If you are craving a pasta dish that perfectly balances sweet and savory flavors with a fresh herbal finish, the Sweet Garlic Tomato & Basil Casarecce Recipe is an absolute must-try. This dish brings together slow-roasted garlic cloves that melt into a rich tomato passata sauce, enhanced with the luxurious creaminess of burrata and the unmistakable aroma of fresh basil. It’s the kind of recipe that feels like comfort food yet offers a gourmet experience, making it an exceptional choice for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The charm of the Sweet Garlic Tomato & Basil Casarecce Recipe lies in its simplicity and quality ingredients. Each element plays a vital role—from the garlic’s mellow sweetness achieved through roasting, to the tangy richness of tomato passata, to the creamy finish of burrata and butter.
- Casarecce pasta: This uniquely twisted pasta holds sauce beautifully for maximum flavor in each bite.
- Garlic cloves (2 bulbs): Roasting transforms them into sweet, soft gems that infuse the sauce with deep aroma.
- Extra virgin olive oil (1/4 cup): Used for roasting and enriching the sauce with fruity notes.
- Salt: Enhances every ingredient’s natural flavors and balances acidity.
- Unsalted butter (6 tbsp.): Provides a silky texture and indulgent richness to the sauce and pasta.
- Tomato passata (28 oz.): Offers smooth, pure tomato flavor that forms the sauce’s signature base.
- Parmesan rind: Adds a subtle umami depth as the sauce simmers.
- Burrata (8 oz.): An indulgent creamy topping that melts beautifully over the hot pasta.
- Fresh basil: Adds an herbal brightness and attractive color to finish the dish.
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—it’s a meditative step that rewards you with amazing aroma ahead. Place the peeled garlic in a small oven-safe dish and pour over just enough extra virgin olive oil to cover the cloves completely. Add a pinch of salt to enhance their natural sweetness.
Step 2: Roast Until Golden and Soft
Pop the dish into the oven and roast the garlic uncovered for about 45 minutes. This slow roasting process softens the garlic and caramelizes its sugars, creating a mellow flavor that’s less pungent than raw cloves but irresistibly rich and sweet. Once done, mash the cloves gently with a fork and reserve the infused olive oil for later use.
Step 3: Prepare the Tomato Sauce
In a heavy-bottomed pot, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Let the butter bubble and take on a light caramel color – this nutty aroma is the secret to a deeply flavorful sauce base. Next, add the tomato passata, mashed roasted garlic, and tuck in the Parmesan rind for slow infusion. Pour in the reserved garlic oil and season with salt. Let this simmers gently on low heat so all the flavors meld beautifully—about 15 minutes.
Step 4: Cook the Casarecce Pasta
While the sauce simmers, bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add your casarecce pasta and cook until perfectly al dente, usually according to package instructions. Don’t forget to reserve about 3/4 cup of the pasta water before draining; it will come in handy to adjust sauce consistency.
Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Remove the Parmesan rind from your sauce and take the pot off the heat. In a large sauté pan, combine the drained pasta with the remaining 4 tablespoons of butter and about 1/4 cup of the reserved pasta water. Toss gently over medium heat, stirring to marry the sauce with every twist and curve of the casarecce. Add more pasta water if necessary until you achieve a luscious sauce that clings just right.
Step 6: Serve with Burrata and Basil
Plate your pasta carefully and top each serving with a generous scoop of creamy burrata. Finish with freshly torn basil leaves and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil to add a glossy, fresh appeal. Serve immediately and indulge in the layered harmonious flavors.
How to Serve Sweet Garlic Tomato & Basil Casarecce Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh basil is a star garnish here, not only brightening the dish visually but adding herbal lifts with every bite. A drizzle of high-quality extra virgin olive oil rounds out the richness. If you want a little extra texture, sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes or toasted pine nuts for a surprising crunch.
Side Dishes
This pasta pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette or roasted seasonal vegetables to balance the richness. Crusty bread is another excellent choice—it’s perfect for mopping up any luscious leftover sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a striking presentation, serve the Sweet Garlic Tomato & Basil Casarecce Recipe in deep bowls and add a little edible flower on top alongside the basil for an elegant touch. Alternatively, twirl the pasta into nests and surround with a minimalist pool of sauce to showcase the burrata as a creamy centerpiece.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Because the sauce contains fresh butter and cheese, it’s best enjoyed sooner rather than later to maintain freshness and texture.
Freezing
While the pasta is best fresh, the tomato and roasted garlic sauce freezes beautifully. Freeze the sauce separately in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. When ready, thaw and reheat gently before mixing with freshly cooked pasta.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the pasta with a splash of pasta water in a pan over low heat to restore creaminess without overcooking. Adding a bit more fresh basil after reheating will help revive its bright aromas.
FAQs
Can I use fresh garlic instead of roasting it?
Fresh garlic is much sharper and more pungent than roasted garlic. Roasting brings out a soft, sweet depth that’s key to this recipe’s flavor profile, so while fresh garlic can be used, the taste will be quite different.
What is casarecce pasta and can I substitute it?
Casarecce is a short, twisted pasta that holds sauce well. If you can’t find it, try gemelli, cavatappi, or even penne rigate as good substitutes that similarly catch sauce in their grooves.
Is burrata necessary or can I use other cheeses?
Burrata adds creamy richness and a delicate texture that complements the sweet garlic and tomato sauce perfectly. You can substitute with fresh mozzarella or ricotta, but the luxurious mouthfeel will be a little different.
How do I make the sauce less thick?
If your sauce seems too thick, gradually add reserved pasta water while tossing the pasta to loosen it until it coats the noodles just right. This technique ensures a silky, restaurant-quality finish.
Can I add protein to this dish?
Definitely! Grilled chicken, sautéed shrimp, or even crispy pancetta bits can complement the flavors beautifully, turning this into a more hearty meal if desired.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about the Sweet Garlic Tomato & Basil Casarecce Recipe. It’s a wonderful celebration of simple ingredients transformed by mindful cooking into a dish full of comfort, elegance, and harvest-time vibrancy. I warmly encourage you to give this recipe a try—you’ll find it’s just as rewarding to make as it is to eat. Once you do, it will surely become one of your favorite pasta recipes to share with friends and family.
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Sweet Garlic Tomato & Basil Casarecce Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This Sweet Garlic Tomato & Basil Casarecce is a rich and comforting Italian pasta dish featuring roasted garlic confit, a savory tomato and Parmesan sauce, and creamy burrata cheese. The slow-roasted garlic infuses the olive oil with sweetness and depth, perfectly complementing the fresh basil garnish and tender casarecce pasta. Ideal for a cozy dinner, this recipe blends the flavors of buttery tomato passata with fresh, aromatic herbs and indulgent cheese.
Ingredients
Garlic Confit
- 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
- Reserved garlic-infused olive oil from confit
- Salt to taste
Pasta
- 1/2 lb. casarecce pasta
- Salt for pasta water
- Reserved pasta water (about 3/4 cup)
Garnish
- 8 oz. burrata cheese
- Fresh basil leaves
- Extra virgin olive oil, for drizzling
Instructions
- Roast the Garlic: Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Peel the garlic cloves from 2 bulbs and place them in a small oven-safe baking dish. Pour enough extra virgin olive oil to fully submerge the garlic cloves and season with salt to taste. Roast uncovered in the oven for 45 minutes until the cloves are soft and lightly golden.
- Mash the Garlic: Remove the roasted garlic confit from the oven and mash the softened garlic cloves with a fork. Set aside the mashed garlic and reserve the garlic-infused olive oil for later use.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a heavy-bottomed pot, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Allow it to bubble and become a light caramel brown color to deepen the flavor. Add the tomato passata, mashed garlic confit, Parmesan rind, and the reserved garlic-infused olive oil. Season with salt to taste and stir well.
- Simmer the Sauce: Let the sauce gently simmer over low heat for 15 minutes to meld the flavors, stirring occasionally.
- Cook the Pasta: While the sauce simmers, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the casarecce pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Before draining, reserve 3/4 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta completely.
- Combine Sauce and Pasta: Remove the Parmesan rind from the sauce and take it off the heat. In a large sauté pan, add the cooked pasta, the remaining 4 tablespoons of butter, and 1/4 cup of reserved pasta water. Toss gently over medium heat to combine. Add additional pasta water in 1/4 cup increments as needed to achieve a smooth, saucy consistency.
- Serve: Plate the pasta, topping each serving with a generous portion of burrata cheese, fresh basil leaves, and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil. Serve immediately to enjoy the full richness and balancing flavors of the dish.
Notes
- Slow roasting garlic mellows its sharpness, transforming it into a sweet, buttery flavor that enhances the sauce.
- Reserving pasta water adds starch which helps emulsify and thicken the sauce around the pasta.
- Use fresh burrata just before serving for the best creamy texture and flavor contrast.
- This dish pairs beautifully with a crisp white wine or a light Italian red.
- Parmesan rind is added to infuse depth and umami; remove before serving to avoid an overly intense bite.
