Authentic Italian Pasta Salad

Method

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta until al dente. Reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
2. While the pasta cooks, heat a generous drizzle of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add whole garlic cloves and chili flakes. Sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
3. Add the cherry tomatoes to the skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, until they begin to blister and soften, about 5 minutes.
4. If desired, remove the garlic cloves from the skillet.
5. Break the burrata into pieces and add it to the skillet. Stir gently until the burrata melts into a creamy sauce.
6. Drain the pasta and add it directly to the skillet along with a splash of the reserved pasta water. Toss well to coat the pasta in the sauce.
7. Cook for another 2–3 minutes, stirring frequently, until the pasta absorbs some of the sauce and becomes creamy. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
8. Serve immediately, topped with fresh basil leaves.