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If you are craving something that feels indulgent yet comes together in a flash, the 15-minute Creamy Nduja Pasta with Burrata will quickly become your go-to dish. This recipe effortlessly balances spicy, creamy, and tangy flavors with a luxurious texture, all wrapped up in a vibrant, colorful plate. Bursting with the unique personality of nduja—an aromatic, spreadable Calabrian sausage—this pasta is enriched with rich butter and cream, brightened with fresh lemon and basil, and finished with an irresistible dollop of fresh burrata. It’s the kind of meal that feels like a warm hug after a long day yet is simple enough to whip up on a busy weeknight. Once you taste it, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without this quick and comforting classic.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the right ingredients is half the fun, and each one contributes to building the incredible layers of flavor and texture in this dish. These simple but essential components work together to deliver that perfect creamy, spicy, and fresh balance that makes the 15-minute Creamy Nduja Pasta with Burrata so extraordinary.

• 8 oz short pasta (calamarata recommended): Holds the sauce beautifully with its tube shape, making each bite packed with flavor.
• 1/3 cup unsalted butter: Adds richness and helps the nduja melt smoothly into the sauce.
• 1-2 tbsp nduja paste: The star ingredient that brings spicy, smoky heat and depth; adjust to your heat tolerance.
• 1 cup heavy cream: Creates the silky, luscious sauce that cloaks the pasta in pure indulgence.
• 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan: Adds a nutty, savory punch that rounds out the creaminess perfectly.
• 1/2 lemon (zest + juice): Brightens the rich sauce with citrus notes for a refreshing lift.
• Reserved pasta water: The secret weapon for loosening the sauce and helping it cling perfectly.
• Handful fresh basil, chopped: Adds herbaceous freshness and vibrant color to every forkful.
• Salt & pepper, to taste: Essential seasonings to balance and enhance every element.
• Burrata for serving: Creamy, cool cheese that contrasts beautifully with the spicy warmth of the pasta.
• Optional garnishes (chili flakes, extra lemon zest, basil): Adds an extra kick and visual appeal.

How to Make 15-minute Creamy Nduja Pasta with Burrata

Step 1: Cook Your Pasta to Perfection

Start by cooking your pasta in generously salted water until it is just al dente—that perfect tender bite with a little firmness inside. Don’t forget to scoop out about a cup of pasta water before draining; this starchy liquid will be your magic trick for creating a silky sauce that clings effortlessly.

Step 2: Build the Flavor Base with Butter and Nduja

While the pasta cooks, melt the butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the nduja paste and stir it into the butter. It will melt down, infusing the butter with a vibrant red color and a fragrant, spicy aroma that fills your kitchen and makes your mouth water.

Step 3: Create the Creamy Sauce

Pour in the heavy cream and stir gently. Let it bubble lightly, then add freshly grated parmesan along with the lemon zest and juice. Stir everything together until the sauce becomes luxuriously smooth and creamy. Taste and season with salt and pepper, keeping in mind the nduja and parmesan already lend saltiness.

Step 4: Toss Pasta and Basil into the Sauce

Add your drained pasta directly into the skillet. Splash in some reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce if needed. Toss everything thoroughly so each piece of pasta is coated in the glossy, spicy cream. Finish by folding in chopped fresh basil, delivering an herbal brightness that balances the richness.

How to Serve 15-minute Creamy Nduja Pasta with Burrata

Garnishes

Plating this dish is almost as fun as eating it! Scoop generous mounds of soft, creamy burrata right on top of each serving. Sprinkle with chili flakes if you want an extra kick, a few more fresh basil leaves for color and flavor, and some extra lemon zest to elevate the citrusy freshness. These little touches turn a simple dish into a restaurant-worthy experience.

Side Dishes

Because the pasta is rich and vibrant, pairing it with simple side dishes like a crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette or some roasted seasonal vegetables makes for a well-rounded meal. For bread lovers, a warm slice of crusty Italian bread is perfect for sopping up every last drop of that silky sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the 15-minute Creamy Nduja Pasta with Burrata in shallow bowls to showcase the beautiful red sauce swirled with cream and sprinkled with fresh herbs. For a festive touch, serve in colorful ceramic dishes or add edible flowers on top to make it a feast for the eyes as well as the palate. Sharing this dish family-style straight from a big pan can also make for a relaxed, joyful dinner moment.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have any leftovers, transfer them into an airtight container and keep in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The sauce may thicken and the pasta absorb liquid, so it’s best to reheat gently with a splash of water or cream to refresh the texture.

Freezing

This pasta is best enjoyed fresh, as freezing can change the texture of the cream sauce and burrata doesn’t freeze well. If you must freeze leftovers, separate the pasta from the burrata, freeze the pasta in a sealed container for up to 1 month, and use it quickly after thawing, reheating with extra cream or water.

Reheating

Reheat in a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring often, and adding a bit of cream or reserved pasta water to revive the sauce’s silky texture. Avoid microwave reheating as it can cause uneven warming and curdling. Reheat until just warmed through—this dish tastes best when it’s luscious and creamy, not overcooked.

FAQs

What is nduja, and where can I find it?

Nduja is a spicy, spreadable pork sausage from Calabria, Italy, known for its smooth texture and bold heat. You can find nduja in specialty Italian grocery stores, well-stocked supermarkets, or online. It usually comes in jars or vacuum-sealed packs.

Can I make this dish less spicy?

Absolutely! Start with 1 tablespoon of nduja or even less if you are sensitive to spice. The creamy sauce and fresh burrata help mellow the heat, but adjusting the nduja quantity lets you control how fiery your pasta turns out.

Is there a good substitute for burrata?

If burrata is hard to find or pricey, fresh mozzarella or a dollop of ricotta make excellent alternatives. While the texture and creaminess differ slightly from burrata’s luscious center, they still add a beautifully mild, cooling element to the spicy pasta.

Can I use a lighter cream option?

Yes! Half-and-half or single cream can be used for a lighter sauce. The result will still be creamy and satisfying, though using heavy cream delivers the richest, most silky texture for this recipe.

What type of pasta works best for this recipe?

Short, tube-shaped pastas like calamarata, rigatoni, or penne are ideal because they catch the sauce in their hollow centers and ridges. But feel free to use your favorite pasta shape—just adjust cooking times accordingly.

Final Thoughts

This 15-minute Creamy Nduja Pasta with Burrata is one of those rare dishes that feels decadent and special yet is incredibly simple to make. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or impressing guests without stress, this recipe brings the perfect mix of spice, creaminess, and fresh bursts of flavor. Give it a try, and I promise it will soon be a beloved staple in your kitchen, spreading joy and big, bold tastes with every bite.