Description
Lemon Pesto Rigatoni with Burrata & Roasted Pine Nuts is a vibrant and creamy Italian-inspired pasta dish. Featuring al dente rigatoni tossed in a zesty lemon pesto sauce, enriched with creamy burrata cheese and crunchy roasted pine nuts, this recipe offers a perfect balance of tangy, savory, and nutty flavors. Quick to prepare and perfect for a weeknight dinner or a casual gathering, it can also be served warm or as a refreshing pasta salad.
Ingredients
Scale
pasta
- 12 oz rigatoni pasta
sauce and seasoning
- 1/3 cup pesto (store-bought or homemade)
- zest and juice of 1 lemon
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- salt and black pepper to taste
toppings
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup toasted pine nuts
- 8 oz burrata cheese (2 small balls or 1 large, torn)
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil (chopped)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add rigatoni and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water before draining.
- Prepare the sauce base: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add lemon zest and crushed red pepper flakes. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add pesto and lemon juice: Stir in the pesto and lemon juice into the skillet. Then add the drained rigatoni and toss well to coat thoroughly.
- Adjust sauce consistency: Gradually add reserved pasta water, a little at a time, to loosen the sauce and create a silky texture.
- Incorporate cheese and nuts: Remove skillet from heat. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese and half of the toasted pine nuts for added richness and crunch.
- Plate the dish: Transfer the pasta to serving bowls.
- Add burrata and garnish: Tear the burrata cheese into pieces and place on top of the pasta. Sprinkle the remaining pine nuts, chopped fresh basil, and freshly ground black pepper for a fresh, flavorful finish.
- Serve: Enjoy the pasta warm or at room temperature according to preference.
Notes
- For a nut-free version, omit the pine nuts or replace with sunflower seeds.
- Add grilled chicken or shrimp for extra protein.
- This dish can be served warm or chilled as a flavorful pasta salad.
