Cherry Tomato Pasta with Basil and Burrata Recipe

Introduction

Cherry Tomato Pasta is a simple yet vibrant dish packed with fresh flavors. The sweetness of roasted cherry tomatoes combined with garlic, basil, and parmesan creates a delicious, colorful meal perfect for any day of the week.

Ingredients

• 12 ounces spaghetti
• 3 quarts water (12 cups or 3 liters)
• 1 ½ tablespoons salt (21 grams), divided
• 2 pounds cherry tomatoes, halved
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1 clove garlic, pressed or grated
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 twists black pepper
• ⅛ teaspoon red pepper flakes (or more to taste)
• 15 fresh basil leaves, plus more for garnishing
• ½ cup parmesan cheese, grated (or non-dairy cheese)
• 1–2 burrata (optional, for topping when serving)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Put a large pot of water to boil. Once boiling, add 1 ½ tablespoons of salt and the spaghetti. Cook according to package instructions minus 2 minutes to keep it slightly undercooked.
2. Step 2: While the pasta cooks, heat 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the halved cherry tomatoes, 1 teaspoon salt, black pepper, pressed garlic, and red pepper flakes. Cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes soften and release their juices.
3. Step 3: Reserve 1 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta. Add the pasta directly into the skillet with the tomato sauce.
4. Step 4: Add about half a cup of the reserved pasta water and fresh basil leaves to the pasta and sauce. Toss and cook for a few minutes until the pasta finishes cooking to al dente and the sauce thickens. Add more pasta water as needed to achieve desired consistency.
5. Step 5: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the grated parmesan cheese until melted and well combined.
6. Step 6: Serve immediately, garnished with additional basil leaves and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil. For an extra creamy touch, top each serving with a piece of burrata cheese if desired.

Tips & Variations

• Use ripe cherry tomatoes for the best natural sweetness and flavor.
• If you prefer a smoother sauce, gently mash some of the tomatoes while cooking.
• For a vegan version, substitute parmesan with a nut-based cheese or nutritional yeast.
• Add a splash of balsamic vinegar during cooking for a tangy depth.
• If burrata is unavailable, fresh mozzarella or ricotta can be used as alternate creamy toppings.

Storage

Store any leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of water to loosen the sauce, stirring frequently to prevent sticking. Fresh basil is best added fresh when serving rather than stored with the pasta.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of pasta besides spaghetti?

Yes, any long pasta like linguine or fettuccine works well with this sauce. Short pasta can be used, but the sauce clings best to longer strands.

What can I do if I don’t have fresh basil?

Dried basil can be used in a pinch, but add it during cooking to allow flavors to develop. Alternatively, fresh herbs like parsley or oregano can provide a different but tasty twist.

Cherry Tomato Pasta with Basil and Burrata Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.4 from 120 reviews

A vibrant and fresh Cherry Tomato Pasta featuring sweet cherry tomatoes sautéed with garlic and red pepper flakes, tossed with al dente spaghetti, fresh basil, and parmesan cheese. Optionally topped with creamy burrata for a decadent finish. This quick and easy recipe is perfect for a flavorful weeknight dinner.

• Author: Maya
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pasta Ingredients

• 12 ounces spaghetti
• 3 quarts water (12 cups or 3 Liters)
• 1 ½ tablespoons salt (21 grams) for pasta water

Sauce Ingredients

• 2 pounds cherry tomatoes, halved
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1 clove garlic, pressed or grated
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 twists black pepper
• ⅛ teaspoon red pepper flakes (or more to taste)
• 15 fresh basil leaves, plus more for garnishing
• ½ cup parmesan cheese, grated (or non-dairy cheese, grated)
• 1–2 burrata cheese balls (optional, for serving)

Instructions

1. Boil Pasta: Put a large pot of water on the stove and bring it to a rolling boil. Add 1 ½ tablespoons of salt to the boiling water to season it thoroughly for cooking the spaghetti.
2. Prepare Tomatoes: While waiting for the water to boil, wash and cut 2 pounds of cherry tomatoes in half to release their fresh juices for the sauce.
3. Cook Pasta: Once the water is boiling and salted, add 12 ounces of spaghetti. Cook according to package directions minus 2 minutes to keep it slightly underdone.
4. Make Sauce: In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the halved cherry tomatoes and season with 1 teaspoon salt, 2 twists of black pepper, 1 grated garlic clove, and ⅛ teaspoon red pepper flakes. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 10 minutes or until the pasta is almost ready. The tomatoes will soften and release their juices to form a simple sauce.
5. Toss Pasta with Sauce: Reserve 1 cup of the pasta cooking water before draining the spaghetti. Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the tomato sauce. Pour in about ½ cup of the reserved pasta water and add 15 fresh basil leaves. Stir everything together and allow the pasta to finish cooking in the sauce for a couple of minutes until perfectly al dente. Add more pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce.
6. Add Cheese: Turn off the heat and stir in approximately ½ cup of grated parmesan cheese until it melts into the sauce, creating a creamy texture that coats the pasta.
7. Serve: Plate the pasta immediately, garnishing with additional fresh basil leaves and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil. For an indulgent touch, top with one or two burrata balls if desired.

Notes

• Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency and help it cling to the noodles.
• Cook spaghetti slightly less than package instructions as it finishes cooking in the sauce.
• Use fresh basil for a bright, aromatic flavor.
• Burrata cheese adds creaminess but is optional.
• Adjust red pepper flakes according to your spice preference.
• Freshly grated parmesan enhances flavor better than pre-grated cheese.

Keywords: cherry tomato pasta, easy pasta recipe, Italian pasta dish, fresh tomato sauce, vegetarian pasta, quick dinner, spaghetti with tomatoes