This creamy baked burrata tomato pasta is comfort food at its best! Picture warm pasta covered in a rich, tomato sauce topped with luscious burrata cheese that melts beautifully.
I can’t help but smile when I pull it out of the oven. Just mix, bake, and enjoy! Perfect for cozy nights or when you want to impress friends without a fuss. 🍝
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: I love using penne for this dish, but rigatoni works great too! If you’re gluten-free, try using a gluten-free pasta. It holds the sauce nicely and will still give you that comforting feel.
Crushed Tomatoes: Canned crushed tomatoes are perfect here for convenience. If you have fresh tomatoes, you can use them instead. Just blanch, peel, and crush them for a fresher taste.
Burrata Cheese: Burrata is creamy and delicious, but if you can’t find it, mozzarella balls are a good substitute. They’ll melt well and still add that nice cheesy goodness.
Heavy Cream: For a lighter option, you can use half-and-half or a non-dairy cream alternative. It may not be as rich, but it’ll still give you that creaminess!
How Do I Make Sure My Pasta Is Cooked Just Right?
Getting the pasta to the perfect texture is key for this dish! Here’s how to do it:
- Always salt your boiling water. This adds flavor right to the pasta.
- Follow the package instructions but take it out 1-2 minutes early (al dente) considering it will bake and cook a bit more in the oven.
- Drain and rinse with cold water briefly to stop the cooking process if you won’t mix it right away.
This will keep your pasta from becoming mushy and balance nicely with the creamy sauce later on!
Creamy Baked Burrata Tomato Pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Pasta:
- 12 oz (340g) penne or rigatoni pasta
Sauce and Seasoning:
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 oz/800g) crushed tomatoes
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Creamy Addition:
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 8 oz (225g) burrata cheese (1 large ball or 2 small)
Garnish:
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
- Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dish takes about 10 minutes of prep time and 20-25 minutes of cooking time, resulting in a grand total of around 35-40 minutes until it’s hot and ready to serve. Just enough time to set the mood for a cozy meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures it’s ready to bake your pasta to perfection!
2. Cook the Pasta:
In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add your pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 1-2 minutes less than the full time. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside.
3. Make the Tomato Sauce:
In an oven-safe skillet or baking dish, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes until it’s fragrant and golden. Then, stir in the crushed tomatoes, red pepper flakes (if using), dried oregano, and dried basil. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and let the sauce simmer for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Mix in the Cream:
Once the sauce has thickened slightly, stir in the heavy cream until everything is nice and creamy and well combined.
5. Combine Pasta and Sauce:
Add the cooked pasta to the sauce, tossing everything together to ensure the pasta is well coated with the sauce.
6. Prepare for Baking:
If using a baking dish, transfer your pasta mixture into it. Create a small well in the center or on top and place the burrata cheese ball(s) inside. This is where all that creaminess will come from!
7. Bake the Dish:
Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for about 15-20 minutes. You’re looking for the burrata to soften and the sauce to bubble away.
8. Final Touches:
Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly. You can stir the melted burrata into the pasta for extra creaminess, or leave it in chunks on top for a lovely presentation.
9. Serve and Garnish:
Finish your dish with fresh basil leaves and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese. Serve it hot, and enjoy every creamy, cheesy bite of this delightful pasta!
Enjoy your creamy baked burrata tomato pasta!
FAQ for Creamy Baked Burrata Tomato Pasta
Can I Use Different Types of Pasta?
Absolutely! While penne and rigatoni work wonderfully, you can use any pasta shape you prefer. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time according to the type you choose, aiming for al dente.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently on the stove over low heat or use the microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian or Vegan?
Yes! To make it vegetarian, just skip the red pepper flakes if you prefer mild flavors. For a vegan version, substitute the burrata with a plant-based cheese, use coconut cream or a vegan cream alternative instead of heavy cream, and skip the Parmesan or use a vegan Parmesan option.
What Should I Serve It With?
This creamy pasta pairs beautifully with a simple side salad or roasted vegetables to add freshness and balance. It also works great with garlic bread for a heartier meal!
