Wood-Fired Tomato and Basil Penne with Burrata
Al dente penne tossed in a smoky wood-fired tomato sauce with fresh basil, topped with creamy burrata cheese. This italian-inspired pasta (vegetarian) ready in about 25 minutes pairs penne pasta, extra virgin olive oil, garlic cloves, minced for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 480 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 penne pasta
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 14 oz canned fire-roasted diced tomatoes
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, torn
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 8 oz burrata cheese
- 1/4 tsp (optional) red pepper flakes
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add 12 ounces penne pasta and cook for 11 minutes until al dente. Drain and reserve 1/2 cup pasta water.
- Step 2: Meanwhile, heat 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
- Step 3: Add 14 ounces canned fire-roasted diced tomatoes, 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, and 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (if using). Simmer the sauce for 8 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Step 4: Add the drained pasta and 1/4 cup torn fresh basil to the skillet along with 1/2 cup reserved pasta water. Toss for 2 minutes until the sauce coats the pasta and the basil is wilted.
- Step 5: Transfer pasta to serving plates and tear 8 ounces burrata cheese over the top, allowing it to melt slightly into the warm pasta. Garnish with additional basil if desired and serve immediately.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Wood-Fired Tomato and Basil Penne with 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 Wood-Fired Tomato and Basil Penne with 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 penne pasta from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Wood-Fired Tomato and Basil Penne with 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 Wood-Fired Tomato and Basil Penne with 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 Wood-Fired Tomato and Basil Penne with 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.
