Baked Burrata and Tomato Pasta is a rich, creamy, and flavorful Italian-inspired dish that is perfect for busy weeknights or special family dinners. Sweet roasted tomatoes, fresh garlic, olive oil, herbs, and creamy burrata cheese come together to create a delicious pasta sauce with very little effort.
As the tomatoes roast in the oven, they become soft and juicy, releasing their natural sweetness. The burrata melts into the warm tomatoes, creating a silky sauce that coats every piece of pasta. Finished with fresh basil and Parmesan cheese, this recipe is simple enough for beginners but elegant enough to serve to guests.
If you enjoy fresh Italian flavors and easy one-pan meals, this Baked Burrata and Tomato Pasta recipe is sure to become one of your favorites.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are many reasons to make this pasta recipe.
- Easy to prepare
- Made with simple ingredients
- Rich and creamy
- Full of fresh tomato flavor
- Perfect for weeknight dinners
- Great for entertaining guests
- Ready in about 40 minutes
- Vegetarian-friendly
- Easy to customize
What Is Burrata?
Burrata is a fresh Italian cheese made from mozzarella and cream. It has a soft outer shell and a rich, creamy center. When cut open, the creamy filling mixes beautifully into warm dishes like pasta, pizza, and roasted vegetables.
Because burrata is delicate, it is usually added near the end of cooking so it stays creamy and smooth.
Ingredients
For the Pasta
- 12 ounces (340 g) pasta such as penne, rigatoni, fusilli, or spaghetti
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes
- 2 cups grape tomatoes
- 1 ball (8 ounces) fresh burrata cheese
- 4 cloves garlic, peeled
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
For Garnish
- Fresh basil leaves
- Grated Parmesan cheese
- Extra virgin olive oil
- Freshly cracked black pepper
Kitchen Equipment
You’ll need:
- Large baking dish
- Large pot
- Colander
- Wooden spoon
- Measuring spoons
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Serving bowl
How to Make Baked Burrata and Tomato Pasta
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Lightly grease a baking dish with a little olive oil.
Step 2: Prepare the Tomatoes
Add the cherry and grape tomatoes to the baking dish.
Scatter the garlic cloves around the tomatoes.
Drizzle with olive oil.
Season with:
- Italian seasoning
- Oregano
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Red pepper flakes if using
Toss everything together until evenly coated.
Step 3: Bake
Place the baking dish in the oven.
Bake for about 25 to 30 minutes.
The tomatoes should become soft, blistered, and slightly caramelized.
The garlic should be tender enough to mash with a fork.
Step 4: Cook the Pasta
While the tomatoes are roasting, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente.
Before draining, reserve about 1 cup of the pasta cooking water.
Drain the pasta.
Step 5: Add the Burrata
Remove the baking dish from the oven.
Place the burrata in the center of the hot tomatoes.
Let it sit for 2 to 3 minutes so it begins to soften.
Gently break open the burrata with a spoon.
Mix the creamy center with the roasted tomatoes and garlic to create a smooth sauce.
Step 6: Combine Everything
Add the cooked pasta to the baking dish.
Toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated.
If needed, add a little reserved pasta water until the sauce reaches your preferred consistency.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Top with:
- Fresh basil leaves
- Parmesan cheese
- Extra black pepper
- A drizzle of olive oil
Serve immediately while warm.
Tips for the Best Baked Burrata and Tomato Pasta
Use Ripe Tomatoes
Sweet, ripe tomatoes create the richest flavor.
Cherry and grape tomatoes work especially well because they become naturally sweet when roasted.
Don’t Overcook the Burrata
Add the burrata after roasting the tomatoes.
This keeps its creamy center smooth instead of becoming rubbery.
Save Pasta Water
The starchy cooking water helps create a silky sauce that clings to the pasta.
Add only a little at a time until the sauce is perfect.
Finish with Fresh Herbs
Fresh basil adds color, freshness, and classic Italian flavor.
Add it just before serving.
Best Pasta Shapes
Many pasta shapes work well.
Good choices include:
- Penne
- Rigatoni
- Fusilli
- Farfalle
- Orecchiette
- Spaghetti
- Linguine
Short pasta shapes hold the creamy tomato sauce particularly well.
Delicious Variations
Add Chicken
Stir in grilled or shredded chicken for extra protein.
Add Shrimp
Cook shrimp separately and toss them into the finished pasta.
Add Spinach
Mix fresh spinach into the hot pasta until wilted.
Add Mushrooms
Roast sliced mushrooms together with the tomatoes for extra flavor.
Make It Spicy
Increase the crushed red pepper flakes or add a drizzle of chili oil before serving.
Add More Cheese
Mix in:
- Fresh mozzarella
- Ricotta
- Pecorino Romano
- Extra Parmesan
for an even richer pasta dish.
What to Serve with Baked Burrata and Tomato Pasta
This pasta pairs well with many side dishes.
Popular choices include:
- Garlic bread
- Caesar salad
- Green salad
- Roasted asparagus
- Steamed broccoli
- Bruschetta
- Roasted zucchini
- Grilled vegetables
A simple salad balances the richness of the burrata.
Storage Instructions
Allow the pasta to cool completely.
Store leftovers in an airtight container.
Refrigerator
Keeps fresh for up to 3 days.
Freezer
Freezing is not recommended because burrata may lose its creamy texture after thawing.
Reheating Tips
Warm gently in a skillet over low heat.
Add a splash of water or milk if the sauce becomes too thick.
Avoid overheating, as the cheese can become less creamy.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid these mistakes for the best results.
- Using underripe tomatoes
- Overcooking the pasta
- Baking the burrata too long
- Forgetting to reserve pasta water
- Skipping fresh basil
- Adding too much salt before tasting
Nutrition Information
Approximate values per serving.
- Calories: 560
- Protein: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fat: 30g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sodium: Varies depending on ingredients
Frequently Asked Questions
What is burrata?
Burrata is a fresh Italian cheese with a mozzarella shell and a creamy center made from mozzarella strands and cream.
Can I use mozzarella instead of burrata?
Yes. Fresh mozzarella is a good substitute, although the finished sauce will not be quite as rich and creamy.
Which tomatoes are best?
Cherry tomatoes and grape tomatoes are ideal because they roast well and become naturally sweet.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
You can roast the tomatoes and cook the pasta ahead of time. For the best texture, add the burrata and combine everything just before serving.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
Yes. This recipe is vegetarian if you use a vegetarian-friendly Parmesan cheese.
Can I make it gluten-free?
Yes. Simply use your favorite gluten-free pasta while following the same cooking instructions.
