This Creamy Pasta with Zucchini and Burrata is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend treat. It comes together in under 30 minutes with just a few simple ingredients.
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When summer zucchini is in abundance, this creamy pasta is the perfect way to enjoy it. Tossed with tender pasta, golden sautéed zucchini, garlic, and a touch of cream, it's all finished off with luxurious burrata cheese that melts beautifully over the top. The result is a rich yet fresh-tasting dish that comes together in under 30 minutes.
For more zucchini recipes, try also this Creamy Zucchini Pasta and this Parmesan Zucchini Risotto. Check out also these 15 Easy Zucchini Pasta Recipes.
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🧾 Ingredients
- Pasta - Short pasta like rigatoni, penne, or fusilli works well to catch the creamy sauce.
- Zucchinis - Thinly sliced or diced. Choose firm, fresh zucchinis with bright green skin.
- Olive oil - For sautéing the zucchini, onion and garlic.
- Garlic - Adds aromatic depth and flavor.
- Heavy cream - Creates a silky base for the sauce.
- Burrata - Placed on top just before serving for a creamy, indulgent finish.
See the recipe card for quantities.
🍳 Substitutions
- Pasta: You can use spaghetti, linguine, or even whole wheat pasta if preferred.
- Zucchini: Yellow squash or a mix of both zucchini and yellow squash works well.
- Heavy cream: Swap with half-and-half or a plant-based cream like oat or soy cream for a lighter version.
- Burrata: Replace with fresh mozzarella or a dollop of ricotta if burrata is unavailable.
- Garlic: Use garlic powder in a pinch, but fresh garlic is best for flavor.
🥣 Variations
- Add protein: Stir in cooked chicken, crispy pancetta, or grilled shrimp for a heartier meal.
- Make it spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes when cooking the garlic.
- Lemon zest: Add a touch of grated lemon zest to brighten the dish.
- More veggies: Include peas, spinach, or cherry tomatoes to make it even more vibrant.
- Pesto twist: Swirl in a spoonful of basil pesto at the end for an herby kick.
🍽 Serving Suggestions
Serve this creamy zucchini pasta hot, straight from the pan with the burrata gently torn over the top. Garnish with extra black pepper, fresh basil leaves, and a sprinkle of Parmesan for a restaurant-worthy presentation. Pair it with a crisp green salad and a glass of chilled white wine for a complete meal.
❄️ Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. The burrata won't reheat quite the same, so it's best to remove it before storing and add fresh cheese when reheating, if possible.
To reheat, warm the pasta gently in a pan over low heat with a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce. Stir frequently until heated through. While you can freeze the pasta (without the burrata), the texture may change, so refrigeration is recommended for best results.
💭 Recipe FAQs
Absolutely! The creamy texture and mild flavors usually appeal to kids. You can leave out any herbs or pepper if needed.
You can slice the zucchini and mince the garlic ahead of time. Cook the pasta fresh and assemble just before serving for the best taste and texture.
Yes! Skip the Burrata, and use plant-based cream and nutritional yeast in place of Parmesan.
⭐ Top tip
For perfectly sautéed zucchini, avoid overcrowding the pan. Cook in batches if needed to ensure it turns golden rather than steaming. This brings out a deeper, slightly sweet flavor that pairs beautifully with the creamy sauce and burrata.
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📖 RECIPE
Ingredients
Method
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and reserve a little pasta water.
- Meanwhile, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until soft and fragrant.
- Stir in the garlic and zucchini, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 5-7 minutes until the zucchini is golden and tender.
- Pour in the cream and stir to combine. Let it simmer for 1-2 minutes until slightly thickened. Add a splash of reserved pasta water if the sauce seems too thick.
- Toss the cooked pasta into the sauce. Mix well to coat evenly.
- Divide between plates. Tear the burrata over the top and garnish with fresh herbs and Parmesan, if using.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Nutrition
Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.
Notes
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Cara E. says
I love to use buratta in pasta. makes it so creamy and delicious!
Jessica Montanelli says
I totally agree! 🙂