Silky Red Pepper and Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta with Burrata Melt

If you’re searching for a pasta dish that delivers luxurious creaminess, vibrant flavor, and a touch of elegance, look no further than this Silky Red Pepper and Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta with Burrata Melt. In just 35 minutes, you can have a restaurant-quality dinner that’s perfect for weeknights, date nights, or a cozy family meal.

The combination of roasted red peppers, sweet sun-dried tomatoes, fragrant herbs, and creamy burrata is nothing short of magical. Each bite offers a silky, rich texture and a depth of flavor that will make this pasta your new go-to comfort food.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Rich and creamy without heavy cream: The sauce gets its luxurious texture from blended roasted red peppers, nuts, and olive oil.
• Quick and fuss-free: Ready in just 35 minutes from start to finish.
• Versatile and customizable: Swap herbs, nuts, or pasta types to suit your pantry.
• Elegant presentation: The burrata melt creates an irresistible, melty finish.
• Full of flavor and texture: Sweet, smoky, and slightly spicy with a subtle crunch from the nuts.
• Perfect for entertaining or weeknight dinners: Comforting, yet impressive.

Ingredients Breakdown

Red Pepper Sauce

• 1 jar (12 oz) roasted red peppers, drained (reserve 1 pepper for later)
• ⅓ cup toasted nuts or seeds (walnuts, pumpkin seeds, etc.)
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 2 cloves garlic, smashed
• ¼ cup fresh basil, oregano, or parsley
• ½ cup extra-virgin olive oil (or oil from sun-dried tomatoes)
• 1 tablespoon apple cider or champagne vinegar
• 2 teaspoons honey
• 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
• ¾ teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 2 tablespoons salted butter

Pasta & Finishing Ingredients

• 1 pound short-cut pasta (penne, rigatoni, fusilli)
• Kosher salt and black pepper to taste
• ½ cup oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, sliced
• 1 cup grated Parmesan
• 1 cup fresh basil or mixed Italian herbs, chopped
• Chili flakes (optional)
• Burrata cheese balls, at room temperature

Tools & Equipment Needed

• Blender or food processor
• Large pot for pasta
• Large skillet or deep sauté pan
• Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Chef’s knife and cutting board
• Serving bowls

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Make the Red Pepper Sauce

In a blender or food processor, combine the following:

• Roasted red peppers (reserve 1 for later)
• Toasted nuts
• Tomato paste
• Garlic
• Fresh herbs
• Olive oil
• Vinegar
• Honey
• Smoked paprika
• Cayenne pepper
• Generous pinch of salt

Blend until smooth, about 1 minute, to create a creamy, vibrant red sauce that forms the heart of this pasta. The nuts give a subtle richness, while the roasted peppers bring natural sweetness.

2. Cook the Pasta in the Sauce

In a large pot over medium-high heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the red pepper sauce and 3 ½ cups of water.

Bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Add the pasta, season with kosher salt, and cook 8–12 minutes, stirring often, until al dente.

Tip: Do not drain the pasta water—the sauce needs the starch to become silky and cling to each pasta piece. Add more water if necessary to ensure the pasta cooks fully.

3. Finish the Pasta

Slice the reserved roasted red pepper and stir it into the cooked pasta along with sun-dried tomatoes, grated Parmesan, and chopped fresh herbs.

Toss gently until the pasta is creamy, well-coated, and vibrant in color. This step ensures that every bite is infused with flavor and texture.

4. Serve with Burrata

Arrange burrata balls in a serving bowl. Pour the hot pasta and sauce over the burrata and gently toss. The heat of the pasta will melt the burrata into luscious, creamy strands.

Finish with additional fresh Parmesan, herbs, and chili flakes if desired. The result is an indulgent, restaurant-quality presentation that’s perfect for sharing.

Tips & Variations

Pasta Options

• Short-cut pasta like penne, rigatoni, or fusilli holds the sauce beautifully.
• For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free pasta or chickpea pasta.
• Fresh pasta can reduce cooking time to 4–6 minutes.

Nuts and Seeds

• Walnuts, almonds, or pumpkin seeds work beautifully.
• Toast nuts beforehand to enhance their nutty flavor.

Herbs & Flavor Boosts

• Swap basil for oregano or parsley for a different twist.
• Add a splash of lemon juice for brightness before serving.

Spice Adjustments

• Increase cayenne pepper or chili flakes for a spicier version.
• Reduce spice for a milder, family-friendly meal.

Cheese Alternatives

• Burrata can be replaced with fresh mozzarella for a slightly firmer texture.
• Vegan cheese options work if you prefer a dairy-free meal.

Flavor Profile & Pairings

This pasta dish is creamy, smoky, and slightly sweet from roasted red peppers and sun-dried tomatoes. The nuts add richness, while the herbs provide freshness, and the burrata creates an indulgent, melty finish.

Suggested Pairings:

• Crusty Italian bread for scooping up extra sauce.
• Simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette for freshness.
• Roasted vegetables for added texture.

Nutritional Overview (Estimated per Serving)

Nutrient	Amount (Approx.)
Calories	520 kcal
Protein	18 g
Carbohydrates	60 g
Fat	25 g
Fiber	6 g
Sugar	8 g

Note: Nutritional values are approximate and may vary depending on ingredient brands.

Make-Ahead & Meal Prep Tips

• Sauce Prep: Make the red pepper sauce a day ahead and store in the fridge. It will intensify in flavor.
• Pasta Cooking: Cook the pasta just before serving for best texture.
• Storage: Leftovers can be refrigerated for 2–3 days in an airtight container. Reheat gently and add a splash of olive oil or water to revive creaminess.

FAQs

1. Can I use jarred roasted red peppers?
Yes! Jarred roasted red peppers are perfect for this recipe. Just drain them well.

2. Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes. Use vegan butter and omit Parmesan or replace with a plant-based alternative.

3. Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely! Blend the sauce up to 24 hours in advance and store it in the fridge.

4. How do I prevent the burrata from over-melting?
Serve pasta hot but not boiling; gently toss over burrata to create a creamy melt without losing its shape entirely.

5. Can I add protein to this pasta?
Yes. Grilled chicken, shrimp, or roasted chickpeas work well with the flavors.

6. What type of pasta works best?
Short-cut pasta like penne, rigatoni, or fusilli holds the sauce well, but any pasta of choice is suitable.

Cooking Timeline (At a Glance)

Stage	Time
Prep Sauce Ingredients	10–15 minutes
Blend Sauce	1 minute
Cook Pasta in Sauce	8–12 minutes
Finish Pasta & Toss with Burrata	5–7 minutes
Total	35 minutes

Serving Suggestions

• Serve directly in a large pasta bowl for a rustic feel.
• Garnish with extra Parmesan, herbs, and chili flakes.
• Pair with garlic bread or a fresh side salad for a complete meal.

Recipe Variations

1. Roasted Vegetable Pasta: Add roasted zucchini, eggplant, or bell peppers for extra depth.
2. Spicy Burrata Pasta: Increase cayenne pepper and add more chili flakes for a kick.
3. Nut-Free Version: Omit nuts or seeds and replace with sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds.
4. Vegan Burrata: Use vegan mozzarella or creamy cashew cheese instead of burrata.

Ingredient Spotlight

Roasted Red Peppers

• Provide natural sweetness and vibrant color.
• High in vitamin C and antioxidants.
• Jarred roasted peppers are convenient, but roasting your own enhances flavor.

Burrata Cheese

• Creates a creamy, luxurious melt when combined with hot pasta.
• Use at room temperature for optimal melting.
• Adds a rich, decadent texture that elevates the dish.

Pro Cooking Tips

• Blend until silky smooth: A high-speed blender ensures the sauce is creamy without chunks.
• Reserve pasta water: Helps adjust sauce consistency and prevents dryness.
• Add herbs last: Fresh basil or parsley retains color and flavor when stirred in at the end.
• Gently toss burrata: Maintain some cheese shape for visual appeal and creamy texture.

Storage & Freezing Guide

• Refrigeration: Store in airtight containers for 2–3 days.
• Freezing: The pasta with sauce can be frozen for up to 2 months. Add fresh burrata when serving.
• Reheating: Gently warm in a pan over medium heat. Add a splash of olive oil or water to restore creaminess.

Nutrition Estimate Table (Per Serving)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	520 kcal
Protein	18 g
Carbohydrates	60 g
Fat	25 g
Fiber	6 g
Sugar	8 g
Dietary Notes	Vegetarian, Nut-Optional, Gluten-Friendly (if pasta choice allows)

Expanded Conclusion

This Silky Red Pepper and Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta with Burrata Melt is a celebration of flavor, texture, and comfort. With its creamy red pepper sauce, sweet sun-dried tomatoes, aromatic herbs, and melty burrata, it’s a pasta dish that feels indulgent yet approachable.

Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, it is easy to prepare, quick to cook, and guaranteed to impress. Every bite combines silky pasta, rich sauce, and creamy cheese, creating a comforting, restaurant-quality meal you can enjoy at home.

Treat yourself, invite loved ones, and savor this luxurious, flavor-packed pasta—it will quickly become a staple in your recipe collection.

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