Pesto Pasta with Burrata
Why this recipe works
- Ready quickly: The pesto is blended while the pasta cooks, keeping the whole dish comfortably under 30 minutes.
- Creamy finish: Burrata adds a soft, milky richness without turning the pesto into a heavy cream sauce.
- Fresh but savoury: Basil, garlic, Parmesan, lemon and pine nuts create a sauce that is herbal, nutty, salty and bright.
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Ingredient notes
- Use fresh basil: Choose lively, fragrant basil leaves for the cleanest pesto flavour; tired leaves can make the sauce taste dull.
- Good olive oil matters: Because the oil is a main part of the uncooked sauce, use an extra virgin olive oil with a flavour you enjoy.
- Mind the cheese swap: Pecorino romano gives a sharper, saltier pesto than Parmesan, so taste before adding extra seasoning.
Texture tips
- Loosen gradually: Add the reserved pasta water little by little until the pesto clings smoothly to the pasta rather than sitting in thick clumps.
- Keep the heat low: Toss the pasta and pesto over low heat only briefly; too much heat can flatten the basil flavour and make the sauce less vibrant.
Serving ideas
- Serve with greens: A simple rocket or mixed-leaf salad balances the richness of the burrata and pesto.
- Finish simply: Extra black pepper, a little lemon zest or a few toasted pine nuts work well without overwhelming the burrata.
Make-ahead tips
- Store separately: Keep leftover pasta and burrata in separate airtight containers so the cheese stays fresh and the pasta reheats more evenly.
- Reheat gently: Warm the pasta gently with a splash of water until piping hot, then add the burrata just before serving.
Equipment you'll need
Ingredients
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of water to the boil and season with 1 tsp of the fine sea salt. Add the egg pasta nests and cook until al dente. Scoop out about 150 ml pasta water, then drain.
- While the pasta cooks, make the pesto: add the fresh basil, pine nuts, garlic and parmesan to a food processor. Finely grate in a little lemon zest, then squeeze in 1 tbsp lemon juice. Pulse until finely chopped.
- With the motor running, drizzle in the extra virgin olive oil until you have a thick, spoonable pesto. Season with the remaining 1 tsp fine sea salt and grind in the black peppercorns. Taste and add a little more lemon juice if you want it brighter.
- Return the drained pasta to the pot and add the pesto. Splash in a little reserved pasta water and toss over low heat until the sauce coats the pasta smoothly and looks glossy. Add more pasta water a tablespoon at a time if needed.
- Divide the pasta between warm bowls. Tear the burrata cheese over the top and finish with a little extra black pepper. Serve straight away.
Recipe notes
Tips
- Toast the pine nuts in a dry frying pan over medium heat for 2 to 3 minutes until lightly golden, then cool before blending for a deeper flavour.
- If serving anyone who should avoid raw eggs, choose pasteurised burrata cheese and ensure it is kept properly chilled until serving.
Substitutions
- Replace pine nuts with walnuts for a slightly more robust, earthy pesto.
- Replace parmesan with pecorino romano cheese for a saltier, sharper finish.
- Replace egg pasta nest with spaghetti for a lighter, less rich pasta base.
Storage
- Refrigerate up to 2 days
- Store leftover pasta and burrata separately in airtight containers. Reheat the pasta gently in a saucepan with a splash of water until piping hot, then add the burrata at the table.
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Recipe overview
- Servings: 2 servings
- Total time: 25min (20min active)
- Difficulty: Easy
- Cuisine: Italian
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Allergens:
Eggs Gluten Milk Tree nuts Wheat
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