If you’re searching for a vibrant, creamy, and utterly irresistible dinner that comes together in a flash, you have to try One Pot Melty Burrata Lemon Pesto Pasta. This dish is a celebration of fresh flavors: silky pasta swirls tossed with zesty pesto, bright lemon, sweet cherry tomatoes, and baby spinach, all crowned with a cloud of melting burrata. The best part? There’s minimal cleanup, maximum flavor, and you’ll find yourself dreaming about it long after the last twirl. One Pot Melty Burrata Lemon Pesto Pasta is a perfect weeknight hero or an impressive meal for guests, and you’ll come back to it again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of One Pot Melty Burrata Lemon Pesto Pasta lies in its simple, high-quality ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role, from the pasta that soaks up all the flavors to the burrata that brings an indulgent finish. Here’s what you need and why you’ll love each part:
- Pasta (12 oz, such as spaghetti or linguine): The canvas for all the flavors, choose your favorite long noodle for the best twirl factor.
- Vegetable broth or water (4 cups): Cooking pasta in broth boosts flavor in every bite, but water works in a pinch too.
- Prepared basil pesto (1/2 cup): Go for a high-quality jarred pesto, or use homemade if you’re feeling fancy – it’s the flavor backbone of the dish.
- Zest and juice of 1 lemon: Adds a zingy brightness that balances the rich pesto and cheese.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Helps everything come together with a silky texture and subtle fruitiness.
- Garlic, minced (2 cloves): Fresh garlic infuses the sauce with aromatic depth.
- Crushed red pepper flakes (1/4 teaspoon, optional): A gentle kick for those who love a little heat.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: Simple seasonings to bring out every flavor.
- Cherry tomatoes, halved (1 cup): Juicy bursts of sweetness that pop in each forkful.
- Baby spinach (2 cups): Wilts down to add color, nutrition, and a delicate earthiness.
- Burrata (1 large ball or 2 smaller): The star topping: ultra-creamy cheese that melts over the hot pasta for pure luxury.
- Fresh basil for garnish: A finishing touch of herbal freshness and gorgeous color.
How to Make One Pot Melty Burrata Lemon Pesto Pasta
Step 1: Gather and Prep Your Ingredients
Before you start, lay out all your ingredients so the cooking process is seamless. Halve the cherry tomatoes, mince the garlic, zest and juice your lemon, and set your burrata out to come to room temperature. This little prep step will make your One Pot Melty Burrata Lemon Pesto Pasta come together with zero stress.
Step 2: Start Cooking the Pasta
In a large pot or deep skillet, combine the pasta, vegetable broth or water, pesto, lemon zest and juice, olive oil, minced garlic, red pepper flakes (if using), and a good pinch of salt and black pepper. Give everything a gentle stir to ensure the pasta is evenly coated and well-submerged. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
Step 3: Simmer and Stir
Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium and let the pasta cook uncovered. Stir frequently with tongs or a wooden spoon to prevent sticking and ensure all the noodles get a chance to soak up the flavorful liquid. After 8 to 10 minutes, your pasta should be al dente and most of the liquid absorbed, creating a glossy, cohesive sauce.
Step 4: Add Tomatoes and Spinach
Toss in the halved cherry tomatoes and baby spinach, stirring gently. The spinach will wilt almost instantly, and the tomatoes will soften just enough, adding juicy pops of flavor. Cook for another 1 to 2 minutes, then remove from heat so the greens stay vibrant.
Step 5: Serve and Top with Burrata
Divide the hot pasta among serving bowls. Now for the dreamy part: top each portion with a generous piece of burrata. Let the cheese rest on the warm pasta for a minute or two so it turns irresistibly gooey and melty. Finish with a sprinkle of fresh basil and, if you like, a bit more lemon zest for extra brightness. Your One Pot Melty Burrata Lemon Pesto Pasta is ready to steal the show!
How to Serve One Pot Melty Burrata Lemon Pesto Pasta
Garnishes
A generous sprinkle of fresh basil leaves is the classic finishing touch, but you can also add extra lemon zest, a drizzle of good olive oil, or a crack of black pepper for even more flavor. If you’re feeling bold, a pinch of flaky sea salt on the burrata brings out its creaminess beautifully.
Side Dishes
One Pot Melty Burrata Lemon Pesto Pasta is a star on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette, crusty garlic bread, or grilled asparagus. These sides keep the meal light, fresh, and perfect for any season.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party, try serving the pasta in a large, shallow platter with the burrata nestled in the center so guests can scoop some with every serving. Or, portion it into individual bowls with mini burrata balls for an elegant touch. A sprinkle of edible flowers or microgreens makes it extra special for celebrations.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers (lucky you!), transfer the pasta to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. Store the burrata separately if possible, so it stays fresh and creamy until you’re ready to enjoy it again.
Freezing
While the pasta and pesto sauce can be frozen for up to a month, burrata doesn’t freeze well and will lose its lovely texture. If you plan to freeze, do so without the cheese and add fresh burrata just before serving after reheating the pasta.
Reheating
To reheat, add a splash of vegetable broth or water to loosen the sauce, then warm the pasta gently in a skillet over low heat. Once heated through, plate and top with fresh burrata. Microwave reheating works in a pinch, but stovetop keeps the flavors and texture best.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Main Course
Absolutely! While spaghetti and linguine are lovely for twirling, penne, fusilli, or even gluten-free pastas work beautifully. Just adjust the cooking time if you use a different shape.
Is it okay to use homemade pesto?
Yes, homemade pesto adds an amazing, fresh flavor to One Pot Melty Burrata Lemon Pesto Pasta. Use your favorite recipe or even try a nut-free or vegan version if you like.
What if I can’t find burrata?
If burrata isn’t available, try substituting with a ball of fresh mozzarella or a dollop of ricotta. The result will still be creamy and delicious, though burrata’s oozy center is hard to beat!
Can I add protein to this pasta?
Definitely! Grilled chicken, sautéed shrimp, or even crispy chickpeas are fantastic additions for extra protein. Just add your cooked protein at the end before topping with burrata.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
It works well for meal prep if you store the pasta and burrata separately. Reheat the pasta gently and add fresh burrata just before eating for the creamiest results.
Final Thoughts
Give yourself the gift of One Pot Melty Burrata Lemon Pesto Pasta and watch how it turns any meal into a celebration of flavor and comfort. It’s quick, impressive, and truly a joy to make and eat. I hope this becomes one of your new favorites!
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One Pot Melty Burrata Lemon Pesto Pasta Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This One Pot Melty Burrata Lemon Pesto Pasta is a quick, creamy, and flavorful Italian-inspired dish perfect for an easy vegetarian dinner. Combining the bright zest and juice of lemon with fragrant basil pesto and creamy burrata cheese, this pasta is cooked all in one pot for minimal cleanup and maximum taste.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 12 oz pasta (such as spaghetti or linguine)
- 4 cups vegetable broth or water
- 1/2 cup prepared basil pesto
- Zest and juice of 1 lemon
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 cups baby spinach
- 1 large burrata ball (or 2 smaller)
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a large pot or deep skillet, add pasta, vegetable broth or water, prepared basil pesto, lemon zest and juice, olive oil, minced garlic, crushed red pepper flakes (if using), and a pinch of salt and black pepper. Stir to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Cook Pasta: Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce heat to medium and cook, stirring frequently, for 8–10 minutes. Continue cooking until the pasta is al dente and most of the liquid has been absorbed into the pasta.
- Add Vegetables: Stir in the halved cherry tomatoes and baby spinach. Cook for an additional 1–2 minutes until the spinach wilts and the tomatoes soften slightly.
- Serve with Burrata: Remove the pot from heat. Transfer the pasta to serving bowls and top each portion with a piece of burrata cheese. Allow the burrata to melt slightly into the warm pasta, creating a creamy texture.
- Garnish and Enjoy: Garnish with fresh basil leaves and additional lemon zest if desired. Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Use fresh burrata at room temperature for the best melting effect and creaminess.
- You can substitute arugula for spinach for a peppery twist.
- For added protein, grilled chicken can be added to the dish.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, increase the crushed red pepper flakes to taste.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: One Pot
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 430 mg
- Fat: 26 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 54 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 17 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg
