This creamy burrata and spinach pasta is a delightful dish that brings comfort to your table. The soft, creamy burrata melts beautifully into the warm pasta, creating a luxurious sauce.
Spinach adds a pop of color and nutrition, making it a win-win! I love how quickly this pasta comes together—perfect for a busy weeknight dinner. Simple and oh-so-satisfying!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: I recommend using fettuccine for its wide surface area to capture the sauce, but penne or linguine also work great! If you’re gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta made from rice or chickpeas.
Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil adds rich flavor, but you can substitute with avocado oil or even butter if you prefer a different taste.
Spinach: Fresh spinach is best for this recipe, but you can use frozen spinach, too. Just thaw and squeeze out excess moisture before adding it!
Heavy Cream: For a lighter option, use half-and-half or a non-dairy milk like coconut cream. It won’t be as rich, but it still works well!
Burrata Cheese: If burrata isn’t available, fresh mozzarella or ricotta can be used instead. They won’t melt quite the same way but will still be delicious.
How Do I Make the Cream Sauce Just Right?
The cream sauce is what makes this dish so creamy and comforting. Start by heating the garlic in olive oil—this releases amazing flavors! When adding heavy cream, keep the heat low and allow it to gently simmer, not boil. This helps thicken the sauce without curdling.
- Cook garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Add spinach and wilt it gently—this enhances its flavor!
- Pour in the cream, stirring well. Let it bubble gently for 2-3 minutes.
- Stir in Parmesan slowly while mixing until it’s all melted and smooth.
With these tips, your creamy burrata and spinach pasta will turn out perfectly every time! Enjoy cooking!
How to Make Creamy Burrata and Spinach Pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pasta:
- 12 oz (340 g) pasta (such as fettuccine, linguine, or penne)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 ball of burrata cheese (about 8 oz/225 g)
- Optional: red pepper flakes, for a bit of heat
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This creamy burrata and spinach pasta takes about 10 minutes of prep and 15 minutes of cooking, so you can have it on the table in about 25 minutes. Perfect for a quick and satisfying meal during the week!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your pasta and cook according to the package instructions until it’s al dente, which means it should be cooked but still have a little firmness to it. Once done, reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta water, then drain the rest of the pasta. Set it aside for later.
2. Sauté the Garlic:
While your pasta is cooking, grab a large skillet and heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté it for about 1 minute, or until it becomes fragrant. Be careful not to let it burn!
3. Add the Spinach:
Now it’s time to add the fresh spinach to the skillet. Cook it for about 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the spinach is wilted and bright green. It will shrink down quite a bit!
4. Make the Creamy Sauce:
Next, pour the heavy cream into the skillet and stir everything together. Let the cream simmer gently for about 2-3 minutes. This will help thicken the sauce just a little bit.
5. Combine with Parmesan:
Now, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese gradually, allowing it to melt into the cream and create a smooth sauce. Season your sauce with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if you’d like some heat!
6. Mix in the Pasta:
Add the cooked pasta directly into the skillet with the sauce. Toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated with the creamy spinach sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, just add a little of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
7. Serve with Burrata:
Plate the pasta onto serving dishes and tear the burrata cheese over the top of each portion. The warm pasta will gently melt the creamy burrata, creating a deliciously rich finish.
8. Garnish and Enjoy:
Finish off your dish by garnishing it with fresh basil or parsley. Serve immediately and enjoy your creamy burrata and spinach pasta!
This dish is sure to impress! Enjoy your cooking adventure!
Can I Use Frozen Spinach Instead of Fresh?
Yes! You can use frozen spinach in this recipe. Just make sure to thaw it and squeeze out any excess moisture before adding it to the skillet. This will help prevent the sauce from becoming too watery!
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of cream or pasta water to maintain creaminess.
What If I Can’t Find Burrata Cheese?
No problem! If burrata is unavailable, you can substitute it with fresh mozzarella or ricotta. They won’t melt as smoothly but will still add a delicious creaminess to the dish.
Can I Make This Dish Vegetarian?
Absolutely! This recipe is already vegetarian-friendly, as it features no meat. Just ensure that your Parmesan cheese is made without animal rennet if you are looking for a strictly vegetarian option!
