One Pot Melty Burrata Lemon Pesto Pasta: An Incredible Ultimate Recipe
This One Pot Melty Burrata Lemon Pesto Pasta: An Incredible Ultimate Recipe is the weeknight dinner hero you didn’t know you needed. Imagine strands of silky pasta swirled in an herby pesto, tossed with creamy ricotta and melt-in-your-mouth burrata, all brightened with lemon zest and fresh basil—every bite is a little taste of Italian-inspired joy. Best of all, everything comes together in just one pot, promising big flavor with minimal cleanup. Whether you’re cooking for the family or wowing friends, this dish is sure to be requested on repeat!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe is how each simple ingredient brings its own magic. From the richness of burrata to the zesty lift of lemon and the herbaceous vibrance of pesto, every component has a role in building flavor, texture, and visual appeal. Here’s what you’ll need (plus a few tips to make each ingredient shine):
- Pasta (1 pound linguine or spaghetti): Choose your favorite long pasta—linguine or spaghetti work perfectly to soak up every bit of sauce.
- Extra-virgin olive oil (1 tablespoon): A high-quality olive oil adds fruity flavor and helps all the aromatics bloom beautifully.
- Shallot (1 small, finely chopped): Shallots bring a subtle sweetness and aromatic depth you don’t get from onion alone.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Fresh garlic is a must for a big flavor punch and classic Italian character.
- Fresh thyme leaves (2 tablespoons): These add a gentle earthiness—try to use fresh for the brightest flavor.
- Red pepper flakes (pinch): Just enough to give a tiny, pleasing kick without overpowering the dish.
- Kosher salt and black pepper: Season to taste as you go for a perfectly balanced bite.
- Basil pesto (3/4 cup): Store-bought works in a pinch, but homemade will make your One Pot Melty Burrata Lemon Pesto Pasta: An Incredible Ultimate Recipe truly sing.
- Whole-milk ricotta cheese (1/2 cup): Provides creamy body and richness to the sauce.
- Burrata cheese (8 ounces, room temperature): The superstar—let it sit out while you cook so it melts into the pasta like a dream.
- Balsamic vinegar (2 tablespoons): Just a splash brightens and deepens all the flavors.
- Lemon (zest and juice of 1): Adds vibrant zing and a little sunshine to the creamy sauce.
- Fresh basil leaves (1/4 cup, torn): Don’t skip this! Basil is the finishing touch that brings the whole experience together.
- Extra basil for garnish: A scattering of fresh leaves at the end makes things look (and taste) even more inviting.
How to Make One Pot Melty Burrata Lemon Pesto Pasta: An Incredible Ultimate Recipe
Step 1: Boil the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package directions until it’s perfectly al dente (still with a bit of bite). Before draining the pasta, carefully ladle out about 1/2 cup of the hot, starchy pasta water and set it aside—this golden liquid will help create your luscious sauce. Drain the rest and get ready for the magic!
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
Return your empty pot to medium-high heat and add the extra-virgin olive oil. Toss in the finely chopped shallot, minced garlic, fresh thyme, and a pinch of red pepper flakes. Sauté for about 2 minutes, stirring frequently. Your kitchen should already smell incredible as these flavors mingle and create the aromatic backbone of your One Pot Melty Burrata Lemon Pesto Pasta: An Incredible Ultimate Recipe.
Step 3: Build the Sauce
Now, pour in the reserved pasta water, followed by your cooked pasta. Swirl in the pesto, balsamic vinegar, and whole-milk ricotta. Toss everything together gently but thoroughly, making sure the pasta is evenly coated and the ricotta starts melding into the sauce for extra creaminess. Taste, and add a bit of salt and black pepper if needed at this stage.
Step 4: Add Burrata and Finish
Remove the pot from the heat and tear open the burrata, distributing it over the warm, pesto-coated pasta. Gently stir just until the burrata begins to melt into a luxurious, gooey sauce—this is the defining moment of your One Pot Melty Burrata Lemon Pesto Pasta: An Incredible Ultimate Recipe. Next, add the lemon zest, lemon juice, and torn basil leaves, folding everything together for the brightest, freshest flavor.
Step 5: Serve Immediately
Dish out the pasta right away while the burrata is at its melty, oozy best. Don’t forget a final scattering of extra fresh basil on top. Every forkful should be creamy, herby, and full of sunshine—truly the ultimate way to enjoy this dish!
How to Serve One Pot Melty Burrata Lemon Pesto Pasta: An Incredible Ultimate Recipe
Garnishes
Keep things simple yet stunning—generous torn basil is a must, but a drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil and a few grinds of black pepper can dial up the flavor and presentation. If you want to get fancy, add a scattering of toasted pine nuts or lemon zest for an extra pop of texture and color.
Side Dishes
This pasta truly shines solo, but you can make your meal feel like the ultimate Italian-inspired feast by pairing it with crisp arugula salad in a lemon vinaigrette or some blistered cherry tomatoes. Warm, crusty bread is perfect for sopping up any bit of creamy sauce left on your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For dinner parties, twirl individual nests of One Pot Melty Burrata Lemon Pesto Pasta: An Incredible Ultimate Recipe onto plates and top each with a piece of burrata or a sprinkle of microgreens. Or, serve family-style in a large, shallow bowl—with all the gooey cheese melting over the top—inviting everyone to dig in together.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. The pasta will thicken as it chills, and the flavors will have even more time to meld together. Give it a good stir before reheating to bring everything back to its creamy best.
Freezing
While this dish is at its peak right from the stove, you can freeze extra portions if needed. Let the One Pot Melty Burrata Lemon Pesto Pasta: An Incredible Ultimate Recipe cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 1 month, and note that the texture of the cheese may change slightly after thawing, but the flavors will still be fantastic.
Reheating
Reheat refrigerated portions gently in a skillet over low heat, splashing in a bit of milk, cream, or water to bring back the creaminess. For frozen pasta, thaw overnight in the fridge, then warm slowly on the stovetop, stirring frequently, until heated through and smooth.
FAQs
Can I use a different cheese if I can’t find burrata?
Absolutely! While burrata gives that signature creamy melt, you can substitute with fresh mozzarella or even double the ricotta for a slightly different but still decadent texture.
How do I make this pasta gluten-free?
You can easily swap in your favorite gluten-free pasta. Just be sure to cook according to the package directions, as gluten-free pastas can differ in timing and texture.
What’s the best way to make homemade pesto for this recipe?
In a food processor, blend together a big bunch of fresh basil, a handful of pine nuts, a clove of garlic, grated Parmesan, and extra-virgin olive oil until smooth. Season with salt and a squeeze of lemon for extra brightness—homemade really makes your One Pot Melty Burrata Lemon Pesto Pasta: An Incredible Ultimate Recipe pop.
Can I use another herb besides basil?
Definitely! Try swapping in arugula, spinach, or even parsley for your pesto base. Each herb brings its own twist and can make this recipe feel totally new.
Is this pasta good served cold?
This dish is pure magic served warm and melty, but leftovers can be enjoyed at room temperature like a creamy pasta salad. Just make sure to bring it to room temp and stir well before serving cold for best texture.
Final Thoughts
If you love comfort food that feels a little fancy but is secretly oh-so-easy, you have to try the One Pot Melty Burrata Lemon Pesto Pasta: An Incredible Ultimate Recipe. It’s become a staple in my kitchen, and I hope it becomes the same in yours—creamy, zesty, and ready to impress every time you make it. Gather your favorite people and dig in—happy cooking!
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One Pot Melty Burrata Lemon Pesto Pasta: An Incredible Ultimate Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the creamy decadence of this One Pot Melty Burrata Lemon Pesto Pasta. A harmony of flavors with the richness of burrata cheese, zesty lemon, and aromatic pesto make this dish a stand-out favorite for any occasion.
Ingredients
Pasta:
- 1 pound linguine or spaghetti
Sauce:
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 small shallot (finely chopped)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves
- pinch of red pepper flakes
- kosher salt and black pepper to taste
- 3/4 cup basil pesto
- 1/2 cup whole-milk ricotta cheese
- 8 ounces burrata cheese (room temperature)
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- zest and juice of 1 lemon
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves (torn)
- extra basil for garnish
Instructions
- Boil Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta until al dente, reserving 1/2 cup pasta cooking water before draining.
- Prepare Sauce: Sauté shallot, garlic, thyme, and red pepper flakes. Add pasta water, cooked pasta, basil pesto, balsamic vinegar, and ricotta.
- Add Burrata: Tear burrata over the pasta, stir until it melts into a creamy sauce. Add lemon zest, lemon juice, and torn basil.
- Season and Serve: Season with salt and pepper. Garnish with fresh basil and serve.
Notes
- Use fresh, high-quality burrata cheese for a creamy texture.
- Experiment with different pesto variations like arugula or spinach.
- Enhance protein content by adding grilled chicken or shrimp.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: One-Pot, Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of recipe
- Calories: 436
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 420 mg
- Fat: 19 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 53 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 15 g
- Cholesterol: 42 mg
