Imagine a pasta dish so irresistibly creamy and bursting with fresh flavors that it transforms an ordinary dinner into a gourmet experience. This Tomato and Burrata Penne Pasta is not just a meal; it's a culinary journey that brings the vibrant essence of Italian cuisine right to your dining table. With its perfect balance of juicy cherry tomatoes, luxurious burrata cheese, and perfectly cooked pasta, this recipe is about to become your new obsession – promising a restaurant-quality dish that you can easily create in just 25 minutes!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 12 ounces penne pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 8 ounces burrata cheese
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
- While the pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30-45 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to brown the garlic.
- Add halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet. Cook for 4-5 minutes, gently stirring, allowing the tomatoes to soften and release their juices. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Once the pasta is drained, add it directly to the skillet with the tomatoes. Toss gently to combine, using reserved pasta water if needed to create a light sauce and help the pasta and tomatoes mix well.
- Remove the skillet from heat. Tear the burrata cheese into large chunks and distribute evenly over the hot pasta. The residual heat will slightly melt the creamy burrata.
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves, torn or chopped. Serve immediately while the burrata is still warm and creamy.
- Optional: Drizzle with additional extra virgin olive oil and add a final sprinkle of black pepper before serving.
Tips
- Always salt your pasta water generously - it should taste like the sea! This is your first chance to season the pasta.
- Don't overcook the garlic - 30-45 seconds is the sweet spot to release flavor without burning.
- Reserve some pasta water before draining. The starchy water helps create a silky sauce and helps ingredients bind together.
- For the best texture, tear the burrata by hand instead of cutting. This allows for more rustic, beautiful presentation.
- Serve immediately while the burrata is still warm and creamy. The residual heat will help the cheese melt slightly, creating an irresistible sauce.
- For an extra flavor boost, use high-quality extra virgin olive oil and fresh basil leaves.
- If you want to make this dish ahead, prepare the tomato sauce and pasta separately, and combine with fresh burrata just before serving to maintain the best texture.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 480kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 18g
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 45mg
