Description
A vibrant and creamy Lemon Pesto Rigatoni featuring a zesty lemon-infused basil pesto, topped with luscious burrata cheese and crunchy roasted pine nuts. This quick 25-minute Italian-inspired pasta dish combines fresh herbs, tangy citrus, and rich textures for a deliciously satisfying meal perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 12 oz rigatoni pasta
Lemon Pesto
- 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
- Olive oil for drizzling
Instructions
- Cook the rigatoni: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rigatoni and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water for later use.
- Prepare the lemon pesto: While the pasta cooks, combine the basil leaves, toasted pine nuts, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic clove, lemon zest, lemon juice, and olive oil in a food processor or blender. Blend until smooth, gradually adding some of the reserved pasta water as needed to reach a creamy, sauce-like consistency.
- Toss pasta with pesto: Return the drained rigatoni to the pot or a large mixing bowl and toss with the prepared lemon pesto. Add more reserved pasta water as necessary to coat the pasta evenly and enhance the sauce’s creaminess.
- Assemble and serve: Divide the pesto-coated rigatoni into serving bowls. Top each portion with torn pieces of fresh burrata cheese.
- Garnish: Sprinkle extra roasted pine nuts and fresh basil leaves over the top. Drizzle with a little olive oil and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Enjoy: Serve immediately while warm and enjoy the fresh, tangy flavors and creamy textures of this delightful dish.
Notes
- Save some pasta water to adjust the pesto consistency for a smooth sauce.
- Use fresh basil for the best flavor and vibrant color.
- Toast pine nuts gently to enhance their nutty flavor without burning.
- Burrata cheese adds creaminess; if unavailable, fresh mozzarella or ricotta can be substituted.
- Adjust salt and pepper after tossing pasta as Parmesan and pine nuts add natural saltiness.
- This pasta is best served immediately to enjoy the contrast of warm pasta and creamy burrata.
