Creamy Tomato and Basil Pasta with Burrata

My creamy tomato pasta recipe with basil & burrata is pure comfort food! So easy, even weeknights feel special. Discover the secret to its incredible flavor!

Alright, let's dive into the wonderful world of pasta recipe perfection! Ever crave something so comforting, it feels like a warm hug from your Nonna? I know I do!

The Creamy Tomato Dream: An Introduction

This pasta recipe isn't just another weeknight meal. It's a creamy, dreamy hug in a bowl. The secret? Fresh basil and a ball of burrata. This is like, next level stuff, folks!

This recipe takes inspiration from the heart of italian cooking. it brings that tradition right to your kitchen. don’t worry, it's not rocket science.

It’s an easy recipe. it will take you around 40 minutes to make four servings. this is perfect for a family dinner or a chill night with friends.

Why This Pasta Will Rock Your World

Honestly, this pasta recipe is amazing for several reasons. one, it is packed with flavor. two, the burrata. oh my gosh, the burrata makes it extra special! tomatoes are full of lycopene, a great antioxidant.

This meal is perfect for a cozy night. it will impress your friends! this pasta recipe brings comfort and a little touch of fancy to your dinner table.

Now, speaking of fancy, let’s talk about making homemade pasta . it’s not as scary as it sounds! sure, you can totally use store-bought pasta for this homemade pasta recipe and it will be great! but there is something awesome about easy homemade pasta made using your pasta maker .

Imagine pulling out your pasta roller . you're making fresh noodles on the table. trust me, the flavor and experience are awesome! you could whip up a batch of homemade pasta dough while the sauce simmers.

It's a labor of love, i know. it will be worth it! it might be good to explore a blog with your favorite pasta recipes .

Ingredients You'll Need

• Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons (30 ml)

• Yellow Onion: 1 medium, finely diced (approx. 1 cup)

• Garlic: 3 cloves, minced

• Tomato Paste: 2 tablespoons (30 g)

• Crushed Tomatoes: 28 ounces (800g)

• Heavy Cream: 1 cup (240 ml)

• Dried Oregano: 1 teaspoon (5 ml)

• Red Pepper Flakes: ¼ teaspoon (1 ml) (optional)

• Salt: to taste

• Black Pepper: to taste

• Fresh Basil: ½ cup, chopped, plus extra for garnish

• Pasta: 1 pound (450g), penne or rigatoni recommended.

• Pasta Water: 1 cup, reserved

• Burrata: 4 ounces (115g), 1 ball

• Fresh Basil Leaves: a few, for garnish

• Grated Parmesan Cheese (optional): for serving.

Alright, let's talk about what you need to nail this amazing creamy tomato pasta! this isn't just any pasta recipe .

This is the pasta recipe to impress your friends. trust me, i've made it a million times. i even tried to make homemade pasta for this once.

It was… an adventure. let's just say stick to the store-bought stuff for this one, unless you're feeling really ambitious!

Ingredients & Equipment: Your Toolkit for Pasta Perfection

Okay, so let's get down to brass tacks. What do you actually need to make this dream a reality?

Main Ingredients: The Building Blocks

• Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons (30 ml). Seriously, good olive oil matters. Look for something fruity.
• Yellow Onion: 1 medium, diced. About a cup. If you cry while chopping onions, I feel you.
• Garlic: 3 cloves, minced. Fresh is best here. Don't even think about using the jarred stuff.
• Tomato Paste: 2 tablespoons (30 g). This is flavor central.
• Crushed Tomatoes: 28 ounces (800g). Get the good stuff. San Marzano if you can swing it.
• Heavy Cream: 1 cup (240 ml). Don't skimp! This is what makes it creamy.
• Dried Oregano: 1 teaspoon (5 ml). Adds that classic Italian touch.
• Red Pepper Flakes: ¼ teaspoon (1 ml). Optional, but I like a little kick.
• Salt & Black Pepper: To taste. Don't be shy! Season it like you mean it.
• Fresh Basil: ½ cup, chopped. Plus extra for garnish. Fresh is crucial!
• Pasta: 1 pound (450g), penne or rigatoni. I think rigatoni is the absolute best.
• Pasta Water: 1 cup , reserved. Save this liquid gold!
• Burrata: 4 ounces (115g). The star of the show! Get fresh burrata from the store.
• Fresh Basil Leaves: For garnish, because we’re fancy.
• Grated Parmesan Cheese: Optional. For extra cheesy goodness.

Seasoning Notes: The Secret Sauce

Oregano and basil are an essential combo. Honestly, I'd skip the pasta recipe altogether if I didn't have basil. A pinch of sugar can also balance the acidity of the tomatoes.

If you are adventurous, get some Flavor enhancers and aromatics and explore your favorite pasta recipes .

Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple

• Large pot: For boiling pasta. Duh.
• Large skillet: For the sauce. Gotta have enough room.
• Colander: To drain the pasta. Don't skip this!
• Chef’s knife: For chopping. Keep it sharp!
• Cutting board: To protect your countertops.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Accuracy is key.

You don't need a fancy pasta maker for this, promise. this is easy homemade pasta at its finest, even without a pasta roller .

I promise you won't feel the need to make homemade pasta dough unless you're really committed. no homemade noodles today.

I think you are ready! Let's get cooking and make some deliciousness.

Alright, let’s talk about cooking this amazing creamy tomato pasta. honestly, who doesn't love a good pasta recipe ? this one is inspired by a classic, but we're giving it a little twist with fresh basil and burrata.

Oh my gosh, it's so good!

Prep Like a Pro: Mise en Place Matters

First, the essential mise en place . dice one medium yellow onion. mince three cloves of garlic. measure out 2 tablespoons of tomato paste.

Get your 28 ounces of crushed tomatoes ready. pour 1 cup of heavy cream. chop a half cup of fresh basil, plus extra for garnish.

Got it? good. this is how you win.

Time-Saving Tip: Chop all the veggies before you even turn on the stove. Trust me. You'll thank me later.

Creamy Tomato Pasta in Action: Let's Cook!

1. Cook 1 pound of pasta in salted water until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water. Important : don't overcook! We want that bite.
2. Sauté the diced onion in 2 tablespoons of olive oil until soft. Add the minced garlic. Cook until fragrant, but not burnt, ok?
3. Stir in 2 tablespoons of tomato paste. Cook for 1 minute to caramelize it slightly.
4. Add 28 ounces of crushed tomatoes, 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, ¼ teaspoon of red pepper flakes (if you like it spicy!), salt, and pepper. Simmer for at least 15 minutes .
5. Stir in 1 cup of heavy cream and the chopped fresh basil. Simmer for another 5 minutes . The sauce should thicken slightly.
6. Add the drained pasta to the sauce. Toss it all together. Add pasta water if needed.
7. Serve! Top with burrata and fresh basil leaves. Parmesan cheese is optional.

Pro Tips for the Win

Don’t skip the pasta water! Seriously, that starchy water is liquid gold.

Common mistake? Burning the garlic! Keep an eye on it. Low and slow wins the race.

Make-Ahead? Totally! The sauce can be made a day in advance. Just store it in the fridge.

Okay, i'm getting hungry just writing this. the benefits of this recipe? comfort food heaven. it's the favorite pasta recipes for a reason! making easy homemade pasta like this doesn't have to be intimidating.

And if you're feeling ambitious, make homemade pasta from scratch! a pasta maker and homemade pasta dough is all you need to get started.

Soon, you'll be crafting gorgeous homemade noodles like a pro.

Honestly, this is one of those recipes i make when i need a hug in a bowl. the creamy tomato sauce is just… chef's kiss.

You know? pasta making can be a lot of fun, especially when the end result is this delicious. go on, give it a try!

Alright, let's talk about all those little extras that can really take this creamy tomato and basil pasta recipe to the next level.

I'm talking about the stuff beyond the actual cooking! think of this as the "secret sauce" to making your dish a total knockout.

Recipe Notes: Making it Your Own

Serving Suggestions: Time to Plate!

Okay, so the pasta's cooked, the sauce is simmering, and the burrata is ready to go. how do we make it look amazing ? first, ditch the giant bowls.

Seriously! individual bowls are where it's at. twirl the pasta into a pretty little nest. then, spoon that luscious sauce all over.

Plop that creamy burrata right on top. i love a generous drizzle of good olive oil, too. a few fresh basil leaves complete the look.

Garlic bread is a must, of course. and a simple green salad is a great way to balance the richness of the pasta recipe .

Honestly, a glass of chianti? perfection. i always think serving with a nice cool pinot grigio will give that extra refreshing vibe when eating.

Storage Tips: Leftover Love

Got leftovers? lucky you! this pasta recipe is just as good the next day. honestly. store it in an airtight container in the fridge.

It'll keep for about 3 days. you can even freeze it, although the burrata might get a little weird. if you're planning to freeze, maybe skip the burrata and add it fresh when you reheat.

To reheat, just microwave it or warm it up in a pan on the stove. you might need a splash of water to loosen the sauce.

Honestly, sometimes i add a little extra cream when reheating... don't judge.

Variations: Remix Time!

Want to shake things up? make homemade pasta . it's a bit more work, but totally worth it. if you want an easy homemade pasta , try using just flour, eggs, and a little olive oil.

Knead it until it's smooth. you can even use a pasta maker or pasta roller to make it super thin and even.

Cut into homemade noodles and you got a feast!. you can find a homemade pasta dough recipe online and start pasta making today, there are many favorite pasta recipes out there.

Need a dairy-free version? no problem. coconut milk works great instead of heavy cream. and you can totally skip the burrata or find a vegan alternative.

If you don't like basil, parsley or oregano is your go-to. honestly, it's all about what you like!

Nutrition Basics: The Good Stuff

Okay, so this isn't exactly a salad. but it's not terrible for you either. we're talking roughly 650 calories per serving.

Lots of carbs (hey, it's pasta!), a decent amount of protein, and some healthy fats from the olive oil and burrata.

The tomatoes are packed with antioxidants, and basil is a great source of vitamins. plus, it makes you happy, which is always a good thing.

Honestly, sometimes you just need a big bowl of comfort food. and this creamy tomato and basil pasta recipe definitely delivers.

So go ahead, make it, enjoy it, and don't worry too much about the numbers.

And remember: don't get discouraged if it isn't "perfect" the first time. Just keep tweaking it until you find what works for you. You got this!

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the best type of pasta to use for this creamy tomato pasta recipe?

While you can use any pasta you like, penne or rigatoni work especially well with this creamy tomato sauce. Their ridges and tubular shape help to grab onto all that delicious flavor. Think of it like a little edible sponge, soaking up all the goodness. You could even go wild and try conchiglie (shells) - they're particularly good at trapping the sauce!

Can I make this pasta recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! This creamy tomato pasta recipe is already vegetarian-friendly. To make it even more substantial, feel free to add sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers to the sauce. It's a great way to sneak in some extra veggies and make the dish even healthier. Just like Jamie Oliver, you can load it up with fresh veggies!

How can I store leftover creamy tomato pasta?

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The sauce might thicken slightly, so add a splash of milk or water when reheating to loosen it up. Avoid freezing this particular pasta recipe as the burrata will not retain its texture after thawing. If you're meal prepping it's best to add the Burrata just before serving.

Is there a dairy-free version of this pasta recipe?

Yes, you can easily make this creamy tomato pasta dairy-free! Substitute the heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk for a richer flavour, or cashew cream for a more neutral, lighter flavor. Replace the burrata with vegan mozzarella or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavour and some extra vitamins! This is an easy adaptation so that everyone can enjoy this dish!

Can I add protein to this tomato pasta recipe?

Definitely! Grilled chicken, shrimp, or Italian sausage would be delicious additions to this pasta recipe. You could also add some white beans or chickpeas for a vegetarian protein boost. Simply cook your protein of choice separately and then add it to the sauce before combining it with the pasta. Sorted!

How can I adjust the recipe to be spicier?

If you're looking to add some heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce does the trick. You can also add a finely chopped fresh chili, or even a dash of your favorite hot sauce. Just like Nigella Lawson, experiment to find your perfect level of spice.

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