A Simple Yet Sophisticated Pasta Delight
Prepare to elevate your pasta night with this extraordinary Spaghetti with Cherry Tomato Sauce and Burrata—a dish that transforms simple ingredients into a culinary masterpiece. Imagine al dente spaghetti bathed in a rich, vibrant cherry tomato sauce, crowned with a luxurious ball of creamy burrata that melts into pure indulgence. This recipe proves that sometimes the most incredible meals come from the simplest combinations, bringing together the brightness of fresh tomatoes, the depth of aromatics, and the ultimate creaminess of burrata.
Ingredients
For the Pasta
- Spaghetti: 250 g (8.8 oz)
- Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons (30 ml)
- Red Onion: 1 medium
- Garlic Cloves: 3
- Cherry Tomatoes: 150 g (5.3 oz)
- Salt: To taste
- Black Pepper: To taste
- Tomato Paste: 2 tablespoons (30 ml)
- Vegetable Broth: 700 ml (23.7 fl oz)
- Fresh Basil: A handful
- Burrata Cheese: 1 ball
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Sauce
- Prepare Vegetables:
- Finely dice the red onion
- Mince the garlic cloves
- Halve the cherry tomatoes
- Sauté Aromatics:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet
- Add diced onion
- Sauté until soft and translucent
- Add minced garlic
- Cook for another 1-2 minutes
- Create Tomato Base:
- Add halved cherry tomatoes
- Stir in tomato paste
- Season with salt and pepper
- Cook for 5-7 minutes until tomatoes start to break down
- Build the Sauce:
- Pour in vegetable broth
- Simmer and reduce for 10-15 minutes
- Sauce should thicken and become rich
Cooking the Pasta
- Cook Spaghetti:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to boil
- Cook spaghetti until al dente
- Reserve a cup of pasta water before draining
- Combine Pasta and Sauce:
- Add cooked spaghetti directly to the sauce
- Toss to coat thoroughly
- If needed, add reserved pasta water to loosen sauce
Finishing Touches
- Final Preparation:
- Tear fresh basil leaves
- Gently fold basil into the pasta
- Transfer to serving plates
- Add Burrata:
- Place a whole burrata on top of each serving
- Tear open just before serving
- Allow creamy center to mix with hot pasta
Serving
Serve immediately, letting the burrata create a luxurious sauce as it melts.
Nutritional Information
- Servings: 2-3
- Calories per Serving: Approximately 400-450 calories
- Protein: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fat: 20g
Cooking Time and Preparation
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
- Total Time: Approximately 35-40 minutes
- Difficulty: Easy
Pro Cooking Tips
- Use the freshest cherry tomatoes possible
- Don’t overcook the pasta—aim for al dente
- Reserve pasta water to help create a silky sauce
- Tear burrata just before serving for maximum creaminess
- Use high-quality olive oil for best flavor
Recipe Variations and Substitutions
- Pasta Alternatives:
- Use other long pasta like linguine or fettuccine
- Try whole wheat or gluten-free pasta
- Cheese Variations:
- Substitute burrata with fresh mozzarella
- Use vegan cheese for a dairy-free option
- Flavor Modifications:
- Add red pepper flakes for heat
- Incorporate garlic confit for deeper flavor
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Make This Ahead of Time?
Best prepared fresh, but sauce can be made in advance.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Refrigerate without burrata for up to 2 days.
Can I Use Dried Herbs?
Fresh basil is recommended, but dried can be substituted.
What If I Can’t Find Burrata?
Use fresh mozzarella or ricotta as an alternative.
Is This Dish Vegetarian?
Yes, it’s a vegetarian recipe.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
- Refrigeration: Store sauce separately from pasta
- Freezing: Not recommended due to dairy and fresh ingredients
- Reheating: Gently warm sauce, add fresh burrata
Indulge in this Spaghetti with Cherry Tomato Sauce and Burrata—a dish that turns a simple pasta night into a gourmet experience!