If you crave a dish that feels like a warm hug in every bite, then this Sweet Garlic Tomato & Basil Casarecce Recipe is exactly what you need. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and depth: slow-roasted garlic melts into a silky tomato sauce, enriched with butter and Parmesan rind, all perfectly wrapped around tender, twisted casarecce pasta. Fresh basil and creamy burrata finish it off, creating a celebration of vibrant, cozy Italian flavors that is both comforting and elegant. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or a special occasion, this Sweet Garlic Tomato & Basil Casarecce Recipe truly shines and will quickly become a beloved classic in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Sweet Garlic Tomato & Basil Casarecce Recipe plays a crucial role to deliver a dish full of flavor, texture, and color. From roasted garlic that provides a mellow sweetness to creamy burrata that adds a luscious finish, the ingredients are straightforward but indispensable for achieving that authentic taste.
- Casarecce pasta (1/2 lb.): Its twisted shape holds the sauce beautifully, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor.
- Garlic bulbs (2): Roasting softens the garlic, turning it sweet and mellow instead of sharp and biting.
- Extra virgin olive oil (1/4 cup approx.): Used for roasting garlic and drizzling at the end, it adds richness and depth.
- Salt to taste: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness of the roasted garlic and tomato.
- Unsalted butter (6 tbsp., divided): Adds a creamy, indulgent warmth to the sauce and pasta.
- Tomato passata (28 oz.): The smooth tomato base lends acidity and a silky texture.
- Parmesan rind: Infuses the sauce with a deep, savory umami flavor during simmering.
- Burrata (8 oz.): Creamy, dreamy cheese that crowns the pasta for maximum indulgence.
- Fresh basil for garnish: Brightens the dish with herbaceous notes and lovely green color.
How to Make Sweet Garlic Tomato & Basil Casarecce Recipe
Step 1: Roast the Garlic
Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (165°C). Peel the cloves from two whole garlic bulbs and place them in an oven-safe baking dish. Pour in enough extra virgin olive oil to completely cover the cloves, then season lightly with salt. Roasting the garlic slowly like this takes about 45 minutes, softening the cloves until they’re golden and tender, transforming their intensity into a mellow, sweet flavor that is absolutely magical for the sauce.
Step 2: Mash the Garlic
Once the garlic is roasted and cooled slightly, mash the soft cloves gently with a fork. This creamy mash will be the heart of the sauce, delivering that signature sweet garlic note throughout. Don’t forget to reserve the garlic-infused olive oil this step yields—it’s packed with subtle flavor that will deepen your sauce.
Step 3: Prepare the Sauce
In a heavy-bottomed pot, melt two tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat until it bubbles and starts to turn a light caramel brown, giving the sauce a toasty, nutty base. Add the tomato passata, the mashed garlic, the Parmesan rind, and a splash of the reserved garlic olive oil. Season with salt to taste, then reduce the heat and let it simmer gently for about 15 minutes. This slow melding of ingredients creates a rich, velvety sauce that’s bursting with savory, sweet, and umami flavors.
Step 4: Cook the Pasta
While your sauce simmers, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the casarecce pasta until just al dente, usually following the package’s suggested timing. Be sure to reserve about 3/4 cup of the pasta cooking water before draining. This starchy water will later help marry your pasta and sauce perfectly.
Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce
After removing the Parmesan rind from your sauce, transfer the pot off heat and move to a large sauté pan. Add the cooked pasta along with the remaining four tablespoons of butter and a quarter cup of reserved pasta water. Toss them gently over medium heat, adding more pasta water as needed, until the sauce clings luxuriously to every twist and turn of your casarecce. This finishing step is key to achieving a silky, luscious texture that makes each bite unforgettable.
Step 6: Serve
Plate the pasta into generous servings, then top each one with a creamy ball of burrata, fresh basil leaves, and a light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil. This final flourish adds layers of freshness, creaminess, and aroma that elevate the Sweet Garlic Tomato & Basil Casarecce Recipe from lovely to unforgettable. Serve immediately and prepare for compliments aplenty!
How to Serve Sweet Garlic Tomato & Basil Casarecce Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh basil leaves are a must-have garnish for this dish, lending bright color and an aromatic punch that complements the rich tomato and garlic flavors perfectly. A drizzle of good-quality extra virgin olive oil over the burrata and pasta adds a silky finish and subtle fruity notes. For an extra special touch, consider sprinkling some freshly cracked black pepper or a few toasted pine nuts to add texture and complexity.
Side Dishes
This recipe shines best when paired with light, complementary sides. A crisp green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the creamy richness of the pasta. Garlic bread or a rustic baguette is ideal for sopping up every last bit of the luscious sauce. For something heartier, roasted vegetables or a simple antipasto platter will round out your meal beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a casual dinner, serve this Sweet Garlic Tomato & Basil Casarecce Recipe family-style in a large, beautiful serving bowl, allowing everyone to help themselves. For a more elegant presentation, twirl the pasta into nests on each plate and top with individual burrata portions. You can also layer the pasta and sauce in small ramekins, adding burrata just before serving for a charming, rustic look. No matter how you present it, the dish is sure to impress.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Sweet Garlic Tomato & Basil Casarecce Recipe stores well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the burrata separate and add fresh basil just before serving to maintain the fresh flavors and textures.
Freezing
While the pasta and sauce freeze well, burrata does not freeze gracefully, so omit it if you plan to freeze. Store the cooled pasta and sauce together in a freezer-safe container for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of reserved pasta water or olive oil to revive the sauce’s silky texture. Avoid harsh microwaving to keep the pasta from drying out. Once warmed through, add fresh basil and burrata for a near-fresh experience.
FAQs
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of tomato passata?
Absolutely! If using fresh tomatoes, peel and seed them, then puree or crush before cooking. You might need to simmer the sauce a bit longer to reach the desired consistency and intensity of flavor found in passata.
Is there a substitute for burrata if I can’t find it?
Fresh mozzarella or ricotta makes a great substitute, offering creaminess though with a slightly different texture. For a richer feel, combine fresh mozzarella with a spoonful of cream or cream cheese.
Can I make this dish vegan?
Yes! Replace the butter with a plant-based alternative, omit the Parmesan rind, and use a vegan cheese substitute or avocado instead of burrata. The roasted garlic and tomato sauce will still shine beautifully.
Why is the Parmesan rind added to the sauce?
The Parmesan rind infuses the sauce with deep umami richness and a savory background note. It’s an easy way to add complexity without overpowering the sweet garlic and tomato flavors. Just remember to remove it before serving.
How do I know when the pasta is al dente?
Al dente means “to the tooth,” so your pasta should be cooked until it offers a slight resistance when bitten but isn’t hard or chalky. Follow the package instructions closely and taste test a piece a minute or two before the shortest recommended time for perfect texture.
Final Thoughts
This Sweet Garlic Tomato & Basil Casarecce Recipe feels like a heartfelt celebration of simple, quality ingredients coming together in the most flavorful way possible. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a kitchen newbie, this recipe invites you into the comforting world of Italian cuisine with every silky strand of pasta. I can’t wait for you to try it and experience the joy of that creamy burrata, roasted garlic, and fresh basil magic all in one dish!
Print
Sweet Garlic Tomato & Basil Casarecce Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A rich and comforting Sweet Garlic Tomato & Basil Casarecce recipe featuring roasted garlic, a flavorful tomato passata sauce infused with Parmesan, and creamy burrata, garnished with fresh basil and olive oil. Perfectly cooked al dente pasta is tossed in a luscious buttery sauce enhanced by garlic-infused olive oil for a hearty Italian-inspired meal.
Ingredients
Garlic Roasting
- 2 bulbs of garlic
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil (approximate, for roasting garlic)
- Salt to taste
Sauce
- 6 tbsp unsalted butter (divided)
- 28 oz tomato passata
- 1 Parmesan rind
- Salt to taste
- Reserved garlic-infused olive oil (from roasted garlic)
Pasta and Garnish
- 1/2 lb casarecce pasta
- 3/4 cup reserved pasta water (approximate)
- 8 oz burrata
- Fresh basil for garnish
- Extra virgin olive oil for drizzling
Instructions
- Roast the Garlic: Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Peel the cloves from 2 garlic bulbs and place them in an oven-safe baking dish. Pour enough extra virgin olive oil to fully submerge the cloves and season with salt to taste. Roast uncovered for 45 minutes until the cloves are soft and lightly golden.
- Mash the Garlic: Remove the garlic from the oven and mash the soft cloves with a fork. Set aside the mashed garlic and reserve the garlic-infused olive oil for use in the sauce.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a heavy-bottomed pot, melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Allow the butter to bubble and turn a light caramel brown. Add the tomato passata, mashed garlic, Parmesan rind, reserved garlic-infused olive oil, and salt to taste. Stir well and let simmer over low heat for 15 minutes to meld flavors.
- Cook the Pasta: While the sauce simmers, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the casarecce pasta until al dente according to package instructions. Reserve 3/4 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Remove the Parmesan rind from the sauce and remove the pot from heat. In a large sauté pan, add the cooked pasta, remaining 4 tablespoons of butter, and 1/4 cup of reserved pasta water. Toss gently over medium heat, adding more pasta water in 1/4 cup increments until the sauce reaches the desired consistency and evenly coats the pasta.
- Serve: Plate the pasta and top each serving with a generous portion of burrata, fresh basil leaves, and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil. Serve immediately and enjoy the rich, comforting flavors.
Notes
- When roasting garlic, make sure cloves are fully submerged in olive oil to ensure even roasting and flavor infusion.
- Reserve pasta water to help adjust the sauce consistency for a silky texture.
- The Parmesan rind adds depth of flavor but is not meant to be eaten; remove before serving.
- Use fresh burrata for the best creamy texture contrasting with the rich tomato sauce.
- Fresh basil adds aromatic freshness, so add just before serving to preserve flavor and color.
