A vibrant Italian-inspired pasta made with tender orecchiette tossed in a silky green herb and spinach sauce, finished with creamy burrata, Parmesan, lemon, and a drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil. Fresh, comforting, and surprisingly easy!
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients
Green Sauce
4 cups fresh baby spinach
1 cup fresh basil leaves
2 cloves garlic
¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan
2 tbsp lemon juice
1 tsp lemon zest
¼ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper
2–4 tbsp pasta water, as needed
Pasta
12 oz (340 g) orecchiette
1 tbsp salt for pasta water
For Finishing
2 balls burrata, about 4 oz (115 g) each
¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan
1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
Fresh basil leaves
Lemon zest
Freshly cracked black pepper
Red pepper flakes, optional
Instructions
1. Make the Green Sauce
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Add the spinach to the boiling water for about 20–30 seconds, just until wilted.
Immediately transfer it to cold water, then squeeze out as much excess water as possible.
Add spinach, basil, garlic, olive oil, Parmesan, lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, and pepper to a blender or food processor.
Blend until smooth and bright green.
Add 2–4 tablespoons of pasta water if needed to create a smooth, pourable sauce.
2. Cook the Orecchiette
Cook the orecchiette according to the package directions until al dente.
Before draining, reserve 1 cup of pasta water.
Drain the pasta.
3. Combine Pasta & Green Sauce
Return the hot pasta to the pot.
Add the green sauce and toss gently over low heat.
Add reserved pasta water a little at a time until the sauce becomes silky and coats every piece of pasta.
Taste and adjust salt, pepper, and lemon juice as needed.
4. Add Parmesan
Stir in about ¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan.
Toss gently until melted into the sauce.
Avoid boiling the sauce at this stage—the goal is a smooth, creamy coating.
5. Plate the Pasta
Divide the green orecchiette between four bowls or plates.
Place ½ ball of burrata on each serving.
Gently tear the burrata open so the creamy center spreads over the warm pasta.
6. Finish
Drizzle each serving with extra-virgin olive oil.
Finish with:
Fresh basil
Lemon zest
Freshly cracked black pepper
Extra Parmesan
Red pepper flakes, if desired
Serve immediately while the pasta is hot and the burrata is creamy.
Tips for the Best Green Orecchiette
Reserve pasta water: It helps turn the green sauce into a silky coating.
Don’t overcook the spinach. A quick blanch keeps the sauce vibrant.
Use fresh basil for the best flavor.
Burrata is best served at room temperature so its center becomes beautifully creamy.
Add burrata after plating, rather than stirring it into the hot pan.
Freshly grated Parmesan melts more smoothly than pre-shredded cheese.
Easy Variations
Green Pea Version
Add ½ cup cooked green peas to the sauce for extra sweetness.
Broccoli Version
Replace half the spinach with steamed broccoli.
Spicy Version
Add red pepper flakes or a little Calabrian chili paste to the green sauce.
Lemon Herb Version
Add fresh parsley and extra lemon zest for a brighter flavor.
Protein-Rich Version
Add grilled chicken, shrimp, white beans, or crispy chickpeas.
Extra Creamy
Blend 2 tablespoons of ricotta into the green sauce.
Nut & Allergen Information
Peanuts: None in the recipe as written.
Tree nuts: None in the recipe as written.
Dairy: Contains burrata and Parmesan.
Gluten: Traditional orecchiette is generally made with wheat. Use certified gluten-free pasta if needed.
Eggs: Some fresh pasta may contain eggs; check the pasta package.
Soy: No soy is required, but check packaged pasta and cheese if necessary.
Fish/Shellfish: None.
Vegetarian: Yes.
Vegan: Not as written. Use vegan Parmesan and a plant-based burrata alternative.
Allergy note: For serious allergies, check individual ingredient labels for allergens and cross-contact warnings.
Approximate Nutrition
Per serving, assuming 4 servings:
Calories: ~650
Protein: ~25 g
Carbohydrates: ~75 g
Fat: ~29 g
Fiber: ~5 g
Sugar: ~4 g
Sodium: ~650 mg
Nutrition is an estimate and will vary depending on pasta, burrata, cheese, and oil quantities.
Q&A
What is orecchiette?
Orecchiette is a small Italian pasta shaped like little ears. Its curved shape is excellent for holding thick sauces and small pieces of vegetables.
Can I use another pasta?
Absolutely. Rigatoni, shells, fusilli, penne, or spaghetti can all work.
Can I use frozen spinach?
Yes. Thaw it completely and squeeze out as much water as possible before blending.
Do I have to blanch the spinach?
It’s recommended because it helps create a smoother, brighter green sauce, but you can blend fresh spinach directly if preferred.
Can I make the green sauce ahead?
Yes. Refrigerate it in an airtight container for up to 2–3 days. Add a little lemon juice or olive oil before using if needed.
Can I use mozzarella instead of burrata?
Yes, but burrata has a much creamier center. Fresh mozzarella is the closest simple substitute.
Why is my green sauce bitter?
Too much raw garlic or overcooked greens can create bitterness. Use a moderate amount of garlic and blanch spinach briefly.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes. Replace Parmesan with nutritional yeast or dairy-free Parmesan and use a dairy-free burrata alternative.
Can I make it gluten-free?
Yes. Use certified gluten-free orecchiette or another gluten-free pasta.
Can I add chicken?
Definitely. Sliced grilled or pan-seared chicken makes this a more substantial meal.
How do I store leftovers?
Store the pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Store burrata separately when possible.
Can I freeze it?
The green sauce can be frozen, but the finished pasta and burrata are best fresh. Burrata can become watery or change texture after freezing.
Can I make it spicy?
Yes! Add red pepper flakes, chili oil, or Calabrian chili paste.
With years of experience in restaurant research and local SEO, Sara creates accurate, user-friendly guides that work for both people and search engines. Her goal is to help users go from search results to their nearest restaurant or menu choice with as few clicks as possible.
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