This creamy burrata pasta is a simple and dreamy dish that’s perfect for a quick dinner. With soft burrata cheese and easy-to-make sauce, it’s pure comfort food!
I love how the cheese melts into the pasta, creating a rich, velvety sauce that’s hard to resist. Serve it with a sprinkle of herbs, and dinner is ready in no time! 🍝
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: I love using spaghetti for its twirly texture, but any pasta works! Try fettuccine for a flat bite or penne for easy scooping. If you’re gluten-free, pasta made from chickpeas or lentils can be a great alternative.
Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil is my go-to for flavor, but you can use any cooking oil you have on hand. If you want a nutty taste, try using avocado oil instead.
Burrata Cheese: Burrata is creamy and delicious, but if you can’t find it, fresh mozzarella is a good substitute. Just remember, it won’t be as rich. For a non-dairy option, use cashew cheese or any creamy vegan cheese alternative.
Heavy Cream: Heavy cream makes the sauce rich and velvety. If you’re watching calories, you can swap it with half-and-half or whole milk, but the sauce may be a bit thinner.
Garlic: Fresh garlic gives amazing flavor, but if you’re in a pinch, garlic powder works too—about 1/4 teaspoon per clove.
How Can I Make Sure the Sauce is Perfectly Creamy?
The cream sauce is key to this dish. Here are some easy tips to get it just right:
- After adding cream, keep the heat low. This helps prevent the cream from curdling and keeps it smooth.
- Mix in the Parmesan cheese gradually. This helps it melt evenly into the sauce.
- If the sauce is too thick, don’t hesitate to add a little of the reserved pasta water, bit by bit, until you reach the creaminess you love!
When you finally toss everything together, it should be coated beautifully—creamy without being gloppy. Enjoy your dinner!
How to Make Creamy Burrata Pasta
What You’ll Need:
Ingredients:
- 12 oz (340g) pasta (such as spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 ball (about 8 oz) burrata cheese
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
- Optional: red pepper flakes, for a bit of heat
Time Needed:
This creamy burrata pasta takes about 25 minutes to prepare and cook. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by bringing a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Add a generous amount of salt—it should taste a bit like the sea! Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Save about 1/2 cup of the pasta water for later, then drain the pasta.
2. Sauté the Garlic:
While your pasta is cooking, take a large skillet and heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute. You want it to smell fantastic but keep a close eye on it to avoid burning!
3. Create the Creamy Sauce:
Once the garlic is fragrant, lower the heat and pour in the heavy cream. Let it gently warm up for 2-3 minutes—this avoids curdling. Then, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and mix until it’s melted and gives you a creamy sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste!
4. Combine with Pasta:
Add your drained pasta into the creamy garlic sauce. Toss everything together gently until the pasta is fully coated. If the sauce feels too thick, just splash in a bit of that reserved pasta water until you get the perfect creamy texture.
5. Add the Burrata:
Transfer the creamy pasta to your serving plates. Now, take the burrata cheese and tear it into large chunks. Place the burrata over the pasta, letting it ooze its creamy goodness as it warms from the pasta.
6. Garnish and Serve:
Finish it off with fresh basil leaves for that pop of color and flavor. If you like a little heat, sprinkle some red pepper flakes on top. Serve immediately and get ready for compliments!
This creamy burrata pasta is a delightful dish perfect for an easy dinner with an impressive touch. Enjoy the melt-in-your-mouth experience that the burrata cheese brings to the table!
FAQ for Creamy Burrata Pasta
Can I Use Different Types of Pasta?
Absolutely! While spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne are great choices, you can use any pasta you prefer. Just be mindful of the cooking time, as it may vary based on the pasta shape you choose.
What Can I Substitute for Burrata Cheese?
If you can’t find burrata, fresh mozzarella is a good alternative, though it won’t be quite as creamy. For a vegan option, try using cashew cheese or a soft dairy-free cheese that melts well.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of cream or reserved pasta water to refresh the sauce.
Can I Make This Recipe Dairy-Free?
Yes! You can substitute heavy cream with a plant-based cream such as coconut cream or cashew cream. Use vegan Parmesan cheese or nutritional yeast in place of regular Parmesan to keep it dairy-free.
