Pumpkin Burrata Baked Ziti
A cozy, autumn-inspired baked ziti with roasted pumpkin, creamy burrata, and Mediterranean herbs. Perfect as a comforting dinner or festive dish.
Prep: 15 minutes
Cook: 35–40 minutes
Total: 50–55 minutes
Servings:3–4
Ingredients
For the Ziti & Pumpkin
250g ziti or penne
2 cups pumpkin, diced (fresh or canned, roasted)
1 small onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp olive oil
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper
½ tsp dried sage or thyme
½ tsp nutmeg
For the Sauce
1 cup tomato passata or crushed tomatoes
½ cup cream or Greek yogurt
½ tsp dried oregano
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper
For Topping
1 burrata ball (about 125g)
¼ cup grated Parmesan
1 tbsp olive oil
Fresh sage or parsley for garnish
Instructions
1. Cook Pasta
Boil ziti in salted water until al dente.
Drain and set aside.
2. Roast Pumpkin
Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F).
Toss pumpkin with olive oil, salt, pepper, sage, and nutmeg.
Roast 15–20 minutes until tender and lightly caramelized.
3. Make Sauce
In a pan, saute onion and garlic until fragrant.
Add tomato passata, cream (or yogurt), oregano, salt, and pepper.
Simmer 5 minutes until creamy and combined.
4. Combine Ziti
In a large bowl, mix cooked ziti, roasted pumpkin, and sauce.
Pour into a greased baking dish.
5. Bake
Tear burrata into chunks and place on top.
Sprinkle Parmesan over the top.
Bake 15–20 minutes until bubbly and golden.
6. Serve
Drizzle 1 tsp olive oil and garnish with fresh sage or parsley.
Serve warm with a side salad or garlic bread.
Tips
Use canned pumpkin puree for a creamier, faster version.
Add spinach or kale to the mix for extra greens.
Can be made ahead: assemble and refrigerate; bake when ready.
Optional: add toasted pumpkin seeds for crunch.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make it vegetarian/vegan?
Vegetarian: yes, it’s already vegetarian.
Vegan: use coconut cream and vegan cheese instead of burrata and Parmesan.
Q: Can I use butternut squash instead of pumpkin?
Absolutely — roast the same way.
Q: How long does it store?
Refrigerate for 3–4 days.
Reheat in oven or microwave before serving.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 480–520
Protein: 18–20g
Carbs: 60g
Fat: 20g
Fiber: 6–7g