastes like summer on a plate, this Burrata Caprese Pasta Recipe is exactly what you need. It combines bright, juicy cherry tomatoes with the creamy lushness of burrata cheese, fresh basil, and perfectly cooked pasta to create a dish that feels both indulgent and refreshingly light. Every bite bursts with vibrant color and unforgettable flavor, making this recipe a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for any occasion.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t let the simplicity of these ingredients fool you; each one plays a vital role in bringing together the flavors, textures, and colors that make this dish so special. From the fresh basil’s aromatic lift to the creamy burrata’s heavenly richness, everything here complements one another perfectly.
- 14 ounces spaghetti or linguine: Choose your favorite long pasta for the best texture and sauce coverage.
- 14 ounces cherry tomatoes, halved: Sweet and juicy, these form the natural, flavorful base of your sauce.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Adds aromatic depth and a gentle kick without overpowering.
- 1 small bunch fresh basil leaves, torn: Fresh basil provides that unmistakable Caprese fragrance and freshness.
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil: Enriches the dish with silky texture and enhances all other flavors.
- 9 ounces burrata cheese (2 medium balls): The star of the dish, creamy and luscious, melting into your pasta.
- 1 teaspoon sea salt, plus extra for pasta water: Essential for balancing sweetness and enhancing natural flavors.
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper: Adds subtle warmth and complexity.
- Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional): A little heat that wakes up the palate without stealing the show.
- Additional fresh basil leaves: For garnish and that final fresh pop.
- Drizzle of olive oil: To finish with a glossy shine and extra richness.
How to Make Burrata Caprese Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Boil Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil and cooking your spaghetti or linguine until it reaches al dente perfection — tender but with a slight bite. Be sure to reserve about a half cup of the pasta cooking water before draining; that starchy water is a secret ingredient for a luscious sauce.
Step 2: Prepare Garlic Base
While your pasta is cooking, warm up extra-virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in the minced garlic and sauté it gently for about one minute just until fragrant — you want it to infuse the oil without browning or burning to keep the flavor bright and fresh.
Step 3: Cook Tomatoes
Next, add your halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet along with sea salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if you’re using them. Cook this mixture, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes soften and begin releasing their juicy sweetness. This takes about 5 to 7 minutes and creates a natural, vibrant sauce.
Step 4: Combine Pasta with Sauce
Once your tomatoes have broken down beautifully, toss the drained pasta into the skillet. Stir carefully to marry the strands of pasta with the tomato sauce. Add reserved pasta water a little at a time to achieve a silky, glossy coating that clings perfectly to each noodle without being too heavy or dry.
Step 5: Finish with Basil
Remove the skillet from heat and gently fold in the torn fresh basil leaves. This last-minute addition ensures the herb’s fragrance remains bright and fresh, lifting the entire dish with subtle complexity.
Step 6: Plate and Top with Burrata
Transfer your pasta to a large serving platter or individual plates. Nestle the burrata balls on top—then tear them open ever so gently. The creamy center oozes out beautifully, creating an irresistible, silky contrast to the tangy tomato base.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
For the finishing touch, drizzle a little more olive oil over the dish and scatter some extra basil leaves on top. Serve this dish immediately so you can enjoy the spectacular cheese pull effect that makes this Burrata Caprese Pasta Recipe both stunning and delicious.
How to Serve Burrata Caprese Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your pasta even further, consider sprinkling freshly cracked black pepper and a few flakes of red pepper on top for a hint of heat. A sprinkle of flaky sea salt can also enhance texture and flavor beautifully. For a touch of sparkle, a tiny drizzle of balsamic glaze pairs wonderfully with the creamy burrata and sweet tomatoes.
Side Dishes
This pasta shines brightly all on its own, but if you want to create a full Mediterranean-inspired meal, consider serving it alongside a crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette or some garlic bread for soaking up every last bit of sauce. Lightly grilled vegetables or a chilled white wine complement the fresh flavors exceptionally well.
Creative Ways to Present
For a show-stopping presentation, serve the pasta family-style on a large, beautiful platter with burrata balls carefully arranged across the top. Alternatively, you can portion it into individual bowls and tear the burrata into each serving for a personal touch. Adding edible flowers or microgreens can create an Instagram-worthy finish that’s sure to impress guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Because this Burrata Caprese Pasta Recipe tastes best fresh, leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator and consumed within 1 to 2 days. Keep the burrata separate if possible to maintain its creamy texture.
Freezing
Freezing is not recommended for this dish since the delicate texture of burrata and fresh basil won’t withstand the process well. The tomatoes may break down and alter in flavor, so it’s best to enjoy this pasta fresh.
Reheating
When reheating leftovers, warm gently on the stove over low heat, stirring carefully and adding a splash of water or olive oil to refresh the sauce’s silky texture. Avoid microwaving with burrata, and instead add new fresh burrata on top after warming for the best experience.
FAQs
Can I use mozzarella instead of burrata?
You can substitute fresh mozzarella, but burrata’s creamy center really makes this recipe special. Mozzarella will give you the right texture but won’t have the same luxurious melt and creaminess.
What type of pasta works best?
Spaghetti or linguine are ideal because their long strands catch the sauce beautifully. That said, feel free to experiment with other pasta shapes like fettuccine or even penne if you prefer a different bite.
Is this recipe suitable for a vegan diet?
The burrata cheese is dairy-based, so this recipe isn’t vegan as is. For a vegan alternative, try using a plant-based creamy cheese or cashew cream to mimic the burrata’s richness.
Can I prepare parts of this dish ahead of time?
You can wash and halve the tomatoes and mince the garlic in advance. Cooking the pasta and preparing the tomato sauce are best done fresh for optimal flavor and texture.
How do I keep the pasta from drying out?
Remember to reserve some pasta cooking water to loosen the sauce before tossing. This starchy water helps create a silky consistency and prevents the pasta from drying out.
Final Thoughts
This Burrata Caprese Pasta Recipe is one of those dishes you’ll want to make again and again because it’s just that delightful. It combines simple ingredients into a perfect harmony of freshness, creaminess, and vibrant flavor that feels like a hug on a plate. Give it a try—you’ll likely find it becoming a fast favorite in your recipe collection just like it is in mine!
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Burrata Caprese Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A fresh and vibrant Burrata Caprese Pasta that combines al dente spaghetti with juicy cherry tomatoes, fragrant garlic, and fresh basil, finished with creamy burrata cheese and a drizzle of olive oil. This simple yet elegant dish comes together in 30 minutes, perfect for a quick, restaurant-quality meal at home.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 14 ounces spaghetti or linguine
- 1 teaspoon sea salt (for pasta water, plus extra as needed)
Sauce and Toppings
- 14 ounces cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small bunch fresh basil leaves, torn
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, plus a drizzle for finishing
- 9 ounces burrata cheese (2 medium balls)
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Boil pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water before draining the pasta.
- Prepare garlic base: While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
- Cook tomatoes: Add the halved cherry tomatoes, sea salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using to the skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 5 to 7 minutes until the tomatoes soften and release their juices, forming a light sauce.
- Combine pasta with sauce: Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the tomato mixture. Toss well to combine, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time as needed to create a silky, smooth sauce that coats the pasta.
- Finish with basil: Remove the skillet from heat. Add the torn fresh basil leaves and gently toss to distribute the herb throughout.
- Plate and top with cheese: Transfer the pasta to individual serving plates or a large serving platter. Place whole balls of burrata on top, then gently tear them open to expose the creamy interior.
- Garnish and serve: Drizzle the dish with extra olive oil and scatter additional fresh basil leaves over the top. Serve immediately to enjoy the best texture and flavor, especially the cheesy pull from the burrata.
Notes
- Reserve pasta water is crucial to adjust sauce consistency and help it cling to the pasta.
- Use fresh, good quality burrata cheese for the best creamy texture and flavor.
- Optional red pepper flakes add a slight heat, but can be omitted for a milder dish.
- Serve immediately after adding burrata to enjoy its creamy center at its freshest.
- This dish pairs well with a light white wine or sparkling water for a refreshing meal.
