Description
This Creamy One Pot Rigatoni with Basil-Pistachio Pesto & Burrata is a quick and flavorful Italian-inspired pasta dish that combines fresh basil pesto with crunchy toasted pistachios and creamy burrata cheese. Ready in just 20 minutes, it’s perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner that delivers rich, fresh flavors and satisfying textures all in one pot.
Ingredients
Scale
Pesto Ingredients
- 4 cups packed fresh basil
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup olive oil
- 1 cup pistachios, toasted (divided 2/3 cup and 1/3 cup)
- 2 cloves garlic, peeled
- 1 lemon, zested and juiced
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Pasta Ingredients
- Kosher salt, to taste (for pasta water)
- 1/2 pound rigatoni or penne pasta
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 5 ounces burrata cheese, torn by hand
Instructions
- Make the Pesto: In a food processor or high-speed blender, combine fresh basil, grated Parmesan, olive oil, two-thirds of the toasted pistachios, garlic cloves, and lemon juice. Blend until you get a smooth pesto sauce. Season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to your taste, then set aside.
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of heavily salted water to a boil. Add the rigatoni or penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Before draining, reserve 1 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta thoroughly.
- Combine Pasta and Pesto: Return the drained pasta to the pot. Add about half of the prepared basil-pistachio pesto along with a few splashes of the reserved pasta water. Toss and stir continuously until the pasta is coated in a creamy, glossy sauce. Add more pasta water as needed to adjust the sauce consistency to your liking.
- Finish the Dish: Mix in the additional 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese. Taste and season with extra salt and freshly ground black pepper if needed.
- Serve: Divide the creamy pesto-coated pasta evenly among serving bowls. Top each serving with torn burrata cheese and sprinkle the remaining one-third cup toasted pistachios on top for added crunch and texture. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- Use fresh basil for the most vibrant pesto flavor.
- To toast pistachios, spread them on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until fragrant.
- Reserve pasta water carefully as it helps to create a creamy sauce by adding starch and moisture.
- Burrata cheese adds creaminess but can be substituted with fresh mozzarella if unavailable.
- Adjust pesto seasoning after mixing with pasta to balance flavors perfectly.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
