Description
A delicious and comforting Burrata Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes and Spinach recipe featuring whole-wheat fettuccine tossed in a flavorful garlic and tomato sauce, finished with creamy burrata cheese and fresh basil. Perfect for a quick and elegant weeknight meal.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 8 ounces whole-wheat fettuccine or linguine
Sauce
- ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 ½ tablespoons finely chopped garlic
- ½ teaspoon salt-free Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper
- 3 cups halved cherry tomatoes
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground pepper
Greens and Herbs
- 3 cups packed baby spinach (about 3 oz.)
- ¼ cup chopped fresh basil, plus more for garnish
Cheese
- 8 ounces burrata cheese
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large saucepan of water to a boil. Add the whole-wheat fettuccine and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Prepare the Sauce: While the pasta cooks, heat extra-virgin olive oil in a large high-sided skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped garlic, salt-free Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper. Cook, stirring frequently, until the garlic is fragrant, about 1 to 2 minutes.
- Cook the Tomatoes: Stir in the halved cherry tomatoes and cook, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes burst and create a saucy consistency, about 8 to 10 minutes. Season with salt and ground pepper, then remove the skillet from heat.
- Toss Pasta and Greens: Add the cooked pasta and reserved pasta water to the tomato mixture in the skillet. Toss well to combine. Add the baby spinach and chopped fresh basil, then toss again. Return the skillet to medium heat and cook, stirring often, until the pasta is coated with the sauce and the spinach is wilted, approximately 2 minutes.
- Add Burrata and Serve: Tear the burrata cheese into pieces and gently fold it into the pasta mixture just before serving. Divide the pasta among 4 bowls and garnish with additional fresh basil if desired. Serve immediately for best flavor.
Notes
- Reserve some pasta cooking water to adjust sauce consistency if it gets too thick.
- Use whole-wheat pasta for a healthier, fiber-rich option.
- If burrata is unavailable, fresh mozzarella can be used as a substitute, but the creamy texture of burrata is preferred.
- Adjust crushed red pepper to taste for more or less heat.
- Fresh basil adds brightness; feel free to add extra as garnish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
