Tomato Garlic Pasta with Burrata: 30 Min Bliss

Name: Tomato Garlic Pasta with Burrata
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 12 ounces spaghetti; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 5 cloves garlic, thinly sliced; 1 can crushed tomatoes, 28 ounces; 1 teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper; ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes; 1 teaspoon dried basil; 2 balls burrata cheese, about 4 ounces each; ¼ cup chopped fresh basil

By chef sofia on April 28, 2026

A close-up of Tomato Garlic Pasta with Burrata, topped with fresh herbs and chili flakes.

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Okay, you guys, I have got to tell you about my latest obsession: this incredibly simple yet ridiculously elegant Tomato Garlic Pasta with Burrata. It’s the kind of dish I whipped up on a Tuesday night when I wanted something special without spending hours in the kitchen. Seriously, it felt like I was eating at a fancy Italian trattoria, but in my own cozy dining room.

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This pasta is pure magic because it’s so quick to throw together – like, under 30 minutes quick! The flavors are just *chef’s kiss*, and that creamy burrata melting all over the saucy pasta? Pure bliss. It’s the perfect easy weeknight dinner that feels totally gourmet, and I know you’re going to fall in love with it just like I did.

Why You’ll Love This Tomato Garlic Pasta with Burrata

This dish is seriously a lifesaver on busy weeknights:

Ready in a Flash: We’re talking about a delicious, satisfying meal on your table in about 30 minutes from start to finish.
Effortlessly Elegant: It looks and tastes so fancy, but honestly, it’s incredibly easy to whip up.
Flavor Explosion: The simple tomato-garlic sauce is already great, but that creamy burrata just takes it over the top!
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a cozy night in for one or you’re feeding hungry guests, this pasta is always a winner.

Gather Your Ingredients for Tomato Garlic Pasta with Burrata

Alright, let’s get our mise en place ready! You’ll need good quality spaghetti – I usually go for about 12 ounces. For that amazing sauce base, grab 2 tablespoons of olive oil and don’t be shy with the garlic; 5 cloves, thinly sliced, are perfect. You’ll also need one big 28-ounce can of crushed tomatoes.

For seasoning, we’ve got 1 teaspoon of salt, ½ teaspoon of black pepper, a pinch of red pepper flakes for just a little warmth (adjust to your taste!), and 1 teaspoon of dried basil. And the star of the show, of course, are two balls of creamy burrata cheese, usually about 4 ounces each. Oh, and a handful of fresh basil for that pop of green at the end!

Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Tomato Garlic Pasta with Burrata

First things first, let’s get that pasta going. Bring a big pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil. Drop in your 12 ounces of spaghetti and cook it until it’s perfectly al dente – you know, that lovely bite to it! Before you drain it, scoop out about half a cup of that starchy pasta water. Trust me, it’s liquid gold for making your sauce just right. Then, drain the pasta and set it aside.

Now, grab a large skillet and heat up about 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. This is where the magic starts. Add your thinly sliced garlic – I like to make sure the slices are pretty even so they cook uniformly – and let them sizzle for just a minute or two. You want them to get fragrant and lightly golden, but be super careful not to burn them! Burnt garlic is just a sad, bitter mess, and we don’t want that here.

Pour in that whole 28-ounce can of crushed tomatoes. Give it a good stir and then add in your seasonings: 1 teaspoon of salt, ½ teaspoon of black pepper, a good pinch (about ½ teaspoon) of red pepper flakes for a little kick, and 1 teaspoon of dried basil. Let this simmer away, uncovered, for about 10 to 12 minutes. You’ll see it thicken up a bit, which means all those lovely flavors are really concentrating.

Once the sauce has thickened nicely, it’s time to bring the pasta and sauce together. Add your drained spaghetti right into the skillet with the tomato sauce. Toss it all up gently so every strand gets coated. If the sauce seems a little too thick for your liking, this is where that reserved pasta water comes in! Add a splash or two – it helps create a silky, emulsified sauce that clings perfectly to the pasta.

Keep tossing everything together over the heat for another minute or two until it’s all well combined and heated through. This is also your last chance to taste and adjust the seasoning. Need a bit more salt? Go for it! Want it spicier? Another tiny pinch of red pepper flakes never hurt anyone.

Now for the grand finale! Divide the saucy pasta among your serving bowls. This recipe makes about 4 servings, so get 4 bowls ready. Carefully place one ball of burrata right on top of each portion of hot pasta. The heat from the pasta and sauce will start to gently melt the burrata, creating this lusciously creamy topping. It’s seriously heaven.

A close-up of Tomato Garlic Pasta with Burrata, topped with a perfectly poached egg with runny yolk and fresh basil.

Finish it all off with a generous sprinkle of that chopped fresh basil. It adds such a beautiful pop of color and a fresh, herbaceous aroma that just brightens everything up. Serve this immediately while it’s piping hot and that burrata is perfectly oozy. It’s amazing just as it is, but if you wanted to add a side, maybe some easy guacamole or garlic parmesan roasted broccoli would be fantastic with it! Or even throw together a light summer salad to balance things out.

Serving Suggestions for Your Tomato Garlic Pasta with Burrata

This pasta is pretty fabulous on its own, but sometimes you just want to add a little extra something, right? Here are a few ideas that I absolutely love serving alongside my Tomato Garlic Pasta with Burrata. You can find great recipes for Peach Caprese Salad, a refreshing Cucumber Tomato Avocado Salad, or even a smoky Grilled Corn Salad to round out the meal perfectly!

Storing and Reheating Your Tomato Garlic Pasta with Burrata

So, what if you have leftovers? Don’t worry, this pasta is still delicious the next day! I usually store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just make sure it’s sealed up tight to keep it fresh.

When it’s time to reheat, the microwave is my go-to for a quick fix. Just pop a portion into a microwave-safe bowl and heat for about 60-90 seconds, stirring halfway through, until it’s warmed through. If you’ve got a little more time, you can gently reheat it in a skillet over low heat on the stovetop. If you’re meal prepping, I’d store the pasta and sauce together, but keep the fresh basil separate and add it right before serving to keep it bright and vibrant. You’ll want to add fresh burrata when you reheat, as it doesn’t quite hold its creamy texture after chilling.

Frequently Asked Questions About Tomato Garlic Pasta with Burrata

Got questions about my favorite Tomato Garlic Pasta? I’ve got answers!

Can I use a different type of cheese instead of burrata?

While burrata is truly special here with its creamy center, you can definitely swap it out! Fresh mozzarella balls (the kind packed in water) are a great substitute. They won’t be as gooey, but they’ll still give you that delightful fresh cheese vibe. Some people even like a dollop of ricotta cheese on top for a similar creamy effect. For a baked feta pasta feel, you could try this recipe with baked feta from my baked feta pasta recipe, though it’s a different flavor profile!

What can I add to make this pasta dish more substantial?

This Tomato Garlic Pasta is fantastic as is, but if you want to bulk it up, there are tons of options! You could add some cooked chicken or shrimp for extra protein. For a vegetarian boost, toss in some white beans or chickpeas along with the pasta. You could even add some roasted vegetables like broccoli or zucchini. If you’re looking for chicken pasta ideas, my creamy chicken pesto pasta is always a hit!

How do I make the sauce thicker or thinner?

Adjusting the sauce consistency is super easy! If your sauce is too thick, just add a little more of that reserved pasta water, a tablespoon at a time, until it reaches your desired consistency. If it’s too thin, let it simmer uncovered for a few more minutes to allow some of the liquid to evaporate. You want it to coat the pasta nicely without being watery.

Enjoy Your Delicious Tomato Garlic Pasta with Burrata!

I really hope you give this Tomato Garlic Pasta with Burrata a try soon! It’s become one of my absolute favorite quick and delicious meals, perfect for those nights when you need something special without the fuss. Let me know in the comments how you liked it or if you added your own special twist! For more amazing easy weeknight meal ideas, check out my tips for healthy busy night dinners!