Description
This elegant yet simple pasta dish combines creamy burrata, a vibrant basil-pistachio pesto, and perfectly cooked rigatoni for a rich, satisfying meal that’s ready in just 25 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Pesto
- 4 cups packed fresh basil
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup olive oil
- 1 cup pistachios, toasted (divided)
- 2 cloves garlic, peeled
- 1 lemon, zested and juiced
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For the Pasta
- Kosher salt, to taste
- 1/2 pound rigatoni or penne
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 5 ounces burrata, torn by hand
Instructions
- Make the Pesto: In a food processor or high-speed blender, combine basil, Parmesan, olive oil, ⅔ cup of the pistachios, garlic, and lemon juice. Blend until smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Set aside.
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of heavily salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta.
- Combine Pasta and Pesto: Return the drained pasta to the pot. Toss with about half of the prepared pesto and a few splashes of the reserved pasta water, stirring until a creamy and glossy sauce forms. Adjust consistency with more pasta water if needed.
- Finish the Dish: Mix in the grated Parmesan cheese and season to taste with additional salt and pepper.
- Serve: Divide the pasta among serving bowls. Top with torn burrata and the remaining ⅓ cup of toasted pistachios for crunch. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Pesto Storage: Leftover pesto can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week or frozen for longer storage.
- Substitutions: Swap pistachios for almonds or walnuts if preferred.
- Burrata Alternative: Use fresh mozzarella if burrata is unavailable.
- Make It a Meal: Add grilled chicken or shrimp for extra protein.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 600
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 45g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 35g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 20mg