Tomato Basil Fettuccine with Burrata: An Easy Taste of Italy

PastaMain CoursesItalian CuisineVegetarian

May 28

Greetings, fellow culinary adventurers! Today, we're not just making a dish; we're embarking on a sensory journey that centers around one of nature's most delightful gifts: the fresh, ripe tomato. Our destination? A plate of exquisite Tomato Basil Fettuccine with Burrata. If your heart, like mine, beats a little faster at the thought of biting into a sun-warmed, perfectly ripened tomato, then prepare to be utterly captivated by this recipe. What truly excites me about this creation is its inherent simplicity. We're not masking the ingredients with layers of complexity; instead, we're allowing the pure, unadulterated flavors of the tomatoes to take center stage, beautifully complemented by the aromatic freshness of basil and the opulent, milky embrace of burrata. Get ready to transform your kitchen into a little corner of Italy and experience the pure joy of fresh, vibrant flavors – trust me, it's easier and more rewarding than you might imagine!

Our culinary exploration begins with the very soul of this dish: the sauce. We initiate the process by gently coaxing warmth from a generous swirl of good quality olive oil in a sturdy skillet. Now, when I say good quality, I truly mean it. Opt for an extra virgin olive oil that boasts a rich, fruity aroma; it will lay the perfect foundation for our tomato symphony. Observe how the light dances on its surface as it settles in the pan, a visual promise of the richness and depth it will impart to our sauce. The skillet itself, a reliable workhorse in any kitchen, with its even heat distribution, plays a crucial role in ensuring that our flavors develop harmoniously. As the oil begins to shimmer ever so slightly, imagine the subtle, herbaceous notes rising, a delicate prelude to the vibrant flavors that are about to unfold.

Next, we welcome our protagonists: radiant Campari tomatoes, undergoing a refreshing cleanse under a stream of cool, clear water. For those who truly appreciate the taste of fresh tomatoes, Campari tomatoes are a genuine treasure. They possess this remarkable equilibrium of sweetness and a lively, almost tangy acidity that makes them exceptionally flavorful. Just gazing at their vibrant red hue, you can almost envision the sun-drenched fields where they ripened. This simple act of washing them feels almost sacred, a mindful preparation of these little bursts of sunshine for their culinary transformation.

The next step beautifully illustrates the fundamental yet vital task of quartering the tomatoes. While it might seem like a routine action, this is instrumental in unlocking the full potential of their flavor. By creating more surface area, we enable their precious juices, the very essence of that fresh tomato taste we adore, to be readily released as they gently simmer. Take a moment to observe the glistening moisture on the cut surfaces, those tiny droplets holding the promise of intense flavor waiting to be unveiled. The clean backdrop serves as a stark contrast, allowing the tomatoes' brilliant color to truly captivate the eye.

Witness the beautiful alchemy as the quartered tomatoes meet the warm, embracing olive oil in the skillet. Joining them in this flavorful embrace are a generous pinch of fragrant kosher salt, freshly cracked black pepper with its earthy undertones, and those little fiery jewels of crushed red pepper, ready to add a gentle warmth. The immediate sizzle and pop that erupt as the tomatoes hit the pan is, to me, one of the most comforting sounds in the kitchen! It’s the vibrant symphony of fresh ingredients beginning to meld and deepen their individual characters. The salt here isn't just a seasoning; it's a flavor enhancer, drawing out the inherent sweetness of the tomatoes and balancing their acidity. The freshly ground pepper adds a subtle layer of complexity, while those tiny flecks of red pepper promise a delightful hint of heat that will dance beautifully with the other flavors.

Then, a splash of elegant semi-dry white wine gracefully joins the simmering tomatoes, its delicate aroma intermingling with the increasingly savory scent. The wine introduces a layer of sophistication, its subtle fruitiness and bright acidity acting as a counterpoint to the natural sweetness of the tomatoes, adding a nuanced depth to the developing sauce. As the heat is gently lowered to a simmer, the kitchen begins to fill with an intoxicating aroma – it's the unmistakable promise of a truly exceptional sauce in the making. Allowing the tomatoes to simmer slowly for about 10 to 15 minutes is where the true magic unfolds. They gradually soften, their skins may begin to wrinkle and release, and their vibrant, fresh flavor intensifies, becoming even more concentrated and luscious. You can visually witness the sauce thickening, transforming into a rich, inviting hue – a testament to the simple yet profound power of gentle cooking. For those who prefer an exceptionally smooth sauce, a quick and efficient mash with a sturdy meat mallet or potato masher will do the trick, breaking down the tomatoes further. Alternatively, the use of an immersion blender directly in the skillet will create a velvety, silken texture, completely free of any tomato skins, catering to different textural preferences.

While our tomatoes are undergoing this aromatic transformation into a fragrant and flavorful sauce, it's the perfect moment to turn our attention to the pasta, the ideal companion to our star ingredient. We've chosen fettuccine, with its graceful, broad ribbons, as the perfect vessel to capture and showcase the richness of our tomato creation. Its generous surface area provides ample space for the sauce to lovingly cling, ensuring that each and every bite is an explosion of that fresh tomato goodness we so appreciate. The slight chewiness of perfectly cooked fettuccine offers a delightful textural counterpoint to the tender, yielding tomatoes and the luxurious creaminess of the burrata that awaits.

Now, for that invigorating burst of fresh, herbaceous brilliance that harmonizes with tomatoes like no other: basil! We carefully slice those vibrant green leaves into thin ribbons. This seemingly elegant technique simply involves stacking the fresh basil leaves, rolling them tightly like a delicate cigar, and then slicing them thinly crosswise, creating beautiful, fragrant ribbons. The very act of slicing into fresh basil releases its aromatic oils, instantly filling your kitchen with a sweet, slightly peppery fragrance – it’s like a miniature taste of summer encapsulated in each leaf. Fresh basil is absolutely essential in this dish; its bright, almost anise-like notes provide a wonderful counterpoint to the inherent sweetness and subtle acidity of the tomato sauce, lifting the entire flavor profile.

The cooked fettuccine is then tossed directly into the warm, fragrant embrace of the tomato sauce. This is the pivotal moment where all the individual elements come together in perfect harmony, and you can see how beautifully the rich, vibrant sauce lovingly coats each and every strand of pasta. The addition of the freshly cut basil at this stage infuses the entire dish with its bright, aromatic essence, its vivid green hue providing a stunning visual contrast to the deep red of the sauce. If the sauce appears a tad too thick for your liking, don't hesitate to ladle in a splash or two of that reserved pasta water – this starchy liquid gold acts as a natural emulsifier, helping to create a silky, perfectly coated pasta that’s an absolute delight to eat.

Finally, we arrive at the pièce de résistance, the element that elevates this simple dish to something truly special: the burrata cheese. This isn't just your everyday mozzarella; it's a creamy, opulent indulgence! That delicate, porcelain-white outer shell yields to an incredibly soft, almost liquid interior of stracciatella and fresh cream. The very act of gently cutting or breaking it open reveals this luscious, milky heart, releasing a fresh, clean dairy aroma that is utterly irresistible. It’s the perfect textural and flavor counterpoint to the bright, slightly tangy tomatoes and the perfectly al dente pasta. The cool, creamy richness of the burrata melting into the warm sauce is a sensation that is simply divine.

The final, glorious plate showcases that beautiful tomato basil fettuccine, lovingly crowned with a generous dollop of that heavenly burrata, and artfully garnished with a scattering of more fresh basil ribbons and perhaps a delicate pinch of red pepper flakes for those who appreciate a subtle hint of warmth. The visual appeal is as captivating as the aroma. The pristine white of the burrata nestled against the vibrant red of the sauce and the fresh green of the basil creates an inviting tableau that promises a truly exceptional culinary experience.

For me, this Tomato Basil Fettuccine with Burrata is the quintessential way to celebrate the pure, unadulterated taste of fresh, ripe tomatoes. It’s a dish that manages to be both incredibly comforting and surprisingly elegant, and the best part? It comes together with remarkable ease. The bright, sweet tomatoes, the fragrant, slightly peppery basil, the perfectly cooked pasta with its satisfying bite, and that unbelievably creamy, melt-in-your-mouth burrata – it’s a symphony of flavors and textures that is, quite simply, divine.

I truly hope you are inspired to bring this little taste of Italian sunshine into your own kitchen and savor the pure joy of these fresh, vibrant flavors as much as I do. Please don't hesitate to share your thoughts, any personal touches you might add, and perhaps even a photo of your culinary creation in the comment section below. Your feedback and experiences are always so valuable and appreciated – I truly love hearing about your own cooking adventures! Buon appetito!

Tomato Basil Fettuccine, Burrata Recipe, Easy Pasta Recipe, Italian Food, Pasta Dinner, Quick Dinner, Vegetarian Pasta, Fresh Tomato Sauce, Creamy Pasta, Fettuccine Recipe

Pasta, Main Courses, Italian Cuisine, Vegetarian, Dinner, Supper

Italian

Yield: 2

Author: Cooking with Busch