Creating Mafaldine with Tomato & Burrata is simple when you follow these steps:

1. Boil Water: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Cook Pasta: Add the mafaldine to the boiling water and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes.
3. Prepare Sauce: While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
4. Sauté Garlic: Add minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
5. Add Tomatoes: Toss in the halved cherry tomatoes and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes soften and create a sauce.
6. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Drain the cooked mafaldine, reserving a little pasta water. Add the pasta to the skillet with the tomato sauce. Mix well, adding reserved pasta water as needed to achieve desired consistency.
7. Add Burrata: Gently tear the burrata into pieces and fold it into the pasta, allowing it to melt slightly from the heat.
8. Season: Taste and season with salt as needed.
9. Serve: Transfer the pasta to plates and garnish with fresh basil leaves. Optionally, sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese.

These steps will ensure you create a beautiful and delicious dish that showcases the flavors of Italian cooking.