Description
Creamy, zesty, and full of summer-in-a-bowl vibes, this Lemon Pesto Rigatoni with Burrata is an easy weeknight dinner that feels like a treat. With silky pesto, bright lemon, rich burrata, and crunchy pine nuts, every bite is pure joy. Ready in 25 minutes and totally customizable!
Ingredients
- 12 oz rigatoni pasta
- 1/3 cup basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1/4 cup heavy cream (optional, for a creamier sauce)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons pine nuts
- 8 oz burrata cheese (2 small balls or 1 large)
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
Grated Parmesan, optional for serving
Instructions
Cook rigatoni in salted boiling water according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Meanwhile, toast pine nuts in a small skillet over medium-low heat for 2–3 minutes, stirring constantly, until golden brown. Set aside.
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Stir in pesto, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Add heavy cream if using and let the sauce warm through, about 2–3 minutes.
Add cooked rigatoni to the skillet and toss well to coat. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Divide pasta into serving bowls. Tear burrata over the top, sprinkle with toasted pine nuts, and garnish with fresh basil. Add grated Parmesan if desired.
Notes
Want extra veggies? Toss in some blistered cherry tomatoes, spinach, or grilled zucchini.
For a dairy-free version, skip the cream and burrata and use a dairy-free pesto.
Rigatoni holds sauce beautifully, but penne, fusilli, or orecchiette work too!
Leftovers? This pasta is delicious cold or gently reheated with a splash of broth or water.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired, Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 580 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 280 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 56 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 18 g
- Cholesterol: 35 mg