Roasted Cherry Tomato Pasta with Burrata & Basil

Roasted Cherry Tomato Pasta with Burrata & Basil is a celebration of simple, fresh ingredients coming together in a dish that looks as stunning as it tastes. Sweet, caramelized cherry tomatoes roasted to perfection release their natural juices, creating a flavorful base for al dente pasta.

Creamy burrata cheese adds a luxurious, melt-in-your-mouth richness, while fresh basil brings a bright, herbal note that perfectly balances the sweetness and creaminess.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it showcases how minimal ingredients can deliver maximum flavor. The sweetness of roasted tomatoes, the creaminess of burrata, and the freshness of basil come together in perfect harmony. Each bite feels indulgent without being heavy.

Why This Is a Must-Try Dish

  • Simple ingredients with restaurant-quality results
  • Fast, easy, and perfect for any occasion
  • Bursting with fresh summer flavors
  • Naturally vegetarian and easily adaptable
  • Elegant, colorful presentation

Preparation & Cooking Time

  • Preparation Time: 10 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 35 minutes

Servings, Calories, Course & Cuisine

  • Servings: 4
  • Calories: ~450 calories per serving
  • Course: Main Course / Pasta
  • Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

For the Pasta

  • 12 oz (340 g) spaghetti, fettuccine, or your preferred pasta
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 3 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

For the Topping

  • 1 ball (8 oz / 225 g) burrata cheese
  • ½ cup fresh basil leaves, torn
  • 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
  • Extra virgin olive oil, for drizzling

Cooking Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Toss cherry tomatoes with olive oil, garlic, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.
  3. Spread tomatoes on a baking sheet and roast for 20–25 minutes until soft and caramelized.
  4. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente; drain, reserving ½ cup pasta water.
  5. Toss roasted tomatoes with pasta, adding reserved pasta water to loosen sauce if needed.
  6. Transfer pasta to serving plates, top with torn burrata and fresh basil.
  7. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with Parmesan if desired.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

  1. Preheat oven: 400°F (200°C) for roasting.
  2. Prep tomatoes: Halve cherry tomatoes and mix with oil, garlic, salt, and pepper.
  3. Roast: Spread evenly and roast 20–25 minutes until caramelized.
  4. Cook pasta: Boil water, add salt, and cook pasta al dente.
  5. Combine: Toss roasted tomatoes with pasta and a bit of reserved water for sauce consistency.
  6. Assemble: Place pasta on plates, top with burrata, fresh basil, and drizzle olive oil.
  7. Finish: Optional sprinkle of Parmesan and serve immediately.

How to Serve

Serve hot, straight from the pan, with burrata broken into creamy pieces atop the pasta. Pair with crusty bread, a fresh green salad, or a chilled glass of white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio.

Recipe Tips

  • Use ripe, flavorful cherry tomatoes for best results.
  • Don’t overcook burrata—add just before serving.
  • Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency.
  • Add red pepper flakes for a subtle heat.
  • Drizzle high-quality extra virgin olive oil at the end for flavor.

Variations

  • Roasted Vegetable Pasta: Add zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus along with tomatoes.
  • Pesto Twist: Toss pasta with 2 tbsp fresh basil pesto before adding burrata.
  • Garlic Butter Option: Sauté garlic in butter and toss with roasted tomatoes for richness.
  • Protein Addition: Add grilled shrimp, chicken, or pancetta.
  • Vegan Version: Use vegan burrata or omit cheese, add toasted nuts for creaminess.

Freezing & Storage

  • Refrigerator: Store leftover pasta without burrata in airtight container for up to 2 days.
  • Freezing: Not recommended with burrata; pasta and roasted tomatoes can be frozen separately up to 1 month.
  • Reheating: Reheat gently on stovetop; add a splash of olive oil or reserved pasta water.

Special Equipment Needed

  • Baking sheet
  • Mixing bowl
  • Large pot for pasta
  • Colander
  • Wooden spoon or tongs

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use regular tomatoes instead of cherry tomatoes?
A: Yes, cut them into halves or quarters; roasting may take slightly longer.

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Roast tomatoes ahead, but add burrata just before serving.

Q: Can I use other pasta types?
A: Yes, any long pasta works, or even penne or rigatoni.

Q: Can I add cream instead of burrata?
A: Yes, a splash of heavy cream can make the pasta creamy, but it won’t have the same luxurious texture.

Conclusion

Roasted Cherry Tomato Pasta with Burrata & Basil is a perfect example of how simplicity meets elegance in Italian cooking. With sweet roasted tomatoes, creamy burrata, fresh basil, and a hint of garlic, it’s a dish that’s as easy to prepare as it is delightful to eat. This pasta is ideal for busy weeknights, special dinners, or anytime you want a restaurant-quality meal at home without the fuss.

Roasted Cherry Tomato Pasta with Burrata & Basil

Recipe by Elina JamesCourse: PastaCuisine: ItalianDifficulty: Easy
Servings

4

servings
Prep time

10

minutes
Cooking time

25

minutes
Total time

35

minutes

Ingredients

  • For the Pasta

  • 12 oz (340 g) spaghetti, fettuccine, or your preferred pasta

  • 2 tbsp olive oil

  • 3 cups cherry tomatoes, halved

  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

  • ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

  • For the Topping

  • 1 ball (8 oz / 225 g) burrata cheese

  • ½ cup fresh basil leaves, torn

  • 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

  • Extra virgin olive oil, for drizzling

Directions

  • Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
  • Toss cherry tomatoes with olive oil, garlic, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.
  • Spread tomatoes on a baking sheet and roast for 20–25 minutes until soft and caramelized.
  • Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente; drain, reserving ½ cup pasta water.
  • Toss roasted tomatoes with pasta, adding reserved pasta water to loosen sauce if needed.
  • Transfer pasta to serving plates, top with torn burrata and fresh basil.
  • Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with Parmesan if desired.

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