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
Scale
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
