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
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.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
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.
