Romantic Tomato Burrata Pasta

Name: Romantic Tomato Burrata Pasta
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 2 servings
Ingredients: 200g spaghetti or your favorite pasta; 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved; 1 ball of burrata cheese; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tablespoons olive oil; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Highlighted under: Cultural World Food Favorites

I absolutely love making this Romantic Tomato Burrata Pasta when I'm in the mood for something special yet simple. The way fresh tomatoes and creamy burrata come together creates a beautiful harmony of flavors. This dish quickly transforms an ordinary dinner into a romantic experience. With just a few ingredients and about 30 minutes of my time, I can impress anyone at the table. Plus, the vibrant colors and aromas make it a feast for the senses that I can't resist.

Created by

Esme Caldwell

Last updated on 2026-01-12T03:37:44.513Z

When I first made this Romantic Tomato Burrata Pasta, I was amazed at how effortless it was, yet everyone in the room was captivated by the delicious aroma. I sautéed the garlic and fresh tomatoes together, which really brought out the sweetness of the tomatoes. The addition of burrata was the ultimate touch, providing a luxurious creaminess that perfectly contrasted with the acidity of the tomatoes.

One helpful tip I learned along the way is to allow the burrata to sit at room temperature before serving. This not only enhances its flavor but also makes it easier to melt into the pasta, creating a rich, creamy sauce that is nothing short of heavenly. I guess that's why it's one of my favorites!

        Why You'll Love This!
        Creamy burrata that melts beautifully over pasta
Fresh, vibrant flavors from ripe tomatoes and herbs
Quick and easy to make, perfect for date night

      

The Role of Burrata

Burrata cheese is the star of this dish, offering a unique creamy texture that contrasts beautifully with the al dente pasta. When you break into the burrata, the rich, soft center oozes out, creating a luscious sauce that clings to every strand of spaghetti. It's crucial to use high-quality burrata for the best flavor – look for fresh cheese that has a slightly glossy surface and a mild, buttery aroma. If fresh burrata is unavailable, a good-quality mozzarella can be a substitute, although it won't replicate the same creamy consistency.

To enhance the burrata’s flavor, consider drizzling it with a bit of extra virgin olive oil or fresh lemon juice just before serving. This adds brightness and elevates the overall dish. Remember to serve the burrata at room temperature to allow its rich flavors to develop fully—taking it out of the refrigerator about 30 minutes before serving helps achieve this.

Choosing Quality Tomatoes

Fresh cherry tomatoes are essential for this recipe, as their natural sweetness pairs wonderfully with the creamy burrata. Look for tomatoes that are vibrant in color, firm but slightly tender to the touch. Ideally, choose in-season tomatoes for the best flavor; if they're out of season, you might also consider using good-quality canned tomatoes as a substitute. They bring concentrated, rich flavors, but make sure to reduce them to thicken the sauce properly.

When cooking the tomatoes, the key is to allow them to burst and release their juices, which will form the base of your sauce. You’ll know they’re ready when they start to look wrinkled and glossy – this usually takes around 5-7 minutes over medium heat. Avoid overcooking them, as you want to retain some of their texture for a delightful bite in the final dish.

Serving Suggestions

For an engaging presentation, serve this dish in a shallow bowl that showcases the vibrant colors of the pasta and toppings. You can also add a sprinkle of chili flakes for a touch of heat or shavings of Parmesan for extra flavor depth. Pair your Romantic Tomato Burrata Pasta with a light salad, such as arugula with a lemon vinaigrette, to balance the richness of the burrata.

If you're preparing this for a special occasion, consider some complementary sides like garlic bread or a glass of chilled white wine. This can enhance the overall dining experience and draw out the flavors of the pasta. Don’t forget to garnish with fresh basil leaves right before serving – they add a pop of color and freshness that elevates the dish visually and in taste.

Ingredients

Gather these simple ingredients to create your Romantic Tomato Burrata Pasta:

Ingredients

200g spaghetti or your favorite pasta
2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
1 ball of burrata cheese
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to make your pasta:

Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.

Sauté the Tomatoes

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Add the halved cherry tomatoes, salt, and pepper, cooking until the tomatoes start to burst, about 5-7 minutes.

Combine and Serve

Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the tomatoes, tossing to combine. If the mixture seems dry, add some reserved pasta water. Transfer to serving plates, then top each portion with burrata cheese and fresh basil leaves.

Pro Tips

For an extra kick, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes while sautéing the tomatoes. It adds a lovely warmth without overpowering the dish.

Make-Ahead Tips

To save time, you can prepare the cherry tomatoes ahead of time. Cook them as instructed and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. When you're ready to serve, reheat gently in a skillet just until warm before adding the pasta. This ensures that the flavors remain fresh without compromising the texture of the tomatoes.

While you can cook the pasta in advance, it tends to become gummy when stored. If you must prepare it early, toss the cooked spaghetti with a bit of olive oil to prevent sticking. When ready to serve, reheat the pasta by immersing it in boiling water for a few seconds to warm through.

Storing and Reheating

If you find yourself with leftover pasta, store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. When reheating, add a splash of reserved pasta water or a drizzle of olive oil to bring moisture back to the dish, as burrata will change texture when heated. It's best to reheat the pasta gently on the stovetop over low heat to avoid overcooking and making it mushy.

While this dish is best enjoyed fresh, you can also freeze it. However, freeze the pasta and tomato mix separately from the burrata. Once thawed, reheat the pasta and tomato mixture on the stovetop, adding fresh burrata just before serving. This way, you maintain the cheese's luscious texture.

Variations to Try

For a twist, you can experiment with different pasta shapes such as penne or fusilli, which can hold the sauce nicely in their ridges. Additionally, consider adding vegetables like spinach or arugula right after you combine the pasta with the tomatoes. They will wilt slightly, adding a nutritious element to your dish.

If you want to boost the dish's umami flavor, try adding some sautéed mushrooms or roasted red peppers to the tomato mixture. These additions bring depth to the overall flavor profile and make the dish even heartier. Feel free to get creative with herbs, too—thyme or oregano complement the flavors nicely, bringing an additional layer of aroma to the dish.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use regular tomatoes instead of cherry tomatoes?

Yes, you can! Just chop them into smaller pieces to ensure they cook evenly.

→ What can I substitute for burrata cheese?

If you can't find burrata, fresh mozzarella or ricotta can work as great alternatives.

→ How can I make this dish vegan?

You can omit the cheese and use a plant-based pasta for a delicious vegan version.

→ Can I prepare this pasta ahead of time?

It's best served fresh, but you can prepare the tomato sauce in advance and then combine it with cooked pasta just before serving.