Prepare to elevate your pasta experience with this truly exceptional dish: Spaghetti tossed in a simple, creamy, and undeniably delicious roasted cherry tomato sauce, crowned with decadent burrata cheese and irresistible crispy ‘Nduja breadcrumbs. This isn’t just any pasta; it’s the kind of meal that feels effortlessly gourmet, perfect for savoring on a relaxed weekend or making a memorable impression when entertaining guests.
While we cherish the timeless simplicity of a classic Pasta al Pomodoro, a dish beloved for its humble ingredients and profound flavor, this recipe presents our “fancy” rendition. Don’t let the elegance fool you, though—it’s remarkably straightforward to prepare, bringing a touch of refined Italian cooking right into your kitchen without any complicated techniques.
The secret to this pasta’s vibrant taste lies in its deeply flavorful sauce. We begin by slow-roasting sweet cherry tomatoes and aromatic garlic until they soften beautifully and caramelize, intensifying their natural sweetness and creating a complex, rich base. This roasting process transforms ordinary ingredients into something extraordinary. Once roasted, these succulent gems are quickly simmered with a touch of rich heavy cream, adding a luxurious creaminess that coats every strand of spaghetti. The result is a sauce that’s both comforting and sophisticated, a true testament to simple ingredients handled with care.
Finally, we toss al dente spaghetti into this exquisite sauce, ensuring every noodle is perfectly coated. The magic truly happens with the toppings: a generous dollop of fresh, creamy burrata that melts gently into the warm pasta, and a scattering of crispy ‘Nduja breadcrumbs. These spicy breadcrumbs provide an incredible textural contrast and a delightful, peppery kick that balances the sweetness of the tomatoes and the richness of the burrata. And of course, no Italian-inspired meal is complete without a glass of fine vino. So, pour yourself a glass and prepare to indulge! Buon Appetito!
Explore the full recipe below, complete with detailed notes on ingredients, step-by-step photos, essential tips, creative variations, and a video tutorial. For a printable version of the recipe, simply scroll to the bottom of the page or click the recipe link provided.
Ingredients for Roasted Cherry Tomato Spaghetti
Ingredient Notes and Expert Substitutions
- Spaghetti – While spaghetti is our pasta of choice for this recipe, its long, thin strands perfect for clinging to the creamy sauce, feel free to experiment with any pasta shape you prefer. Penne, rigatoni, or even orecchiette would be delicious. For optimal quality and texture, we highly recommend a high-quality bronze-die pasta like La Molisana, which has a rougher surface that better absorbs sauce.
- Cherry Tomatoes – These small, sweet tomatoes are the stars of our roasted sauce. Their natural sugars concentrate and deepen during roasting, providing an intense, sweet-tart flavor that forms the backbone of this dish. Any variety of cherry or grape tomatoes will work wonderfully. Consider using mixed heirloom cherry tomatoes for a beautiful color array.
- Garlic – Fresh garlic is essential here. When roasted alongside the tomatoes, it mellows beautifully, losing its raw bite and gaining a sweet, nutty depth that perfectly complements the tomatoes. Avoid using garlic powder or pre-minced garlic; fresh cloves will make a significant difference in flavor.
- Heavy Cream (Double Cream UK) – A touch of heavy cream adds a luxurious richness and silky texture to the roasted tomato sauce. It mellows the acidity of the tomatoes and brings everything together beautifully. If you’re looking for alternatives, a dollop of creamy mascarpone cheese would add similar richness, or you could opt for ricotta for a lighter, fresher flavor profile. Half-and-half can also be used for a slightly less rich sauce.
- ‘Nduja – This spicy, spreadable pork sausage hails from Calabria, Italy, and is the secret ingredient behind our uniquely flavorful breadcrumbs. Its fiery kick and rich, savory notes are truly distinctive. While ‘Nduja can sometimes be a specialty item that requires a bit of hunting, its unique flavor makes it incredibly worthwhile. If you cannot find ‘Nduja, a fantastic alternative for achieving a spicy, savory crunch is to toast your breadcrumbs in olive oil with finely minced garlic and a generous pinch of red chili flakes (or Calabrian chili paste for a more authentic kick). This won’t replicate the exact flavor, but it will provide a delicious spicy element.
- Burrata – This exquisite Italian cheese, a delicate mozzarella shell filled with creamy stracciatella and cream, adds a luxurious, fresh, and slightly tangy contrast to the warm pasta. Its melting texture is simply divine. If burrata is unavailable, fresh mozzarella torn into pieces or a scoop of creamy ricotta cheese makes an excellent substitution, offering a similar soft texture and mild flavor.
- Fresh Basil – A handful of fresh basil leaves brightens the entire dish with its aromatic, slightly peppery notes. Always use fresh basil for the best flavor; dried basil will not provide the same vibrant aroma.
- Olive Oil – Use a good quality extra virgin olive oil for roasting the tomatoes and garlic, and for making the breadcrumbs. It adds a fruity, peppery depth.
- Salt and Pepper – Essential for seasoning the tomatoes before roasting and balancing the flavors of the final dish.
Step-by-Step Culinary Journey: Making Roasted Cherry Tomato Spaghetti
Crafting this elegant pasta dish is a delightful process, broken down into simple, manageable steps. Here’s a visual and descriptive guide to ensure your success:
- Roast the Tomatoes and Garlic – Begin by preheating your oven to 180℃ (350℉). Halve your cherry tomatoes and place them in a sturdy roasting tin alongside the whole garlic cloves. Drizzle generously with high-quality olive oil, then season with salt and freshly ground black pepper. This initial roasting stage is crucial as it deeply concentrates the flavors, yielding beautifully sweet and slightly caramelized tomatoes and mellow garlic. Roast for approximately 30 minutes, or until the tomatoes are tender and slightly blistered (photos 1 and 2).
- Prepare the Crispy ‘Nduja Breadcrumbs – While the tomatoes are roasting, prepare the savory breadcrumbs. In a small pan, melt about half a tablespoon of olive oil, then add the ‘Nduja. Fry gently for a few minutes until the ‘Nduja renders its fat, becoming fragrant and slightly darkened. This process infuses the oil with its spicy, rich flavor. Next, add the breadcrumbs to the pan and stir continuously until they are thoroughly coated in the ‘Nduja oil and turn golden brown and crispy, which usually takes about 30 seconds to 1 minute. Once perfectly toasted, transfer the breadcrumbs to a bowl and set aside (photos 3 and 4).
- Craft the Creamy Roasted Tomato Sauce – Once the tomatoes and garlic are beautifully roasted, transfer them directly to the same pan you used for the ‘Nduja (no need to clean it; the leftover flavor will only enhance the sauce!). Add the heavy cream and half a cup of reserved pasta water. Simmer this mixture over a medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has reduced slightly and thickened to your desired consistency, typically around 5 minutes. The pasta water, rich in starch, helps to emulsify the sauce and create a luscious texture (photos 5-8).
- Combine and Serve – Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add your spaghetti and cook according to package directions until it is al dente – tender with a slight bite. Reserve about a cup of the starchy pasta water before draining. Add the cooked spaghetti directly to the creamy tomato sauce in the pan, along with a small handful of fresh basil leaves. Toss gently to ensure every strand of pasta is beautifully coated in the rich sauce. Serve immediately in warm bowls, topped generously with a luxurious dollop of burrata cheese and sprinkled with the crispy ‘Nduja breadcrumbs (photos 9 and 10).
Expert Recipe Tips for Perfect Pasta
Achieving a truly outstanding pasta dish involves more than just following steps. These tips will help you perfect your Roasted Cherry Tomato Spaghetti every time:
- Embrace High-Quality Ingredients – As with all great Italian cooking, the magic often lies in the simplicity and quality of your ingredients. For this recipe, investing in good quality pasta (bronze-die is best), ripe, flavorful cherry tomatoes, and fresh burrata will make an immense difference to the final taste and texture. High-quality ingredients shine through even the simplest preparations.
- Fresh Garlic and Herbs are Non-Negotiable – For the most aromatic and flavorful sauce, always opt for fresh garlic cloves and vibrant fresh basil. Dried or powdered alternatives simply cannot replicate the brightness and depth that fresh ingredients bring to this dish. Roasting the garlic is key to mellowing its pungency and enhancing its sweetness.
- Don’t Skimp on Pasta Water – That starchy, salty water left over from cooking your pasta is liquid gold for sauces! Always reserve at least a cup before draining your pasta. It helps to emulsify the sauce, creating a silky texture, and allows you to loosen the sauce to your desired consistency without diluting the flavor.
- Serving Immediately for Best Experience – While leftovers are certainly enjoyable, pasta with creamy sauces is always best served immediately after preparation. This ensures the pasta is perfectly al dente, the sauce is wonderfully creamy, and the burrata is at its optimal melting point.
- Storing Leftovers Thoughtfully – If you do have leftovers, this pasta can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Be aware that the pasta will continue to absorb the sauce and may soften further over time.
- Reheating Like a Pro – To reheat leftover pasta and restore its creamy texture, it’s crucial to have some reserved pasta water on hand. Gently warm the pasta in a pan over low heat, adding a splash or two of the reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce and bring it back to its original consistency. Avoid high heat, which can cause the sauce to separate.
- Seasoning Throughout – Taste and adjust seasoning at every stage of cooking. Season the tomatoes before roasting, the sauce as it simmers, and again just before serving. A little pinch of salt or a crack of black pepper can truly elevate the flavors.
- Al Dente Perfection – Cook your spaghetti to a perfect al dente. This means it should be tender but still have a slight bite in the center. Overcooked pasta will become mushy and won’t hold the sauce as well.
Exploring Other Delicious Uses for ‘Nduja
As you’ve discovered, ‘Nduja is a potent ingredient, packing a significant spicy punch, so only a small amount is needed for our spaghetti recipe. However, its unique flavor profile makes it incredibly versatile. If you find yourself with extra ‘Nduja after making this dish, don’t let it go to waste! There are countless delicious and surprisingly easy ways to incorporate this Calabrian delicacy into your cooking. From enhancing other pasta dishes to adding a kick to seafood or appetizers, ‘Nduja can transform simple meals into something truly special. Below, you’ll find some of our favorite recipes that highlight the incredible taste of ‘Nduja:
More Spicy ‘Nduja Recipes to Try
Pasta
Orecchiette with ‘Nduja Sugo
Fish & Seafood
Scallops with ‘Nduja Garlic Butter
Antipasti
Burrata with Crispy ‘Nduja & Gremolata
Pasta
Shrimp Spaghetti with ‘Nduja and Lemon
If you’ve had the pleasure of trying this Creamy Roasted Cherry Tomato Spaghetti with Burrata and ‘Nduja Breadcrumbs or any other delightful recipe from our blog, please don’t hesitate to share your experience! Your feedback is incredibly valuable. Take a moment to rate the recipe and leave a comment below—we absolutely love hearing from you! You can also connect with us and discover more of our delicious culinary creations by following us on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest. For a weekly dose of fresh recipes delivered straight to your inbox, be sure to sign up for our Newsletter.
Step By Step Photos Above
Most of our recipes come with detailed step-by-step photos, helpful tips and tricks to ensure perfect results on your first attempt, and even video tutorials!
Roasted Cherry Tomato Spaghetti with Burrata and Nduja Breadcrumbs
Average Rating: 5 out of 5 stars from 2 votes
By Emily
10 mins
40 mins
50 mins
4 servings
Print Recipe
Ingredients
- 14 oz (400g) Spaghetti, or pasta of choice
- 1.3 lbs (600g) cherry tomatoes
- 4 cloves garlic
- ⅓ cup (80ml) heavy cream
- ½ cup (120ml) reserved pasta water
- Small handful fresh basil
- 1 tablespoon (15g) Nduja
- ¼ cup (40g) breadcrumbs
- Burrata , for topping
- 1-2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper
Instructions
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Pre-heat your oven to 180℃ (350℉).
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Cut the cherry tomatoes in half and place them in a roasting tin with the whole garlic cloves. Add a generous drizzle of olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Roast for 30 minutes until the tomatoes are soft and slightly caramelised.
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Meanwhile, add around half a tablespoon of olive oil to a separate pan and add the Nduja. Fry gently until the Nduja has melted and darkened slightly, about 5 minutes. Add the breadcrumbs to the pan and stir into the Nduja until thoroughly coated, about 30 seconds to 1 minute. Once crispy, remove to a bowl and set aside.
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Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil and season it well with salt. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Remember to reserve about ½ cup (120ml) of the starchy pasta water before draining.
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When the roasted tomatoes are ready, add them to the same pan where you cooked the Nduja, along with the heavy cream and the reserved ½ cup (120ml) of pasta water. Simmer on a medium heat, stirring gently, until the sauce reduces and thickens slightly, about 5 minutes.
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Add the cooked spaghetti directly to the sauce in the pan, along with a small handful of fresh basil. Toss vigorously to ensure the pasta is fully coated in the creamy sauce. Serve immediately in bowls, topped with a generous dollop of fresh burrata and sprinkled with the crispy Nduja breadcrumbs. Enjoy!
Recipe Notes and Variations
- Burrata Alternative – If burrata is difficult to find, fresh mozzarella torn into small pieces or a creamy scoop of ricotta cheese would both work beautifully as alternatives, providing a similar soft, fresh element to the dish.
- ‘Nduja Alternative – For those who can’t source ‘Nduja, a spicy substitute for the breadcrumbs can be made by sautéing finely minced garlic and a generous pinch of red pepper flakes (chilli flakes) in olive oil until fragrant. Then, add your breadcrumbs and toast until golden and crispy. This will offer a spicy kick and crunch, though the flavor profile will differ from the unique notes of ‘Nduja.
- Storage and Reheating – This pasta is best enjoyed fresh. However, leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 1-2 days. Please note that the pasta will continue to absorb the sauce and may soften. When reheating, gently warm the pasta in a pan over low heat, adding a splash of reserved pasta water (if you saved some) or a little broth to loosen the sauce and restore its creamy texture.
- Vegetarian Option – To make this dish vegetarian, simply omit the ‘Nduja. You can create delicious, crispy breadcrumbs by toasting them in olive oil with garlic and fresh herbs like parsley or oregano for a wonderful aroma and texture.
Helpful Info for All Our Recipes
- I always use extra virgin olive oil in all of my recipes unless specifically stated otherwise.
- When I use canned or jarred tomatoes of any kind, I always recommend Cirio or Mutti brands for the best possible results and authentic flavor.
- All vegetables mentioned in our recipes are typically medium-sized unless otherwise specified.
- All recipes featured on our blog are thoroughly tested and developed using a fan (convection) oven.
- Find out more about how nutrition is calculated for our recipes.
- Check out our comprehensive list of must-have Italian Pantry Staples to stock your kitchen.
- You can also find all our Essential Kitchen Tools for Italian Cooking to equip your culinary adventures.
Nutrition Information (Approximate)
Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should only be used as an approximation. Individual results may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.
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