Welcome to a culinary adventure that promises to elevate your weeknight dining experience! The Silky Red Pepper and Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta with Burrata Melt is not just a meal; it’s a celebration of flavors that your taste buds will thoroughly enjoy. With its combination of creamy, smoky, and rich textures, this dish takes simple ingredients and transforms them into a gourmet delight that’s perfect for any occasion.
Imagine twirling your fork around luscious pasta enveloped in an irresistible sauce made from roasted red peppers and sun-dried tomatoes, creating a symphony of flavors that will impress your family and guests alike. Not only does this pasta dish deliver on taste, but it also offers the convenience of being quick and easy to prepare. In around 30 minutes, you can have a restaurant-quality meal on the table, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or special gatherings. It embraces the vibrant, hearty flavors of Mediterranean cuisine while ensuring every bite is creamy due to the heavenly addition of burrata. Whether you’re a pasta lover or just in the mood for something indulgent, this recipe is bound to become a favorite in your household.
Why You’ll Love This Silky Red Pepper and Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta with Burrata Melt
- Rich Flavor Explosion: The combination of roasted red peppers, garlic, and sun-dried tomatoes creates a depth of flavor that is both comforting and exciting.
- Easy One-Pot Meal: This dish is made in one pot, minimizing cleanup while infusing all pasta goodness with the creamy sauce.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a cozy family dinner or an elegant gathering, this pasta dish fits right in.
- Healthier Comfort Food: Packed with healthy fats from olive oil and nuts, alongside delicious veggies, this meal is indulgent yet guilt-free.
- Gourmet Cheese Touch: The creamy burrata cheese melts beautifully into the hot pasta, enhancing both flavor and texture.
Preparation Phase & Tools to Use
Before diving into this delightful recipe, get your kitchen ready for a smooth cooking experience. Start by decluttering your countertops, ensuring that you have ample space for chopping and blending. Gather all the necessary ingredients, so you won’t have to scramble mid-recipe. You’ll need a blender for the sauce, a large pot to cook the pasta, a cutting board, and a sharp knife for precise chopping.
For this recipe, a good quality pot is essential—ideally, a Dutch oven or a large saucepan that can accommodate cooking the pasta directly in the sauce. Make sure you also have a stirring utensil, like a wooden spoon or silicone spatula, to frequently stir the pasta as it cooks. A measuring cup and spoons will help ensure you add just the right amounts of ingredients. With everything laid out, you’re prepared to create a sumptuous dish without the fuss!
Ingredients
- 1 jar (12 oz) roasted red peppers, drained (reserve 1 whole)
- ½ cup extra-virgin olive oil (or oil from sun-dried tomatoes)
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 2 cloves garlic, smashed
- ⅓ cup toasted nuts or seeds (walnuts or pumpkin seeds)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider or champagne vinegar
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 2 teaspoons honey
- ¾ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- ¼ cup chopped fresh herbs (basil, oregano, or parsley)
- 1 pound short pasta (like rigatoni or penne)
- 2 tablespoons salted butter
- ½ cup oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, sliced
- 1 cup grated Parmesan
- 1 cup chopped fresh basil or Italian herbs
- Kosher salt and black pepper, to taste
- Chili flakes (optional)
- Burrata cheese balls, at room temperature
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Sauce
Start your culinary journey by blending the ingredients for the sauce. In a blender, combine the drained roasted red peppers, the toasted nuts of your choice, tomato paste, smashed garlic cloves, the extra-virgin olive oil, and the fresh herbs and vinegar. Add the honey for a touch of sweetness, along with the smoked paprika and optional cayenne pepper for a hint of heat. Season with a pinch of salt, then blend all the ingredients on high speed until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy. This sauce is the heart of your dish and adds a luscious quality to the pasta.
Step 2: Simmer the Sauce
In a large pot, melt the salted butter over medium heat. Once melted, pour in the blended sauce and add about 3½ cups of water. Engage your senses as you bring the mixture to a gentle boil. This bubbling signifies that the flavors are marrying beautifully together. It’s essential to create a well-rounded and rich sauce for your pasta to soak up.
Step 3: Cook the Pasta Directly in the Sauce
Now, it’s time to incorporate the pasta! Using short pasta like rigatoni or penne allows for the sauce to cling beautifully. Add the pasta directly into the boiling sauce, ensuring that you stir often to prevent sticking. Cook for about 8 to 12 minutes, or until the pasta achieves that delightful al dente texture. As it cooks, keep an eye on the water level; add more water if necessary, allowing the pasta to absorb the rich flavors without needing to drain it.
Step 4: Add Final Ingredients
Once the pasta is cooked to perfection, retrieve the reserved whole roasted red pepper and slice it into thin strips. Gently fold the pepper strips into the pasta along with the sliced sun-dried tomatoes, grated Parmesan, and chopped fresh herbs. Stir everything until the pasta is fully coated in the creamy sauce, creating a dish that speaks of indulgence and heartiness.
Serve your exquisite creation over soft burrata cheese, letting the warmth of the pasta melt into the cheese. Stir it gently to mix in the creaminess of the burrata, and finish with a sprinkle of extra herbs and chili flakes if you desire an added kick.
Variations
- Protein: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or even chickpeas for a protein boost.
- Vegetables: Incorporate spinach, roasted zucchini, or cherry tomatoes to enhance nutritional value.
- Spices: Experiment with Italian seasoning or red pepper flakes to customize the spice level.
Cooking Notes
- Feel free to adjust the thickness of the sauce by adding more water or cooking it down.
- If you want a nuttier flavor, try toasting nuts before adding them to the blender.
- The recipe is highly flexible; don’t be afraid to experiment with different herbs according to the season.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with a fresh side salad dressed in lemon and olive oil for a complete meal.
- Serve with rustic bread to soak up the glorious sauce.
Tips
- Reserve some pasta water to help adjust the sauce consistency before serving.
- For leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of water.
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Nutritional Information
- Calories: Approximately 650 per serving
- Protein: 18 grams
- Sodium: 820 mg
FAQs
Can I use fresh peppers instead of jarred?
Yes, you can roast fresh red peppers at home for a more intense flavor; just ensure they are cooled and peeled before blending.
What can I substitute for burrata?
If burrata isn’t available, you can use fresh mozzarella or ricotta cheese for a similar creamy effect.
Can this recipe be made vegan?
Yes, replace butter with olive oil and use vegan cheese or omit it entirely for a lighter dish.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently.
Conclusion
The Silky Red Pepper and Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta with Burrata Melt is an extraordinary dish that beautifully balances flavors and textures, making it perfect for any occasion. It’s creamy, smoky, and absolutely satisfying, ensuring that your dining experience is both memorable and delightful. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or entertaining guests, this dish is sure to impress. Don’t hesitate to share your experiences or variations in the comments below! We’d love to hear how you made this recipe your own. Enjoy every delectable bite!
Print
Silky Red Pepper and Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta with Burrata Melt
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
The Silky Red Pepper and Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta with Burrata Melt is an extraordinary dish that beautifully balances flavors and textures.
Ingredients
- 1 jar (12 oz) roasted red peppers, drained (reserve 1 whole)
- ½ cup extra-virgin olive oil (or oil from sun-dried tomatoes)
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 2 cloves garlic, smashed
- ⅓ cup toasted nuts or seeds (walnuts or pumpkin seeds)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider or champagne vinegar
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 2 teaspoons honey
- ¾ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- ¼ cup chopped fresh herbs (basil, oregano, or parsley)
- 1 pound short pasta (like rigatoni or penne)
- 2 tablespoons salted butter
- ½ cup oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, sliced
- 1 cup grated Parmesan
- 1 cup chopped fresh basil or Italian herbs
- Kosher salt and black pepper, to taste
- Chili flakes (optional)
- Burrata cheese balls, at room temperature
Instructions
- Start your culinary journey by blending the ingredients for the sauce. In a blender, combine the drained roasted red peppers, the toasted nuts of your choice, tomato paste, smashed garlic cloves, the extra-virgin olive oil, and the fresh herbs and vinegar. Add the honey for a touch of sweetness, along with the smoked paprika and optional cayenne pepper for a hint of heat. Season with a pinch of salt, then blend all the ingredients on high speed until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy.
- In a large pot, melt the salted butter over medium heat. Once melted, pour in the blended sauce and add about 3½ cups of water. Engage your senses as you bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
- Add the pasta directly into the boiling sauce, ensuring that you stir often to prevent sticking. Cook for about 8 to 12 minutes, or until the pasta achieves that delightful al dente texture.
- Once the pasta is cooked to perfection, retrieve the reserved whole roasted red pepper and slice it into thin strips. Gently fold the pepper strips into the pasta along with the sliced sun-dried tomatoes, grated Parmesan, and chopped fresh herbs. Stir everything until the pasta is fully coated in the creamy sauce, creating a dish that speaks of indulgence and heartiness.
Notes
Feel free to adjust the thickness of the sauce by adding more water or cooking it down; the recipe is highly flexible; don’t be afraid to experiment with different herbs according to the season.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
Nutrition
- Calories: Approximately 650 per serving
- Sodium: 820 mg
- Protein: 18 grams