RIGATONI WITH ROASTED CHERRY TOMATOES AND BURRATA

Rigatoni with Roasted Cherry Tomatoes and Burrata image

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Time 30m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 8

3 pints cherry and/or grape tomatoes, halved
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling
Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
12 ounces mezzi rigatoni pasta
3 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
2 tablespoons chopped fresh oregano
1 8-ounce ball burrata cheese, cut into 4 pieces
1/2 cup torn fresh basil

Steps:

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Toss the tomatoes with 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1/2 teaspoon salt and a few grinds of pepper in a large bowl. Spread the tomatoes on a rimmed baking sheet and roast until softened, about 20 minutes. Return to the bowl and stir with a wooden spoon to break up the tomatoes and make a chunky sauce.
Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook as the label directs. Reserve 1/2 cup cooking water, then drain.
While the pasta is cooking, heat the remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil in a small skillet over medium heat. Add the garlic and cook, stirring occasionally, until lightly golden, about 3 minutes; add to the bowl with the tomatoes.
Add the pasta to the tomato mixture and toss, adding enough of the reserved pasta cooking water to loosen the sauce. Stir in the oregano and season with salt and pepper. Top each serving with the burrata, basil, a drizzle of olive oil and a few grinds of pepper.
Cook's Note: Burrata is fresh mozzarella that's filled with cream and curds, so it oozes when cut. If you can't find it, top your pasta with ricotta instead.