If you love the perfect marriage of creamy cheese and vibrant, spicy tomato sauce tangled with your favorite pasta, then this Spicy Tomato Burrata Pasta Recipe is about to become your new obsession. It’s a delightful dish that bursts with bold flavors, a gentle kick of heat, and that luscious, melty burrata that takes every bite to cloud-nine deliciousness. Whether you’re cooking for a cozy night in or impressing friends at dinner, this recipe offers comfort and elegance all in one bowl.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients for this dish is simpler than you might think, yet each one plays a star role in building layers of flavor, texture, and that irresistible spicy charm. Your pantry essentials paired with fresh burrata create a harmonious dish that’s as beautiful as it is tasty.
- 12 oz pasta (spaghetti, fettuccine, or your favorite type): This is the canvas where everything comes together, so pick a shape you love to twirl or scoop up sauce.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Adds a silky richness while helping to gently cook the garlic and spices.
- 4 garlic cloves, minced: Garlic brings warmth and a distinctive kick that complements the spicy tomato base perfectly.
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes: The heart of the heat, adjustable to suit your spice preference for that vibrant zip.
- 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes (or 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved): Provides a rich, tangy foundation with natural sweetness to balance the spice.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors, making the sauce sing in harmony.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds subtle depth and a little extra warmth to the sauce.
- 1 teaspoon sugar (optional): Helps to tame any excess acidity from the tomatoes, perfect if your sauce feels too sharp.
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano or basil (optional): Brings a fragrant herbaceous note that complements the Italian inspiration.
- 2 balls fresh burrata cheese (about 8 oz total): Creamy and indulgent, burrata is the finish that makes this pasta truly unforgettable.
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish: Adds a fresh, peppery brightness right before serving.
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional): An extra layer of nutty richness that some love to sprinkle on top.
How to Make Spicy Tomato Burrata Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your chosen pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente—this means it’s tender but still has a nice bite. Don’t forget to reserve a cup of pasta water before draining; it’s a secret weapon that will help you create the perfect sauce consistency later.
Step 2: Prepare the Spicy Tomato Sauce
While your pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil over medium heat in a large skillet. Toss in the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, stirring gently until fragrant but not browned—this should take about 1 minute. Next, add the crushed tomatoes, salt, pepper, and if you’re using, the sugar and dried herbs. Simmer the sauce on low for 15 minutes, allowing all those flavors to mingle and the sauce to thicken beautifully.
Step 3: Combine Pasta with Sauce
Once your sauce has reached a rich and slightly reduced consistency, add the drained pasta into the skillet. Toss everything together, adding reserved pasta water little by little if the sauce feels too thick. This helps the sauce cling perfectly to the noodles with that irresistible silky texture.
Step 4: Add the Burrata
Transfer the spicy tomato coated pasta to serving bowls, then gently tear the burrata and nestle it right on top. The warmth of the pasta will slightly soften the burrata, creating pockets of creamy indulgence that contrast brilliantly with the spicy tomato sauce.
How to Serve Spicy Tomato Burrata Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle the dish with fresh basil leaves for a fragrant, herbaceous lift. If you love a little extra cheesy goodness, a dusting of freshly grated Parmesan always adds a wonderful nutty finish. These simple garnishes elevate both the look and taste.
Side Dishes
This pasta pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad drizzled with a light vinaigrette, giving a fresh crunch to complement the creamy, spicy pasta. Rustic garlic bread or a warm crusty baguette is also a fantastic choice for soaking up every last drop of that luscious sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the pasta family-style in a large beautiful bowl and place the burrata in the center for guests to pull apart themselves. Alternatively, place small burrata balls scattered on top for bite-sized creamy bursts throughout the dish. A drizzle of high-quality olive oil and a sprinkle of chili flakes at the table lets everyone tailor the heat to their liking.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftovers, store your Spicy Tomato Burrata Pasta Recipe in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. It’s best to keep the burrata separate and add fresh when reheating so it stays luxuriously creamy rather than becoming rubbery.
Freezing
Freezing fresh burrata isn’t recommended because it loses its creamy texture, but you can freeze the cooked pasta with sauce. Just cool completely, then place it in a freezer-safe container. It should keep well for up to 2 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.
Reheating
Reheat your pasta gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water or olive oil to loosen up the sauce. Once heated through, top with fresh burrata and garnishes just before serving to recreate that fresh-out-of-the-kitchen creaminess and flavor.
FAQs
Can I use other types of cheese instead of burrata?
Absolutely! While burrata is the star here, fresh mozzarella or creamy ricotta can be tasty substitutes. Just remember that burrata offers that uniquely creamy center that really takes this recipe up a notch.
How spicy is this Spicy Tomato Burrata Pasta Recipe?
The heat primarily comes from red pepper flakes, which you can adjust to your liking. Start with half a teaspoon and add more if you love it fiery. It strikes a nice balance of warmth without overwhelming the other flavors.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
It can be prepped ahead, but add the burrata and fresh garnishes only when ready to serve. The pasta and sauce reheat well and keep their taste, making it a great option for quick, flavorful meals later in the week.
Can I make the sauce from fresh tomatoes?
Yes! Using fresh cherry tomatoes halved will give a vibrant, fresh taste, though sautéing a bit longer may be needed to break down the tomatoes fully. Canned crushed tomatoes are just more convenient and consistent.
What pasta shape works best?
Spaghetti or fettuccine beautifully hold the sauce, but feel free to experiment with penne or rigatoni if you want a chunkier bite that traps the creamy sauce inside.
Final Thoughts
Making this Spicy Tomato Burrata Pasta Recipe is nothing short of a joyful cooking experience that results in a luscious, comforting meal perfect for any occasion. With its delightful layers of spice, creamy burrata, and fresh basil, it’s bound to earn a special spot on your dinner rotation. I can’t wait for you to try it and enjoy every creamy, spicy forkful as much as I do!
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Spicy Tomato Burrata Pasta Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
A flavorful Spicy Tomato Burrata Pasta that combines al dente pasta with a rich, garlicky tomato sauce enhanced by red pepper flakes for a gentle kick. Topped with creamy fresh burrata and fresh basil leaves, this dish offers a perfect balance of spice, creaminess, and fresh herbs for an easy yet indulgent meal.
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 your chosen pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving about 1/2 cup of the pasta water.
- Prepare the spicy tomato sauce: In a large skillet or saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, sautéing for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not burnt.
- Add tomatoes and seasonings: Pour in the crushed tomatoes (or halved cherry tomatoes), then add salt, black pepper, sugar (if using), and dried oregano or basil. Stir to combine and let the sauce simmer gently for about 15-20 minutes, allowing it to thicken and flavors to marry.
- Combine pasta and sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the sauce, tossing to combine thoroughly. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water until desired consistency is reached.
- Serve with burrata and garnish: Divide the pasta among serving plates. Tear the burrata balls and place them on top of the pasta. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese, if desired. Serve immediately.
Notes
- You can adjust the level of spiciness by increasing or decreasing the amount of red pepper flakes.
- If fresh burrata is unavailable, fresh mozzarella can be used as a substitute, though the texture will be slightly different.
- The sugar is optional but helps balance the acidity of the tomatoes.
- Reserve pasta water to help loosen the sauce if it becomes too thick when combining with pasta.
- Use fresh herbs for garnish to brighten the flavors at the end.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Pasta
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
