Description
A bright and creamy Lemon Pesto Rigatoni featuring fresh basil, zesty lemon, and rich burrata cheese, topped with roasted pine nuts for a delightful crunch. This quick 25-minute pasta dish is perfect for a flavorful weeknight dinner or casual entertaining.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 12 oz rigatoni pasta
Pesto Sauce
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves
- 1/4 cup pine nuts, toasted
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 garlic clove
- 1 tbsp lemon zest
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
Toppings & Garnish
- 1 ball burrata cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
- Extra roasted pine nuts for garnish
- Drizzle of olive oil (optional)
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add rigatoni pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving 1/2 cup of the cooking water for later use.
- Make Pesto Sauce: While the pasta cooks, combine fresh basil leaves, toasted pine nuts, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic clove, lemon zest, lemon juice, and extra virgin olive oil in a food processor or blender. Blend until smooth, adding a bit of the reserved pasta water as needed to create a creamy consistency.
- Toss Pasta with Pesto: In a large bowl, toss the cooked rigatoni with the prepared lemon basil pesto. Add more reserved pasta water gradually if needed to ensure the sauce evenly coats the pasta and is smooth.
- Plate and Add Burrata: Transfer the coated pasta to serving bowls. Tear the burrata cheese into pieces and place it on top of the pasta, allowing the creamy cheese to melt slightly into the warm pasta.
- Garnish: Sprinkle extra roasted pine nuts and fresh basil leaves over the pasta. Drizzle with a little olive oil if desired. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Serve: Serve immediately while warm for the best flavor and texture experience. Enjoy your fresh lemon pesto rigatoni with the rich, creamy burrata!
Notes
- Reserve pasta water as it helps in emulsifying the pesto and pasta together for a silky finish.
- Use freshly toasted pine nuts for a better flavor and crunch.
- Burrata is a fresh cheese; tear gently to keep its creamy texture intact on the pasta.
- Adjust lemon juice according to your taste preference for tanginess.
- This dish is best served immediately, as burrata cheese softens and melts quickly.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
