Pasta alla Caprese with Basil and Burrata
A fresh Italian pasta dish combining tender spaghetti with juicy cherry tomatoes, sweet basil, and creamy burrata cheese for a light yet indulgent meal. This italian-inspired pasta (vegetarian) ready in about 25 minutes pairs spaghetti, halved cherry tomatoes, extra virgin olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 520 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 12 oz spaghetti
- 2 cups, halved cherry tomatoes
- 4 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 3 cloves, thinly sliced garlic cloves
- 1 cup, torn fresh basil leaves
- 8 oz ball burrata cheese
- 1 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp (optional) red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add 12 oz spaghetti and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water and drain the rest.
- Step 2: While pasta cooks, heat 4 tbsp extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 3 thinly sliced garlic cloves and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
- Step 3: Add 2 cups halved cherry tomatoes, sprinkle 1 1/2 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes if using. Cook for 5-6 minutes until tomatoes soften and release juices.
- Step 4: Add drained spaghetti to the skillet along with 1/2 cup reserved pasta water. Toss gently with 1 cup torn fresh basil leaves until sauce coats the pasta and basil wilts.
- Step 5: Transfer pasta to serving bowls and top each with 2 oz creamy burrata cheese torn into pieces. Serve immediately to enjoy the contrast of warm pasta and cool cheese.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Pasta alla Caprese with Basil and Burrata take to make?
Total time is about 25 minutes (10 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Pasta alla Caprese with Basil and Burrata?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep spaghetti from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Pasta alla Caprese with Basil and Burrata?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Pasta alla Caprese with Basil and Burrata for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
Is Pasta alla Caprese with Basil and Burrata vegetarian?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
