If you’re craving a pasta dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, then the Sweet Garlic Tomato & Basil Casarecce Recipe is going to be your new favorite. This recipe unites the mellow sweetness of slow-roasted garlic with luscious tomato passata and fresh basil, woven perfectly through the tender, twisty casarecce pasta. Each bite delivers layers of comforting flavors and creamy burrata that simply melt in your mouth, making it a perfect dish for sharing with friends or savoring in a quiet dinner at home.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients for this recipe is a joy in itself—simple, fresh, and carefully chosen to bring out wonderful depth of flavor. Every component plays a vital role, from the softness of roasted garlic to the brightness of fresh basil, ensuring each forkful is a delicious celebration.
- Casarecce pasta (1/2 lb.): Its twisted shape holds sauce beautifully, making every bite rich and satisfying.
- Garlic bulbs (2): Roasting these transforms sharp cloves into luscious, sweet garlic gold.
- Extra virgin olive oil (1/4 cup): Used for roasting and enhancing flavor—choose a quality one for the best taste.
- Salt to taste: Essential for seasoning perfectly at every stage.
- Unsalted butter (6 tbsp.): Adds creamy richness that balances the acidity of the tomato sauce.
- Tomato passata (28 oz.): Pure, smooth tomato goodness for a vibrant and fresh sauce base.
- Parmesan rind: Infuses a subtle umami depth into the simmering sauce.
- Burrata (8 oz.): The crowning creamy cheese the pasta just melts into, elevating the dish.
- Fresh basil for garnish: Brightens the plate with fresh herbal notes and gorgeous color.
How to Make Sweet Garlic Tomato & Basil Casarecce Recipe
Step 1: Roast the Garlic to Sweet Perfection
Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (165°C). Peel the garlic cloves from two bulbs—this is the key moment where raw garlic transforms. Submerge them in extra virgin olive oil in a small oven-safe dish and sprinkle a little salt. Roast these cloves for 45 minutes uncovered. The result? Soft, golden garlic cloves with a sweet, mellow flavor that form the heart and soul of this dish’s sauce.
Step 2: Prepare the Rich Tomato-Garlic Sauce
While the garlic roasts, melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Let it bubble and turn lightly caramelized—that nutty aroma is a terrific flavor booster. Add the tomato passata, mashed roasted garlic, and the Parmesan rind. Don’t forget to pour in the garlic-infused olive oil from the roasting dish—you’re capturing every drop of that wonderful flavor. Season lightly with salt, stir gently, and simmer over low heat for 15 minutes. This lets the flavors marry beautifully into a luscious sauce.
Step 3: Cook Pasta to Al Dente Perfection
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil meanwhile, and cook the casarecce until just al dente according to the package instructions. Remember to save around 3/4 cup of pasta water before draining—it’s liquid gold for adjusting your sauce’s consistency later.
Step 4: Combine Pasta and Sauce with a Butter Kiss
Take out the Parmesan rind from the sauce and remove the pot from heat. In a wide sauté pan, combine the cooked pasta with the remaining 4 tablespoons of butter and a quarter cup of the reserved pasta water. Toss gently over medium heat to coat every curl with the buttery, garlicky tomato sauce. Add more pasta water gradually if you want your sauce silkier. This step ensures the sauce clings perfectly, carrying the beautiful flavors to every bite.
Step 5: Serve and Garnish with Burrata and Basil
Plate the pasta and top it generously with creamy burrata, adding a few fresh basil leaves and an extra drizzle of olive oil. This final flourish not only adds gorgeous color but also fresh, fragrant notes that awaken your senses as you dig in.
How to Serve Sweet Garlic Tomato & Basil Casarecce Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh basil is always a winner here, bringing a pop of color and herbal brightness to balance the sauce’s richness. Burrata cheese, with its delicate creaminess, is the star topping that makes the dish feel indulgent and decadent. Don’t hesitate to add a pinch of cracked black pepper or a sprinkle of flaky sea salt for extra texture and bite.
Side Dishes
This pasta shines best alongside simple sides that won’t compete but support its flavors. Think lightly dressed arugula salad or a crisp, chilled fennel slaw for crunch and contrast. A rustic crusty bread works beautifully too—perfect for mopping up every last drop of the luscious sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a stunning presentation, nestle the casarecce into deep pasta bowls and place the burrata ball right in the center so it slowly melts as you eat. Scatter chopped basil and drizzle olive oil in an artistic swirl. If you’re feeling fancy, a few edible flowers or a dash of red pepper flakes can elevate the plate to restaurant-worthy status while keeping things approachable and inviting.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, keep the pasta and sauce separated in airtight containers in the refrigerator. This preserves the sauce’s bright flavor and prevents the pasta from becoming too soggy. The burrata is best added fresh at serving time, so store it separately and keep it refrigerated.
Freezing
Tomato-based sauces freeze very well, so you can store the sauce (without pasta or burrata) in a freezer-safe container for up to three months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and gently reheat. For best results, cook fresh pasta to serve alongside after thawing.
Reheating
Reheat the sauce gently on low heat, stirring occasionally. When it’s warm, add freshly cooked pasta and a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce if needed. Serve immediately with fresh burrata and basil to recreate the full experience without losing any of that incredible flavor.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While casarecce is perfect for catching sauce, short twisted or tubular pasta like rigatoni or campanelle work beautifully as well.
Can I substitute garlic confit with raw garlic?
The roasting process mellows and sweetens the garlic dramatically, which is key here. Raw garlic would impart a sharper, more pungent taste, so roasting is highly recommended for this recipe.
Is burrata necessary for this dish?
Burrata adds a luscious creaminess that makes this dish special, but creamy fresh mozzarella or ricotta can work if you prefer or can’t find burrata.
Can I prepare the sauce in advance?
Yes! Make the sauce up to two days ahead and store it in the fridge. Reheat gently before combining with pasta for speedy meal prep without sacrificing flavor.
How spicy is the recipe?
This dish naturally has mild, soothing flavors. If you like a bit of heat, you can always add red pepper flakes when simmering the sauce or as a garnish at serving.
Final Thoughts
There’s truly something magical about the balance of sweet, roasted garlic and fresh fragrant basil paired with creamy burrata in this Sweet Garlic Tomato & Basil Casarecce Recipe. It’s one of those recipes you’ll return to again and again—not just for the taste, but for the warmth and comfort it brings to any table. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it your own special go-to meal.
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Sweet Garlic Tomato & Basil Casarecce Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking and Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
A rich and comforting Sweet Garlic Tomato & Basil Casarecce pasta featuring roasted garlic confit, a luscious tomato passata sauce enhanced with Parmesan rind, finished with creamy burrata and fresh basil. This Italian-inspired recipe balances sweet roasted garlic with fresh herbs and creamy cheese for a flavorful and satisfying meal perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
For the Garlic Confit
- 2 bulbs of garlic
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil (approximate, for roasting garlic)
- Salt to taste
For the Sauce
- 6 tbsp unsalted butter, divided
- 28 oz tomato passata
- 1 Parmesan rind
- Reserved garlic-infused olive oil (from roasting)
- Salt to taste
For the Pasta
- 1/2 lb casarecce pasta
- 3/4 cup reserved pasta water (approximate)
To Serve
- 8 oz burrata
- Fresh basil for garnish
- Extra virgin olive oil for drizzling
Instructions
- Roast the Garlic: Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Peel the garlic cloves from 2 bulbs and place them in a small oven-safe baking dish. Pour enough extra virgin olive oil to fully submerge the garlic cloves. Season with salt to taste and roast, uncovered, for 45 minutes until the cloves are soft and lightly golden.
- Mash the Roasted Garlic: Remove the garlic confit from the oven. Using a fork, mash the softened garlic cloves into a paste and set aside. Reserve the garlic-infused olive oil for later use to enhance the sauce’s flavor.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a heavy-bottomed pot, melt 2 tbsp of unsalted butter over medium heat. Allow it to bubble and turn a light caramel brown. Then, add the tomato passata, mashed garlic confit, Parmesan rind, and the reserved garlic-infused olive oil. Season with salt to taste, stir well, and let the sauce simmer gently over low heat for 15 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Cook the Pasta: While the sauce simmers, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the casarecce pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve approximately 3/4 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta completely.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Remove the Parmesan rind from the sauce and take the pot off the heat. In a large sauté pan, combine the cooked pasta, remaining 4 tbsp of butter, and 1/4 cup of the reserved pasta water. Toss the pasta over medium heat, gently stirring to coat it evenly with the sauce. Add more pasta water in 1/4 cup increments if necessary to achieve your desired sauce consistency.
- Serve: Plate the pasta and top each serving with a generous amount of creamy burrata. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and finish with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil. Serve immediately to enjoy the full richness and comforting flavors of this dish.
Notes
- Roasting garlic slowly in olive oil mellows its flavor and adds depth to the sauce.
- Reserving pasta water is crucial as it contains starch that helps bind the sauce to the pasta.
- You can substitute fresh mozzarella if burrata is unavailable, though burrata adds a creamier texture.
- For a vegan version, replace butter with plant-based alternatives and omit the Parmesan rind and burrata.
- Adjust salt carefully since Parmesan rind and butter add saltiness to the dish.
