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
Scale
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.
