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
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 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
