Description
Fettuccine with Tomato Sauce & Burrata
This dish is a perfect balance of creamy burrata, savory tomato sauce, and fresh fettuccine. The rich, smooth cheese and the vibrant tomato sauce make every bite heavenly. A simple yet delicious pasta meal!
Ingredients:
8 oz fettuccine pasta
1 cup tomato sauce
1 ball of burrata cheese
Fresh basil leaves
Salt and pepper to taste
Olive oil for drizzling
Instructions:
Cook the Pasta: Cook the fettuccine pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside, reserving a little pasta water.
Heat the Tomato Sauce: In a small saucepan, heat the tomato sauce over medium heat. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Assemble the Dish: Plate the fettuccine pasta and spoon the heated tomato sauce over the top.
Add the Burrata: Place a generous scoop of burrata cheese in the center of the pasta. Drizzle with olive oil, crack some fresh black pepper over the top, and garnish with a fresh basil leaf.
Serve immediately for a creamy, comforting meal!
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these detailed instructions for a flawless dish. First, bring a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil. Add the fettuccine and cook until al dente, typically 1-2 minutes less than the package suggests. Before draining, reserve at least 1/2 cup of the starchy pasta water. While the pasta cooks, gently warm your tomato sauce in a saucepan over low heat; avoid boiling it vigorously as this can dull the flavor. Once the pasta is drained, add it directly to the saucepan with the warm tomato sauce. Toss the pasta in the sauce, adding a splash of the reserved pasta water a little at a time to help the sauce cling to the fettuccine. Transfer the sauced pasta to a serving bowl or individual plates.
Serving Suggestions
This pasta shines as a centerpiece. For a complete meal, serve it with a simple arugula salad dressed with lemon juice and olive oil. Crusty, warmed bread is essential for soaking up any leftover sauce and creamy burrata. To elevate the presentation, tear the burrata ball over the pasta, allowing the creamy stracciatella (the inside) to spill out, and place the larger pieces of mozzarella-like exterior on top. Finish with a final drizzle of high-quality extra virgin olive oil, flaky sea salt, and a few whole basil leaves.
How-to Summary
Boil fettuccine in salted water, reserving some pasta water. Gently warm tomato sauce. Toss drained pasta with the sauce, using pasta water to adjust consistency. Plate the pasta, top with torn burrata, and garnish with basil, olive oil, and pepper. Serve immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different pasta shape? Absolutely. Tagliatelle, pappardelle, or rigatoni all work well with this creamy, chunky sauce.
What if I can’t find burrata? Fresh mozzarella (mozzarella di bufala is excellent) is the best substitute, though you will miss the ultra-creamy center.
Can I make the tomato sauce from scratch? Yes, a simple sauce of canned San Marzano tomatoes, garlic, and olive oil simmered for 30 minutes would be perfect.
How do I store leftovers? Store components separately if possible. The pasta and sauce can be refrigerated for 3 days. Burrata is best consumed fresh.
Is there a way to make this dish richer? For a more luxurious sauce, stir a tablespoon of the starchy pasta water into the burrata before adding it to the plate, creating an instant creamy coating.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid overcooking the pasta, as mushy fettuccine will ruin the texture. Do not skip salting your pasta water—it’s the primary chance to season the pasta itself. Never add cold burrata straight from the fridge; let it sit at room temperature for 20-30 minutes to soften and become perfectly creamy. Finally, do not stir the burrata vigorously into the hot pasta, as it will lose its distinctive form and become a simple cheese sauce.
Conclusion
Fettuccine with Tomato Sauce and Burrata is a testament to the power of simple, high-quality ingredients. By following these steps and tips, you can transform a few basic components into a restaurant-worthy meal that feels both indulgent and fresh. The key lies in the technique: perfectly cooked pasta, a well-seasoned sauce, and the thoughtful presentation of the burrata. This dish is sure to become a favorite for its elegant simplicity and incredible flavor.