A meal that instantly makes you feel like you’re living your best life… even if you’re literally just standing in your kitchen in sweatpants?
Yeah. it’s this creamy basil and garlic pasta is that meal.

This recipe was born on one of those nights where I wanted something comforting and cozy, but also a little elevated. Something that felt special. Something that made me slow down, pour a glass of wine, and actually sit at the table instead of eating over the sink like a raccoon.

And WOW did it deliver.

We’re talking: silky garlic-basil cream sauce, perfectly twirly pasta, salty ribbons of prosciutto, a giant dreamy ball of burrata melting into everything, fresh basil on top, and a snowfall of shredded Parmesan to finish it all off.

It’s rich without being heavy. Fancy without being complicated. And honestly… it tastes like something you’d order at a nice Italian restaurant for way too much money - except you made it yourself in under 30 minutes.

So if you’re craving a cozy, creamy, date-night-at-home type of dinner (or just want to treat yourself for surviving the day), this one is for you.

Why You’ll Love This Pasta

Let me hype this up properly:

Ultra creamy but not overly heavy
Packed with flavor from garlic + basil
Salty-sweet balance thanks to prosciutto
That burrata moment (you know the one)
Ready in about 25–30 minutes
Feels fancy but is secretly very easy
Perfect for impressing someone or just yourself

It’s the kind of dish you make once and then start thinking about randomly at 11 PM the next day.

Ingredients

For the Pasta:

For the Sauce:

For the Topping:

The Steps

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of well-salted water to a boil.

Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain.

Step 2: Crisp the Prosciutto

While the pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium heat.

Add the prosciutto slices and cook for 1–2 minutes per side until slightly crispy. Remove and set aside on a plate. Once cooled, tear into bite-sized pieces.

Step 3: Build the Sauce

In the same skillet, add olive oil and butter over medium heat.

Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30–60 seconds until fragrant (don’t let it brown).

Pour in the heavy cream and stir. Let it gently simmer for 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened.

Step 4: Add Basil & Cheese

Stir in the chopped (or blended) basil and grated Parmesan cheese.

Season with salt, black pepper, and lemon zest (if using). Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.

Step 5: Toss the Pasta

Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss until fully coated in the sauce.

If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency.

Step 6: Plate It Up

Divide the pasta into bowls.

Top each bowl with torn prosciutto, a generous piece of burrata, fresh basil leaves, and extra shredded Parmesan.

Drizzle with a little olive oil if you’re feeling extra.

The Flavor

This pasta hits all the right notes:

Garlicky – warm, cozy, deeply savory
Herby – fresh basil in the sauce + on top
Creamy – smooth, velvety, comforting
Salty – prosciutto + Parmesan = magic
Rich – but balanced by fresh herbs and lemony brightness (optional but recommended)

Every bite is silky, savory, and luxurious in that “this is my new favorite comfort food” way.

Let’s Talk About Burrata (Because It Deserves a Moment)

If you’ve never cooked with burrata before… welcome to the good life.

Burrata is basically fresh mozzarella filled with cream. When you tear it open over hot pasta, it melts into the sauce and creates the dreamiest creamy pockets.

You can substitute fresh mozzarella if needed, but burrata takes this dish to a whole different level. It’s worth it. Trust me.

Tips & Variations

Make it vegetarian:
Skip the prosciutto and add:

Make it spicy:
Add a pinch of chili flakes to the sauce or sprinkle on top.

Add protein:

Lighten it up:
Swap heavy cream for half-and-half or use a mix of cream + milk.

Extra herby:
Blend basil with a splash of olive oil before adding to the sauce for an ultra-smooth, pesto-style vibe.

Storing & Reheating

Storing:

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Keep burrata separate if possible.

Reheating:

Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of milk or cream
Or microwave in short bursts, stirring between
(Avoid overheating - cream sauces can split if they get too hot.)

What to Serve With This Pasta

This pasta is amazing on its own, but if you want to make it a full cozy dinner moment:

Garlic bread or focaccia
Simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette
Roasted asparagus or broccoli
A glass of chilled white wine (optional but highly encouraged)

Final Thoughts

This creamy basil and garlic pasta with prosciutto and burrata is everything I want in a comfort meal:

Cozy
Creamy
Fancy-feeling
Easy
Deeply satisfying

It’s perfect for weeknights, date nights, or anytime you need a little extra joy in dinner form.

If you make this, leave a comment - I’d love to hear about how much you loved this recipe!

Looking for more pasta recipes? Try my popular recipes below:

Basil & Garlic Pasta with Prosciutto and Burrata