This Spicy Tomato Burrata Pasta combines creamy vodka sauce with the heat of Calabrian chili oil and red pepper flakes, making it an exciting and flavorful dish. Fresh cherry tomatoes are added to create a burst of sweetness, and the burrata gives a rich, creamy contrast to the spicy sauce. The perfect dish for those who love a little heat balanced with cheesy creaminess.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• 8 oz short pasta (Lumache used)

• 2 tbsp butter

• 1 tbsp hot chili oil (or olive oil with extra red pepper flakes)

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes

• 1 1/2 cups cherry tomatoes

• 1/2 tsp salt

• 1/4 tsp black pepper

• 1/4 cup reserved pasta water

• 4 tbsp tomato paste

• 1/4 cup vodka

• 1 cup cream or milk (or half & half, heavy cream, 2% milk, or dairy-free milk)

• 1 burrata

Directions

1. Cook pasta according to package instructions in heavily salted water.

2. In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium-low heat and add hot chili oil. Stir in minced garlic and red pepper flakes until fragrant (be careful not to burn the garlic).

3. Add cherry tomatoes, salt, pepper, and pasta water. Stir, cover, and cook for 5-8 minutes until tomatoes start to burst, stirring occasionally.

4. Add tomato paste and cook until it turns dark red and coats the tomatoes. Then, add vodka and cook until the vodka is absorbed.

5. Gradually add cream or milk, allowing the sauce to thicken before adding more.

6. Once the sauce has thickened to your liking, toss the cooked pasta into the sauce.

7. Serve with red pepper flakes, burrata, and optional parmesan. Enjoy!

Nutrients

The nutritional information for this dish will vary depending on ingredients and portion size. However, typical serving sizes will have:

• Calories: 400-500 kcal

• Total Fat: 20-30 g

  • Saturated Fat: 8-12 g

• Cholesterol: 30-60 mg

• Sodium: 400-600 mg

• Total Carbohydrates: 40-60 g

  • Dietary Fiber: 3-5 g

  • Sugars: 4-8 g

• Protein: 12-15 g

These are estimated values and can be more accurately calculated using specific ingredients.

Why This Recipe Works

This recipe combines multiple layers of flavor that work harmoniously together. The spicy heat from the Calabrian chili oil and red pepper flakes provides an exciting contrast to the sweetness of the fresh cherry tomatoes. The creamy vodka sauce, made with cream or milk, adds richness and a velvety texture that complements the heat perfectly. Burrata, a creamy cheese that melts beautifully, elevates the dish by adding extra creaminess and indulgence.

The combination of short pasta, like Lumache, allows the sauce to cling to each piece, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor. The addition of vodka deepens the sauce and brings out the natural sweetness of the tomatoes. The dish is simple yet rich and satisfying, with a perfect balance of heat, creaminess, and savory goodness.

Making the Sauce: Heat, Sweetness, and Creaminess

The sauce begins with butter and hot chili oil, which creates a flavorful base. The garlic and red pepper flakes are sautéed to release their fragrances and flavors, adding heat to the sauce without overwhelming the dish. The burst of sweet cherry tomatoes, with a little salt and pepper, brings freshness and sweetness that balances out the heat. As the tomatoes cook, they begin to burst and release their juices, which makes the sauce flavorful and aromatic.

Tomato paste is then added to enhance the depth of the tomato flavor. Cooking the tomato paste until it turns dark red adds richness to the sauce, and the addition of vodka brings a slightly bitter, complex flavor that pairs beautifully with the tomatoes. Once the vodka is absorbed, cream or milk is gradually incorporated, giving the sauce a rich, silky texture. The sauce is thickened to your liking and then tossed with the pasta, which absorbs all the creamy goodness.

The Burrata: Rich and Creamy

The addition of burrata at the end of the dish is what makes this pasta extra special. Burrata is a soft, fresh cheese that has a delicate outer shell and a creamy interior. When placed on top of the pasta, it melts into the sauce, adding a luxurious creaminess that complements the spicy tomato sauce. The burrata balances out the heat and adds a soft, milky texture to each bite, making the dish even more indulgent.

If you’re a fan of cheese, you can also sprinkle some freshly grated Parmesan on top for an extra burst of flavor. The combination of burrata and Parmesan makes this pasta an incredibly satisfying and rich meal.

Assembling and Serving

Once the pasta is cooked, it’s tossed with the sauce, ensuring that each piece is coated with the creamy, spicy goodness. The dish is finished with a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for an extra kick, and the burrata is placed on top just before serving. The burrata will begin to melt into the pasta, creating a creamy, decadent texture.

Serve this dish immediately while the pasta is hot and fresh. It’s perfect on its own or paired with a side salad or some crusty bread to soak up any extra sauce. This pasta is a great way to enjoy a restaurant-quality meal at home in less than 30 minutes.

Why You’ll Love Spicy Tomato Burrata Pasta

Spicy Tomato Burrata Pasta is the perfect combination of flavors and textures. The creamy vodka sauce and burrata provide a rich, luxurious base, while the heat from the chili oil and red pepper flakes adds excitement and depth. The fresh cherry tomatoes offer a burst of sweetness that perfectly balances the spicy sauce. Each bite is creamy, cheesy, and full of flavor, making it a must-try dish for anyone who loves a little spice with their pasta.

The recipe is quick and easy, making it ideal for a weeknight meal, but the flavors are rich and indulgent enough to serve on special occasions. The simplicity of the ingredients—pasta, tomatoes, burrata, and a few pantry staples—means that you can make this dish at home with minimal effort, but it still feels like a restaurant-worthy treat.

Conclusion

Spicy Tomato Burrata Pasta is a rich, flavorful dish that combines the heat of chili oil and red pepper flakes with a creamy, savory vodka sauce. The addition of fresh cherry tomatoes and creamy burrata makes each bite comforting and indulgent, while the short pasta ensures that every piece is coated with the luscious sauce. This dish is perfect for those who love a little heat paired with creamy, cheesy goodness. Whether you’re making it for a quick weeknight dinner or a special meal, this pasta will become a favorite in no time.