If you are on the lookout for a comforting yet vibrant pasta dish that captures the heart of Italian cooking, this Sweet Garlic Tomato & Basil Casarecce Recipe will be your new favorite. Imagine tender casarecce pasta wrapped in a luscious sauce made from roasted garlic, rich tomato passata, and fragrant basil, all topped with creamy burrata. It is a dish that beautifully balances sweetness, savory depth, and fresh herbaceous notes, perfect for any occasion where you want to impress or simply indulge yourself. This recipe is as much about the soul-satisfying flavor as it is about celebrating simple, exquisite ingredients in harmony.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting this Sweet Garlic Tomato & Basil Casarecce Recipe just right is all about using fresh, straightforward ingredients that each play a crucial role in creating an unforgettable dish. These staples offer a lovely combination of richness, brightness, and texture.
- Casarecce pasta: This twisted shape holds the sauce wonderfully, ensuring every bite is flavorful.
- Garlic bulbs: Roasting the garlic mellows its sharpness and brings out a naturally sweet, nutty essence.
- Extra virgin olive oil: Essential for roasting the garlic and adding a rich, fruity undertone to the sauce.
- Salt: The simple seasoning that enhances every flavor component perfectly.
- Unsalted butter: Adds creaminess and a slight caramel note when browned, enriching the sauce texture and taste.
- Tomato passata: This smooth, fresh tomato base gives the sauce its vibrant color and fresh-tasting body.
- Parmesan rind: Infuses the sauce with a subtle, savory depth that’s hard to replicate.
- Burrata cheese: A soft, creamy delight that melts gently over the finished pasta for extra indulgence.
- Fresh basil: Adds the fragrant, aromatic finish that lifts the entire dish.
How to Make Sweet Garlic Tomato & Basil Casarecce Recipe
Step 1: Roast the Garlic
Begin by preheating your oven to 325°F (165°C). Peel the garlic cloves from two bulbs and nestle them snugly in a small oven-safe dish. Pour in enough extra virgin olive oil to completely cover the cloves, then sprinkle with a pinch of salt. Roasting the garlic slowly in the oven for 45 minutes transforms it from sharp and spicy to soft, sweet, and golden—this step is pure magic for the flavor build-up.
Step 2: Prepare the Sauce
In a sturdy pot over medium heat, melt two tablespoons of unsalted butter, letting it bubble and shift to a light caramel hue, which adds a subtle nutty complexity. Add in the roasted, mashed garlic along with the vibrant tomato passata and the Parmesan rind. Pour in the reserved garlic-infused olive oil to deepen the sauce’s flavor, and season with salt to your liking. Let this wonderful sauce simmer gently on low heat for about 15 minutes so the flavors meld into a harmonious blend.
Step 3: Cook the Pasta
While your sauce is performing its simmering magic, bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the casarecce pasta and cook until al dente to maintain that perfect bite. Don’t forget to scoop out about three-quarters of a cup of the pasta water before draining—this starchy water will be a secret weapon when combining your pasta and sauce.
Step 4: Combine Pasta and Sauce
After removing the Parmesan rind and taking the sauce off the heat, transfer the cooked pasta into a large sauté pan. Stir in the remaining four tablespoons of butter and add 1/4 cup of the reserved pasta water. Toss everything gently over medium heat, adding more pasta water a little at a time as needed, until the sauce coats every twist of casarecce with silky perfection. This step binds the sauce and pasta into a velvety, cohesive dish.
Step 5: Serve
Now comes the best part—plating. Pile the luscious pasta into bowls or plates and crown each serving with a generous scoop of burrata cheese. Scatter fresh basil leaves on top and finish with a drizzle of extra olive oil for that final, lustrous touch. Serve immediately and savor the rich, warm flavors that make this Sweet Garlic Tomato & Basil Casarecce Recipe a true crowd-pleaser.
How to Serve Sweet Garlic Tomato & Basil Casarecce Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh basil is the natural choice here, adding a burst of vibrant color and bright herbal notes that cut through the richness. A few extra shavings of Parmesan can also elevate the presentation and add an extra layer of savory depth. For a little contrast in texture, consider toasted pine nuts or a sprinkle of red chili flakes if you like a subtle touch of heat.
Side Dishes
To complement this hearty pasta, light and fresh sides work beautifully. A crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette or a simple arugula salad with shaved fennel and radish can bring balance to the meal. Crusty garlic bread is always a winner if you want something more indulgent—perfect for soaking up every last drop of sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a charming dinner party, serve this Sweet Garlic Tomato & Basil Casarecce Recipe in shallow pasta bowls with a sprig of basil placed artfully on top of the burrata. You can also drizzle a bit of basil-infused olive oil to elevate both aroma and appearance. If you’re feeling playful, try layering the pasta in individual glass jars for a rustic yet elegant presentation that keeps the layers visible and inviting.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers, they store well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. The flavors will continue to develop, but be aware that the fresh basil garnish and burrata are best added fresh when you reheat.
Freezing
This Sweet Garlic Tomato & Basil Casarecce Recipe is not ideal for freezing because the delicate textures of the burrata and fresh basil do not freeze well. If you do freeze the pasta with sauce, do so without the cheese and add fresh burrata when serving after reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce as it warms. Avoid microwaving if possible to maintain the pasta’s texture. Add burrata and fresh basil just before serving to keep the flavors bright and fresh.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta in this recipe?
Absolutely! While casarecce is ideal for holding onto the sauce with its twisted shape, you can substitute with other short pastas like penne, rigatoni, or orecchiette if that’s what you have on hand.
What is the role of the Parmesan rind in the sauce?
The Parmesan rind releases umami and subtle salty notes as it simmers, deepening the flavor profile of the sauce without overpowering it. It is discarded before serving, but its influence remains.
Can this dish be made vegan?
You can make a vegan version by replacing butter with a plant-based alternative, using a vegan cheese substitute instead of burrata, and ensuring the pasta contains no eggs. The garlic and tomato base already gives great flavor without animal products.
How sweet is the “Sweet Garlic” aspect?
Roasting garlic softens its pungency, turning it sweet and caramel-like but without added sugar. It provides a natural, mellow sweetness that pairs beautifully with the tomato and butter in the sauce.
Is it necessary to reserve pasta water?
Yes! Pasta water is starchy and helps to bind the sauce to the pasta, making the dish silkier and ensuring the sauce doesn’t separate. It’s an essential step for that perfect texture.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend the Sweet Garlic Tomato & Basil Casarecce Recipe enough if you want a dish that feels luxurious but is surprisingly simple to make. It’s one of those recipes that brings warmth, comfort, and bright freshness to your table all at once. Treat yourself or impress loved ones with this beautiful balance of flavors that taste like a true labor of love. Give it a try—you might just find your next weeknight favorite.
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: Roasting
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Sweet Garlic Tomato & Basil Casarecce is a luscious Italian pasta dish featuring slow-roasted garlic cloves in olive oil, combined with a rich tomato and Parmesan sauce. Tossed with creamy butter and finished with fresh burrata and fragrant basil, it offers a comforting and flavorful meal perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 1/2 lb. casarecce pasta
Roasted Garlic
- 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)
To Serve
- 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
- Roasting the garlic slowly in olive oil mellows its flavor and adds depth to the sauce.
- Reserve pasta water to help loosen and blend the sauce with the pasta for a creamy texture.
- You can substitute burrata with fresh mozzarella if burrata is unavailable.
- Removing the Parmesan rind after simmering ensures flavor without adding a hard texture to the sauce.
- Adjust salt to taste carefully as Parmesan rind and butter add saltiness.
