If you’re craving a pasta dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, the One Pot Melty Burrata Lemon Pesto Pasta Recipe is here to steal your heart. Imagine al dente spaghetti cooked right in fragrant vegetable broth, then tossed with fresh basil pesto, bright lemon zest and juice for a citrusy kick, and finally crowned with ooey-gooey burrata cheese that melts into every forkful. This recipe proves that you don’t need a fancy kitchen or hours of cooking to create a vibrant, creamy, and utterly satisfying meal that tastes like it belongs in a bistro. It’s fresh, comforting, and so easy — the perfect weeknight dinner that feels special enough for guests.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make this One Pot Melty Burrata Lemon Pesto Pasta Recipe shine, we keep things simple with a handful of fresh, essential ingredients. Each element brings something special: the broth adds depth, the basil pesto infuses herbal goodness, lemon adds tasty brightness, and burrata provides that irresistible creamy finish.
- 12 ounces of spaghetti or preferred pasta: Choose your favorite pasta shape to soak up all the luscious sauce.
- 4 cups vegetable broth: A flavorful cooking liquid that infuses pasta with savory goodness.
- 1 cup fresh basil pesto: Bursting with basil, pine nuts, and cheese, this is the star flavor bomb.
- 1 lemon (zest and juice): Adds just the right amount of citrus brightness and fresh acidity.
- 8 ounces burrata cheese: Creamy, milky, and melty—this cheese is pure indulgence.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic brightens the dish with a subtle punch of aroma and flavor.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Used to sauté garlic and add a silky texture to the pasta.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Simple seasonings to balance and enhance all the flavors.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional for topping): For an optional salty, nutty finish if you want extra cheesy goodness.
How to Make One Pot Melty Burrata Lemon Pesto Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Garlic
Start by warming the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once shimmering, toss in the minced garlic and cook it just until fragrant—about one minute—being careful not to let it burn. This simple step infuses the base of the dish with a warm, inviting aroma you’ll love.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta in Vegetable Broth
Next, pour in the vegetable broth and add your spaghetti right into the pot. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then lower the heat to a simmer. Keep stirring occasionally so the pasta cooks evenly and doesn’t stick. In about 8 to 10 minutes, your pasta will reach that perfect al dente texture, soaking up all the broth’s savory notes.
Step 3: Stir in Pesto and Lemon
Once your pasta is perfectly cooked, it’s time to wake up the flavors. Stir in the fresh basil pesto, lemon zest, and fresh lemon juice. The pesto’s herbaceous richness blends beautifully with the citrus zing from the lemon, creating layers of brightness and depth in every bite.
Step 4: Season and Add Burrata
Give your pasta a taste and season it with salt and pepper as needed—don’t be shy with this; it really brings the dish together. Now, gently tear the burrata into chunks and nestle the soft cheese on top of the hot pasta. The warmth will slowly melt the burrata, enveloping your noodles in creamy, dreamy goodness.
Step 5: Let It Melt and Serve
Allow the burrata to melt into the pasta for several minutes. This step is pure magic because the cheese creates a luscious sauce that coats every strand of spaghetti. Serve immediately in bowls, making sure every portion boasts those tantalizing pockets of melted burrata.
How to Serve One Pot Melty Burrata Lemon Pesto Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
To finish, sprinkle a little extra lemon zest for a pop of color and zing, and if you like, a dusting of grated Parmesan cheese adds a lovely salty contrast. A few torn fresh basil leaves would also be gorgeous for extra freshness and a burst of green.
Side Dishes
This creamy pasta pairs wonderfully with a crisp side salad dressed in a light vinaigrette to balance the rich flavors. Roasted or grilled vegetables such as asparagus or zucchini also work beautifully, bringing earthiness and texture to the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this pasta in rustic bowls to highlight its comforting appeal, or plate it elegantly with burrata pieces artfully arranged on top. For a brunch twist, try adding a poached egg to crown the dish for even more indulgence.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
The One Pot Melty Burrata Lemon Pesto Pasta Recipe can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep the burrata separate if possible and add fresh cheese when reheating to maintain its creamy texture.
Freezing
While this pasta tastes best fresh, you can freeze leftovers without the burrata for up to one month. Freeze in a sturdy container, but plan to add fresh burrata after thawing and reheating for optimal meltiness.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stove over low heat with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce. Add fresh torn burrata after warming to preserve that creamy, melty texture that makes this recipe so irresistible.
FAQs
Can I use different pasta shapes for this recipe?
Absolutely! While spaghetti works beautifully, feel free to use penne, fusilli, or linguine to match your preference — just adjust cooking times accordingly.
Is there a substitute for burrata if I can’t find it?
You can substitute fresh mozzarella if burrata isn’t available, though you’ll miss the creamy center. Adding a little cream or ricotta can help mimic that luscious texture.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes! Use a vegan pesto, vegetable broth, and swap burrata for a plant-based cheese or creamy cashew spread for a delicious vegan twist.
How can I make this recipe more flavorful?
Fresh herbs, a drizzle of good olive oil, or a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts add extra layers of flavor and texture that elevate the dish.
Is the lemon flavor strong in this pasta?
The lemon adds a bright, fresh note without overpowering the dish, balancing beautifully with the basil pesto and creamy burrata.
Final Thoughts
Once you try the One Pot Melty Burrata Lemon Pesto Pasta Recipe, it may just become your go-to comfort meal when you want simplicity and a burst of gourmet flavor all in one pot. It’s a joyous celebration of fresh ingredients, creamy cheese, and bright, herbaceous notes that come together in the most effortless and delicious way. Trust me, this recipe is a keeper you’ll want to make again and again.
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One Pot Melty Burrata Lemon Pesto Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This One Pot Melty Burrata Lemon Pesto Pasta is a simple yet incredibly flavorful dish combining tender spaghetti cooked in vegetable broth, vibrant fresh basil pesto, zesty lemon, and creamy burrata cheese. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal, it offers a luscious blend of textures and bright, herbaceous notes with minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
Pasta and Broth
- 12 ounces spaghetti or your preferred pasta
- 4 cups vegetable broth
Sauce and Flavor
- 1 cup fresh basil pesto
- 1 lemon (zest and juice)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cheese and Garnish
- 8 ounces burrata cheese
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional for topping)
Instructions
- Heat Olive Oil: In a large pot, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat to prepare for sautéing the garlic.
- Sauté Garlic: Add the minced garlic to the hot oil and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned, releasing its aroma.
- Add Broth and Pasta: Pour in 4 cups of vegetable broth and add 12 ounces of spaghetti to the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil to start cooking the pasta.
- Simmer Pasta: Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook the pasta, stirring occasionally, until it is al dente, approximately 8-10 minutes, allowing the pasta to absorb the broth flavor.
- Incorporate Pesto and Lemon: Stir in 1 cup of fresh basil pesto along with zest and juice from 1 lemon. Mix thoroughly to combine the bright, herby flavors evenly through the pasta.
- Season: Taste the pasta and season with salt and pepper as needed to enhance flavors.
- Add Burrata Cheese: Tear the 8 ounces of burrata cheese into pieces and gently nestle them on top of the hot pasta.
- Let Melt: Allow the burrata to soften and melt slightly for a few minutes from the heat of the pasta, crafting a creamy, rich texture.
- Serve: Divide the pasta into bowls, making sure each serving includes a generous portion of burrata on top.
- Garnish (Optional): Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese and a pinch of extra lemon zest for added depth and brightness before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute spaghetti with any pasta shape you prefer, such as fettuccine or penne.
- For a richer flavor, use homemade basil pesto or a high-quality store-bought variety.
- If burrata isn’t available, fresh mozzarella can be used as a substitute.
- Adjust the amount of lemon juice and zest according to your preference for acidity.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, but the burrata is best added fresh when serving.
