If you’re looking to elevate your pasta nights, the Spicy Tomato Burrata Pasta Recipe is a vibrant, flavorful dish that brings together the creamy richness of fresh burrata with a kick of spicy tomato sauce. It’s a perfect balance of heat, tang, and indulgence wrapped in tender pasta, making it an unforgettable meal that feels both rustic and special. Whether you’re cooking for friends or craving a comforting dinner, this recipe promises a symphony of tastes that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple ingredients create magic in this dish. Each component plays a crucial role, from the perfectly al dente pasta that serves as the foundation, to the spicy tomato sauce that brings depth and warmth, and finally, the luscious burrata that offers a cool, creamy contrast.
- Pasta (12 oz): Choose spaghetti, fettuccine, or your favorite pasta for the perfect texture and bite.
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons): This is the base for your sauce, adding a subtle fruity richness and helping to sauté the garlic.
- Garlic cloves (4, minced): Garlic infuses the sauce with savory warmth and depth.
- Red pepper flakes (1/2 teaspoon): Adds the essential spicy kick; adjust to your heat preference.
- Crushed tomatoes (28 oz can): A rich, tangy foundation for the sauce; fresh cherry tomatoes work beautifully too for a brighter taste.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors and balances the acidity.
- Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Adds a subtle bite and complexity.
- Sugar (1 teaspoon, optional): Helps mellow out the tomato’s acidity if needed.
- Dried oregano or basil (1/2 teaspoon, optional): Adds a herby aroma that complements the tomato sauce.
- Burrata cheese (2 balls, about 8 oz): The star ingredient that adds a creamy, dreamy texture.
- Fresh basil leaves: For a burst of color and fresh, aromatic flavor.
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese (optional): For an extra layer of savory goodness at the end.
How to Make Spicy Tomato Burrata Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook Your Pasta Perfectly
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your chosen pasta until al dente—firm to the bite but cooked through. This texture lets the pasta hold up beautifully when combined with the spicy tomato sauce without becoming mushy. Once cooked, reserve about a half cup of pasta water before draining; it’s a little secret to help marry your sauce and pasta together.
Step 2: Build the Spicy Tomato Sauce
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat and add the minced garlic. Sauté gently until fragrant but not browned, just about 1 minute. Stir in the red pepper flakes for that spicy foundation. Pour in the crushed tomatoes, then season with salt, black pepper, and if you like, a pinch of sugar to soften the acidity. Let this simmer for about 15 minutes until it thickens and the flavors meld beautifully. If you want an herbaceous note, sprinkle in dried oregano or basil halfway through cooking.
Step 3: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Transfer the drained pasta into the skillet with your spicy tomato sauce. Toss everything together gently, adding a splash of the reserved pasta water little by little to loosen the sauce and help it cling perfectly to each strand. This step ensures every bite is coated in that lively, spicy tomato goodness.
Step 4: Add the Burrata Cheese
Once your pasta is beautifully sauced, transfer it to serving plates and tear the fresh burrata over the top. The creamy cheese will softly melt into the warm pasta, creating pockets of luxurious richness that contrast stunningly with the spicy sauce.
How to Serve Spicy Tomato Burrata Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh basil leaves are non-negotiable here; their bright flavor lifts the entire dish and adds an irresistible fresh green pop against the red sauce. If you like, finish with a generous sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese for a salty, nutty touch that enhances every forkful.
Side Dishes
Serve this pasta alongside a crisp green salad dressed lightly with lemon vinaigrette to balance the richness. Crunchy garlic bread or a warm, crusty baguette are also fantastic for soaking up every bit of that spicy tomato sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a stunning dinner party presentation, serve the pasta family-style in a large shallow bowl topped with whole burrata balls and basil sprigs. Or, create individual pasta nests on plates, each crowned with burrata and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil for a rustic yet elegant touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers from the Spicy Tomato Burrata Pasta Recipe, store the pasta and sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Burrata is best enjoyed fresh, so keep the cheese aside to add just before serving again.
Freezing
While the spicy tomato sauce freezes well on its own, the fresh pasta and burrata do not freeze well due to textural changes. Freeze the sauce in portions and thaw it gently when you want to quickly whip up this recipe again, pairing with freshly cooked pasta each time.
Reheating
Reheat the pasta gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water if needed to loosen the sauce. Avoid reheating the burrata; instead, add fresh burrata when serving to preserve its creamy texture and fresh flavor.
FAQs
Can I use other types of cheese instead of burrata?
Definitely! While burrata gives this dish its signature creaminess, fresh mozzarella or even ricotta can work as alternatives, though the flavor and texture will be slightly different.
How spicy is this pasta dish? Can I adjust it?
The heat mainly comes from red pepper flakes, which you can easily adjust to your preference. Use less for a mild kick or more if you love a fiery bite!
Is this recipe suitable for gluten-free diets?
Yes! Swap out the regular pasta for your favorite gluten-free version, and you’re all set without sacrificing any of the delicious flavors.
Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely, the spicy tomato sauce tastes even better after sitting overnight. Store it in the fridge and reheat gently when ready to serve.
What wine pairs well with Spicy Tomato Burrata Pasta Recipe?
A crisp, chilled white like Sauvignon Blanc or a light red such as Chianti pairs wonderfully, balancing the spice and creamy notes beautifully.
Final Thoughts
The Spicy Tomato Burrata Pasta Recipe is truly a celebration of textures and flavors that’s surprisingly easy to make but feels like a special occasion every time. I can’t wait for you to try it and discover how a handful of simple ingredients can create such a captivating, delicious meal that will soon become a favorite in your kitchen too.
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Spicy Tomato Burrata Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Spicy Tomato Burrata Pasta is a vibrant and flavorful Italian-inspired dish that combines al dente pasta with a homemade spicy tomato sauce and creamy burrata cheese. Perfect for a quick yet impressive weeknight dinner, it features a balance of heat, acidity, and rich creaminess, garnished with fresh basil and optional Parmesan for added depth.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 oz pasta (spaghetti, fettuccine, or your favorite type)
Spicy Tomato Sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes or 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano or basil (optional)
For Serving
- 2 balls fresh burrata cheese (about 8 oz total)
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water.
- Prepare the Spicy Tomato Sauce: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes, sautéing for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
- Add Tomatoes and Seasonings: Pour in crushed tomatoes or halved cherry tomatoes. Stir to combine. Season with salt, black pepper, sugar (if using), and dried oregano or basil. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer.
- Simmer the Sauce: Let the sauce simmer uncovered for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens and flavors meld beautifully.
- Toss Pasta in Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the sauce, tossing to coat evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time until desired consistency is achieved.
- Plate and Serve: Divide the pasta among serving plates. Tear burrata balls over the pasta, allowing the creamy cheese to melt slightly from the residual heat. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Adjust red pepper flakes according to your desired spice level.
- Using fresh cherry tomatoes will give a fresher, chunkier sauce texture, while crushed tomatoes provide a smoother sauce.
- Burrata adds a rich, creamy texture; you can substitute with fresh mozzarella if unavailable.
- Reserve some pasta water to loosen the sauce if needed when combining with pasta.
- Parmesan cheese is optional but adds a nice umami depth.
