Tomato Basil Burrata Pasta
This tomato basil burrata pasta is the 20-minute dinner I make whenever I want something that feels special with almost no effort. Cherry tomatoes burst in garlic butter and olive oil to make a light, fresh sauce, then get tossed with angel hair, Parmesan and fresh basil. A ball of creamy burrata on top makes this burrata pasta absolutely dreamy.
It is perfect for date night in or a quick weeknight dinner for two. Love burrata? Try my Calabrian Turkey & Burrata Sandwich next.
Why You’ll Love This Burrata Pasta
- Ready in 20 minutes with simple ingredients.
- Burst cherry tomato sauce with garlic butter.
- Creamy burrata on top of every serving.
- Fresh and light but still cozy and satisfying.
Ingredients for Tomato Basil Burrata Pasta
The Pasta
Angel hair pasta and some reserved pasta water.
The Burst Tomato Sauce
Cherry tomatoes, garlic, butter, olive oil, salt and black pepper.
The Finish
Fresh basil, freshly grated Parmesan, a ball of burrata or stracciatella and optional red pepper flakes.
Swap note: Use gluten-free pasta for gluten free. Fresh mozzarella can replace the burrata or stracciatella.
How to Make Burrata Pasta
Step 1: Cook the pasta
Cook the angel hair in salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water before draining.
Step 2: Start the sauce
Heat the olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 3: Burst the tomatoes
Add the cherry tomatoes with a generous pinch of salt and cook 6 to 8 minutes, until blistered and burst. Press some with a spoon to make a light sauce, then add a splash of pasta water and stir until glossy.
Step 4: Toss the pasta
Add the pasta, Parmesan, black pepper and basil, adding more pasta water as needed to loosen.
Step 5: Top with burrata
Finish with burrata or stracciatella right on top, plus extra Parmesan, basil, pepper and red pepper flakes.
Carly’s Expert Tips
- Angel hair cooks fast, so have the sauce ready before it is done.
- Press the tomatoes to release their juices into a sauce.
- Use good olive oil and freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor.
- Let the burrata sit out 10 minutes so it is creamy, not cold.
Make It Your Own
- Spaghetti: Swap the angel hair for spaghetti or linguine.
- Protein: Add grilled chicken or shrimp.
- Pesto: Swirl in a spoonful of pesto.
- Spicy: Add extra red pepper flakes or Calabrian chili.
Make-Ahead and Meal Prep: This pasta is best made fresh, but you can halve the tomatoes and slice the garlic up to a day ahead.
What to Serve With Burrata Pasta
Serve with garlic bread, an arugula salad or Hot Honey Glazed Salmon for a heartier meal.
Storing and Reheating
Store leftover pasta (without burrata) in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Reheat with a splash of water and top with fresh burrata or mozzarella.
What People Ask About Burrata Pasta
What is the difference between burrata and stracciatella?
Burrata is a ball of mozzarella filled with stracciatella, which is the creamy shredded center.
Can I use a different pasta?
Yes. Spaghetti, linguine or any pasta you like works.
Can I use dried basil?
Fresh basil is best, but a pinch of dried works in a pinch.
What can I use instead of burrata?
Fresh mozzarella gives a similar creamy texture.
Tomato Basil Burrata Pasta
Ingredients
Method
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook angel hair pasta until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water before draining.
- Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add cherry tomatoes with a generous pinch of salt. Cook for 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until blistered and burst. Gently press some tomatoes with the back of a spoon to create a light tomato sauce.
- Add a splash of reserved pasta water and stir well until glossy.
- Toss in the cooked angel hair pasta, parmesan, black pepper, and fresh basil. Add more pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce.
- Finish with creamy stracciatella cheese or a ball of burrata right on top. Sprinkle with extra parmesan, basil, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if desired.
Nutrition
Notes
- If you can’t find burrata or stracciatella cheese, substitute with fresh mozzarella for a similar creamy texture.
- To enhance the flavor, use high-quality olive oil and freshly grated parmesan.
- For a spicier kick, add more red pepper flakes to taste.
