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
Scale
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.
