Description
This One Pot Melty Burrata Lemon Pesto Pasta is a creamy, flavorful dish combining al dente spaghetti with fresh basil pesto, bright lemon zest and juice, and luxurious melting burrata cheese. Made in a single pot with minimal effort, it’s perfect for a quick yet impressive meal bursting with vibrant Italian flavors.
Ingredients
Pasta and Broth
- 12 ounces spaghetti or your preferred pasta
- 4 cups vegetable broth
Flavorings and Cheese
- 1 cup fresh basil pesto
- 1 lemon, zested and juiced
- 8 ounces burrata cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional for topping)
Instructions
- Prepare the Pot: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat to create a fragrant base for your pasta.
- Sauté Garlic: Add minced garlic to the pot and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute, being careful not to burn it.
- Add Broth and Pasta: Pour in 4 cups of vegetable broth and add the spaghetti. Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Simmer Pasta: Reduce heat to a simmer and cook the pasta, stirring occasionally, until it is al dente, about 8-10 minutes, allowing it to absorb the flavorful broth.
- Mix in Pesto and Lemon: Stir in 1 cup of fresh basil pesto, the zest, and juice of 1 lemon to infuse the dish with bright, herbaceous flavors.
- Season: Taste the pasta and season with salt and pepper as desired to enhance the flavors.
- Add Burrata: Tear the 8 ounces of burrata cheese into pieces and nestle them gently on top of the hot pasta, allowing it to melt into creamy pockets.
- Melt Burrata: Let the burrata melt for a few minutes to achieve a rich, gooey texture throughout the pasta.
- Serve: Plate the pasta into bowls, ensuring each serving has a generous amount of melted burrata.
- Garnish: Optionally, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese and a little extra lemon zest over each serving for added flavor and presentation.
Notes
- Use a large pot to avoid pasta sticking and to allow even cooking.
- Stirring occasionally during simmering prevents pasta from clumping.
- Fresh basil pesto is preferred for the best flavor, but store-bought works well too.
- Adjust lemon zest and juice to your taste preference for brightness.
- Burrata melting time may vary slightly based on room temperature and pasta heat.
- Add Parmesan cheese sparingly if you want extra savory depth.