Description
Lemon Pesto Rigatoni is a creamy, vibrant pasta dish bursting with zesty citrus and herby goodness. Tossed in a rich basil pesto sauce with lemon zest and topped with luscious burrata, this is the ultimate comfort food with a fresh, gourmet twist.
Ingredients
12 oz rigatoni pasta
1/2 cup basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
1 lemon (zested and juiced)
2 tbsp olive oil
2 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 cup heavy cream
Salt and pepper to taste
1 ball (4 oz) burrata cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan
Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Instructions
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook rigatoni until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat and sauté garlic until fragrant (about 1 minute).
3. Add pesto, lemon zest, lemon juice, and heavy cream. Stir to combine and heat through.
4. Toss the cooked rigatoni into the sauce, adding splashes of reserved pasta water as needed to reach a creamy consistency.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Transfer to serving bowls and top each with a scoop of burrata.
7. Garnish with Parmesan and fresh basil, then serve immediately while warm and creamy.
Notes
Add grilled chicken or shrimp for extra protein.
Use whole-wheat or gluten-free pasta if desired.
For a brighter flavor, mix in baby spinach or arugula before serving.
Best enjoyed immediately for the perfect burrata texture.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 560
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: lemon pesto rigatoni, burrata pasta, creamy pesto pasta, Italian dinner, lemon basil pasta