Creamy Tomato and Basil Pasta with Burrata

Recipe Introduction: Ready for Romance?

Ever feel like you're stuck in a cooking rut? I know I have! That’s when I decided to whip up this recipe for 2 : Creamy Tomato and Basil Pasta with Burrata .

It’s like sunshine in a bowl, super easy, and totally date night worthy. This dish is packed with flavor and texture, trust me!

A Little Love Story: Where This Pasta Recipe for Two Came From

This isn't just some random pasta dish. Inspired by Italian simplicity and the pure joy of good ingredients, this creamy tomato pasta recipe is all about easy elegance.

This small batch pasta recipe takes about 30 minutes from start to finish. It yields two perfectly portioned servings for a romantic dinner for two .

Why You'll Absolutely Love This Easy Pasta Recipe for Two

The magic lies in the burrata. It's the star of the show. Adding creamy luxury to a familiar dish. Think of it as a warm hug on a plate.

It is a delicious and nutritious weeknight pasta dinner option. Plus, it is also a great source of protein. It turns a regular meal into something truly special.

Pasta for couples is one of my go-to date night dinner ideas and this dish never fails to impress. You'll find yourself reaching for this quick dinner recipes for two more often than you think.

Alright, let's dive into what you'll need!

Ingredients & Equipment for Your Dreamy Pasta

Okay, let's talk shopping list. No stress, this Creamy Tomato and Basil Pasta with Burrata recipe for 2 is all about simple pleasures.

Think easy date night dinner ideas , and this is it.

Main Ingredients: The Heart of the Dish

• Pasta: 8 oz (225g) of your fave dried pasta. Penne, rigatoni, even spaghetti work. I love rigatoni cause the sauce gets inside those tubes.
• Olive Oil: 1 tbsp . Extra virgin, of course. Quality matters.
• Garlic: 2 cloves , minced. Fresh is best. It really makes all the difference, you know?
• Red Pepper Flakes: 1/2 tsp (optional, but recommended). Just a pinch for a little zing .
• Crushed Tomatoes: 1 (14.5 oz/410g) can. Check for good quality. San Marzano if you can swing it.
• Heavy Cream: 1/4 cup (60ml) . This is what makes it creamy tomato pasta !
• Parmesan Cheese: 1/4 cup (60ml) grated, plus more for serving.
• Fresh Basil: 1/4 cup (a small handful) roughly chopped, plus extra for garnish. Get the fragrant ones!
• Burrata Cheese: 1 (4 oz/115g) ball. This has to be the star of the show! The burrata pasta is very important. It needs to be at room temp!
• S&P: Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.

Seasoning Sensations

Essential spice combos? Garlic and red pepper flakes are a match made in heaven. The basil brings a fresh, summery note.

You can adjust the seasoning to your liking. Don't be afraid to experiment with fresh herbs! Oh, and for flavour, that Parmesan gives it that salty, umami thing.

No fresh basil? Dried will do in a pinch, but halve the amount.

Equipment: Keep it Simple, Stupid!

Honestly, you don't need fancy gadgets for these easy pasta recipes for two .

• Large pot: For cooking the pasta.
• Large skillet or saucepan: For the sauce.
• Colander: For draining the pasta.

That's it! If you don't have a colander, use a big slotted spoon. We're going for quick dinner recipes for two , not culinary gymnastics! This small batch pasta recipe is perfetct pasta for couples for a weeknight pasta dinner .

So, grab your ingredients, and let's get cooking! We have got a romantic dinner for two planned for you. You will love it!

Creamy Tomato and Basil Pasta with Burrata: A Romantic Dinner for Two Sorted!

Oh my gosh, you have to try this creamy tomato pasta ! It's seriously the perfect dish for a date night dinner ideas , or just a cozy night in.

Think of it: a steaming bowl of pasta for couples , topped with fresh burrata… Honestly, it doesn't get much better than that! It's also one of those easy pasta recipes for two that anyone can nail.

This recipe for 2 is inspired by my trip to Italy and trust me, this burrata pasta will transport you right there!

Prep Steps: Mise en Place is Your Friend

First things first, let's get organized! This is the essential mise en place . Mince 2 cloves of garlic . Roughly chop 1/4 cup of fresh basil .

Get out your 1 (14.5 oz) can of crushed tomatoes , 1/4 cup of heavy cream , and 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese .

And of course, have that 4oz ball of burrata ready and waiting to be the star of the show. Remember to keep raw and cooked stuff apart.

Sanitize your space and enjoy the process!

step-by-step to Weeknight Pasta Dinner Glory

Alright, here's how we get this quick dinner recipes for two on the table in under 30 minutes!

1. Boil 8 oz of pasta until al dente. Don't forget to salt the water! Reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water .
2. Sauté garlic and 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes in 1 tbsp olive oil for about 30 seconds . Watch out, don't burn it!
3. Add the tomatoes and simmer for 10 minutes . This is how you develop the flavour!
4. Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese . Simmer for 2- 3 minutes until melty.
5. Toss with the cooked pasta and basil.

Pro Tips for Pasta Perfection

Want to take this small batch pasta recipe to the next level? Here's the secret!.

• Don't be shy with the salt. Salt the water like the sea, they say! Also, taste and adjust the seasoning of the sauce.
• Burrata needs to be at room temperature. This is key for that melty, creamy goodness when serving. This is the most important one!

Recipe Notes for the Perfect Creamy Tomato Pasta

Hey there, pasta lovers! So, you're about to try this incredible creamy tomato pasta recipe for 2 , huh? Fantastic choice! This dish is not only dead easy but also super versatile.

Let's dive into some extra tips and tricks to make it your own, whether it's for a cozy date night dinner ideas or just a quick dinner recipes for two after a long day.

Trust me, this will become your new go-to weeknight pasta dinner .

Plating like a Pro for a romantic dinner for two

Okay, presentation matters, especially if you are going for a romantic dinner for two ! Twirl the pasta into a nest in the bowl.

Top with that glorious burrata pasta and a generous drizzle of extra virgin olive oil. A sprinkle of fresh basil adds that extra 'wow' factor.

Serve with a side salad for a pop of green and some crusty bread to soak up all that delicious sauce.

Imagine pairing it with a chilled Pinot Grigio. Chef's kiss!

Storing the Goodness

Got leftovers from your small batch pasta recipe ? Lucky you! This easy pasta recipes for two keeps well.

• Refrigeration: Store the pasta in an airtight container in the fridge. It will last for up to 3 days .
• Reheating: Gently reheat it on the stovetop over low heat. Add a splash of water or milk if it seems dry. You could also microwave it, but it might not be as creamy.

I don't recommend freezing it, as the burrata can get a bit weird when thawed.

Adaptations to Make it Yours

• Lactose Free? You can swap the heavy cream for a plant based alternative. Oat cream works really well! Also, skip the Parmesan and use a vegan cheese alternative. The burrata will need to be skipped or replaced to keep this recipe lactose free.
• Seasonal Swaps: In the summer, use fresh, ripe tomatoes instead of canned for an even more vibrant flavor. In the fall, try adding roasted butternut squash for a touch of sweetness. This pasta for couples is for all seasons!.

The Nitty Gritty Nutrition

Okay, let's be real, this isn't exactly health food, but it is good for the soul! Each serving clocks in around 650-750 calories.

You also get a good dose of protein (25-30g) and healthy fats (40-45g) from the cheese and olive oil. The tomatoes provide some vitamins and antioxidants.

Treat yourself!. The estimated sodium is 500-700mg per serving. These numbers are a rough estimate.

So there you have it! Get ready to impress with this easy pasta recipes for two . Honestly, it's so simple, anyone can do it.

Now go on, give it a go and enjoy!

Frequently Asked Questions

Help! My sauce is too thick. What do I do?

Don't panic! If your creamy tomato sauce gets too thick, a splash of the reserved pasta water is your best friend. Add it one tablespoon at a time until you reach your desired consistency. It's like a little spa treatment for your pasta sauce, bringing it back to life!

Can I make this recipe for 2 ahead of time?

While this Creamy Tomato and Basil Pasta with Burrata is best served fresh, you can definitely prep some of the components ahead of time. You can make the tomato sauce up to 2 days in advance and store it in the fridge. When you're ready to eat, just cook the pasta and combine everything.

Just remember the Burrata should be added just before serving!

I'm not a fan of burrata. What else can I use?

No worries, mate! If burrata isn't your cup of tea, fresh mozzarella or ricotta cheese make excellent substitutes. They'll still provide that lovely creamy texture and mild flavor that complements the tomato sauce beautifully.

Alternatively, you could sprinkle in some extra Parmesan or even a dollop of mascarpone for added richness. It's your pasta, your rules!

How can I adapt this recipe for 2 to be vegetarian or vegan?

Making this dish fully vegetarian is super easy just ensure your Parmesan cheese is vegetarian friendly (some use animal rennet). For a vegan version, skip the burrata altogether, use a plant based cream alternative, and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan for a cheesy flavor.

Alternatively, you can find great vegan burrata alternatives if you search hard enough!

What's the best way to store leftovers of this recipe for 2?

Store any leftover Creamy Tomato and Basil Pasta in an airtight container in the fridge. It'll keep well for up to 2 days. The burrata might lose some of its creamy texture, so it's best to remove it before storing or add fresh burrata when reheating.

When reheating, add a splash of water or milk to prevent the pasta from drying out.

I'm trying to eat healthier. Are there any lighter options for this recipe for 2?

Absolutely! You can lighten up this dish by using whole wheat pasta, which adds more fiber. Swap the heavy cream for half and-half or even Greek yogurt for a tangier twist. Also, consider adding extra vegetables like spinach or bell peppers to boost the nutrient content.

Remember portion control is key too enjoy in moderation!