Description
Pesto Burrata Pasta is a rich, creamy, and flavorful Italian-inspired dish made with tender pasta, aromatic basil pesto, juicy cherry tomatoes, and fresh burrata cheese. This easy pasta recipe combines simple Mediterranean ingredients to create a restaurant-style dinner that looks impressive but requires very little effort.
The star of this recipe is the beautiful combination of fresh basil pesto and creamy burrata. Basil pesto adds a delicious blend of garlic, Parmesan, olive oil, and herbs, while burrata provides a soft, buttery center that melts gently into the warm pasta.
Sweet cherry tomatoes bring freshness and a little acidity, perfectly balancing the richness of the cheese and pesto. A sprinkle of Parmesan, freshly cracked black pepper, and fresh basil completes this comforting dish.
One of the best things about Pesto Burrata Pasta is that it can be prepared in approximately 25 minutes. It is perfect for busy weeknight dinners, romantic date nights, family meals, or special occasions when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen.
Serve this creamy pasta with garlic bread, a fresh green salad, roasted vegetables, or grilled chicken for a satisfying meal.
Whether you’re a fan of traditional Italian pasta or simply love creamy, cheesy comfort food, this Pesto Burrata Pasta is sure to become a favorite.
Ingredients For the Pasta
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12 oz (340 g) pasta, such as rigatoni, penne, fusilli, or spaghetti
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1 tablespoon salt for the pasta water
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½ cup reserved pasta cooking water
For the Pesto Sauce
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½ cup basil pesto, homemade or store-bought
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2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
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3 garlic cloves, finely minced
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¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
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¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
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¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
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1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
For the Cherry Tomatoes
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2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
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1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
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½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
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¼ teaspoon salt
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¼ teaspoon black pepper
For the Burrata Topping
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2 balls fresh burrata cheese (approximately 4 oz each)
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2 tablespoons freshly chopped basil
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1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
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2 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan cheese
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Freshly cracked black pepper
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Lemon zest (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Wash the cherry tomatoes thoroughly and slice them in half.
Peel and finely mince the garlic cloves.
Chop the fresh basil leaves and grate the Parmesan cheese.
Remove the burrata cheese from the refrigerator approximately 15 minutes before serving to allow it to lose some of its chill. Keep it refrigerated until then and avoid leaving it at room temperature for extended periods.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil.
Add salt and the pasta of your choice.
Cook according to the package instructions until al dente, meaning tender but still slightly firm when bitten.
Before draining, carefully reserve approximately ½ cup of the starchy pasta cooking water.
Drain the pasta and set it aside.
Avoid rinsing the pasta because the starch helps the pesto sauce cling to the noodles.
Step 3: Sauté the Cherry Tomatoes
While the pasta cooks, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add the halved cherry tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
Cook for approximately 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
The tomatoes should soften and begin releasing their natural juices.
Some tomatoes may develop lightly golden edges, adding extra sweetness and flavor.
Transfer the cooked tomatoes to a plate or move them to one side of the skillet.
Step 4: Prepare the Garlic Pesto Base
Reduce the heat to medium-low.
Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil to the skillet.
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for approximately 30–60 seconds until fragrant.
Be careful not to burn the garlic because it can develop a bitter flavor.
Remove the skillet from direct heat before adding the pesto.
Step 5: Add the Basil Pesto
Add the basil pesto to the warm skillet.
Pour in approximately ¼ cup of the reserved pasta cooking water.
Stir gently until the pesto loosens into a smooth sauce.
Add the grated Parmesan cheese, black pepper, crushed red pepper flakes if using, and fresh lemon juice.
Mix until everything is combined.
Avoid boiling the pesto because excessive heat can dull the fresh basil flavor and cause the sauce to separate.
Step 6: Combine the Pasta and Sauce
Add the drained pasta directly to the skillet containing the pesto sauce.
Toss gently using kitchen tongs or a large spoon.
Make sure every piece of pasta is evenly coated with the fragrant basil pesto.
If the sauce seems too thick, add a little more reserved pasta water, one tablespoon at a time.
The finished sauce should be silky and lightly coat the pasta without becoming watery.
Step 7: Add the Cherry Tomatoes
Return the sautéed cherry tomatoes to the skillet.
Gently fold them into the pesto-coated pasta.
Allow the ingredients to combine over very low heat for approximately 1 minute, just until everything is warmed through.
Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
Step 8: Transfer to a Serving Dish
Spoon the warm pesto pasta into a large shallow serving bowl or individual pasta plates.
Arrange the cherry tomatoes evenly across the top.
Use a spoon to create a small space in the center for the burrata cheese.
Step 9: Add the Fresh Burrata
Carefully place the burrata balls on top of the warm pasta.
Gently tear them open using two forks or a small knife.
Allow the creamy interior to spread naturally over the pesto pasta.
The contrast between the warm pasta and cool, creamy burrata creates a delicious texture.
Step 10: Garnish and Serve
Drizzle 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil over the finished dish.
Sprinkle with freshly chopped basil, grated Parmesan, and freshly cracked black pepper.
Add a little lemon zest if desired.
Serve immediately while the pasta is warm and the burrata is fresh and creamy.
For the best experience, gently mix some of the burrata into the pasta just before eating.
Tips and Notes
Choose the right pasta: Rigatoni, fusilli, and penne work especially well because their shapes hold the pesto sauce beautifully. Spaghetti and linguine are also excellent choices.
Use good-quality pesto: Fresh basil pesto provides the best flavor. Choose a pesto made with basil, olive oil, Parmesan, garlic, and pine nuts.
Do not overheat pesto: Basil pesto tastes best when gently warmed rather than boiled.
Save pasta water: Starchy pasta water helps create a smooth, silky sauce without adding heavy cream.
Use fresh burrata: Fresh burrata has a soft, creamy center that makes this dish especially delicious.
Add burrata at the end: Avoid cooking burrata directly in the skillet. Place it on the warm pasta immediately before serving.
Use ripe tomatoes: Sweet cherry tomatoes add freshness and balance the richness of the pesto and cheese.
Add protein: Grilled chicken, sautéed shrimp, or roasted chickpeas can make this dish more filling.
Make it spicy: Add crushed red pepper flakes or a drizzle of chili oil.
Add vegetables: Baby spinach, roasted zucchini, asparagus, or sautéed mushrooms are delicious additions.
Use homemade pesto: Blend fresh basil, garlic, Parmesan, pine nuts, olive oil, and lemon juice for a fresh homemade version.
Adjust the consistency: If the pasta becomes dry, stir in a little warm pasta water or olive oil.
Serve immediately: Burrata tastes best when freshly opened and served over warm pasta.
Storage: Refrigerate leftover pesto pasta in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Store any unused burrata separately according to its package instructions.
Reheating: Gently reheat the pasta in a skillet with a splash of water. Add fresh burrata after reheating.
Freezing: Freezing the assembled dish is not recommended because burrata can lose its creamy texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Pesto Burrata Pasta?
Pesto Burrata Pasta is an Italian-inspired pasta dish made with basil pesto, tender pasta, cherry tomatoes, Parmesan cheese, and fresh burrata. It combines aromatic herbs with rich, creamy cheese.
Can I use store-bought pesto?
Yes. Store-bought basil pesto works perfectly and makes this recipe especially quick and convenient.
What is the difference between burrata and mozzarella?
Mozzarella is a soft, stretchy cheese, while burrata has a mozzarella outer shell filled with a creamy mixture of stracciatella and cream.
Can I replace burrata with mozzarella?
Yes. Fresh mozzarella can be used as a substitute, although it will not provide the same creamy center.
Can I make Pesto Burrata Pasta without tomatoes?
Absolutely. You can omit the tomatoes or replace them with roasted zucchini, spinach, mushrooms, or asparagus.
Can I add chicken to this recipe?
Yes. Sliced grilled chicken or roasted chicken breast pairs beautifully with basil pesto and burrata.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
You can cook the tomatoes and prepare the pesto ingredients ahead of time. For the best texture, cook the pasta and add the burrata shortly before serving.
Why is my pesto pasta dry?
Pasta absorbs moisture as it sits. Add a little reserved pasta water and toss gently until the sauce becomes smooth again.
Can I use gluten-free pasta?
Yes. Use your favorite gluten-free pasta and follow its package cooking instructions.
Is Pesto Burrata Pasta vegetarian?
It can be vegetarian if the pesto, Parmesan-style cheese, and burrata are made with vegetarian-friendly rennet. Check ingredient labels when necessary.
What should I serve with Pesto Burrata Pasta?
Garlic bread, Caesar salad, Mediterranean cucumber salad, roasted broccoli, grilled vegetables, or a simple arugula salad are excellent side dishes.
Servings and Nutrition
Servings: 4
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Difficulty: Easy
Estimated Nutrition Per Serving
Based on four servings using regular pasta, basil pesto, burrata, Parmesan, olive oil, and cherry tomatoes.
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Calories: 780 kcal
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Protein: 25 g
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Carbohydrates: 73 g
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Fat: 44 g
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Saturated Fat: 15 g
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Fiber: 5 g
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Sugar: 6 g
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Sodium: 720 mg
Nutrition values are approximate and depend on the pasta brand, pesto ingredients, burrata size, and serving portions.
Pesto Burrata Pasta is the perfect combination of creamy burrata, fragrant basil pesto, juicy cherry tomatoes, and tender pasta. With its simple preparation, fresh ingredients, and restaurant-quality flavor, this easy Italian-inspired recipe makes a delicious choice for weeknight dinners, family meals, and special occasions.
