There are days when a meal feels more like a moment—a chance to pause, breathe, and let something simple bring you joy. This Lemon Pesto Pasta with Burrata is one of those meals. It’s fresh, comforting, and so effortlessly elegant, you’ll find yourself smiling before the first bite even hits your lips.
If you’re already drooling a bit (no judgment—me too), go ahead and subscribe below so you never miss these kinds of easy, flavor-packed recipes sent right to your inbox!
Overview of Lemon Pesto Pasta with Burrata
Let’s talk about what makes this dish such a standout.
At its heart, this recipe is all about balance. The bright zest of lemon, the earthy depth of basil pesto, the silky richness of burrata, and the sprinkle of fresh herbs create a harmony that’s hard to beat. Toss it all with your favorite long pasta and just like that—dinner becomes something a little magical.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy – Just 20 minutes from pantry to plate.
- Restaurant-Worthy Presentation – Burrata in the center makes it feel fancy (with zero effort!).
- Minimal Ingredients, Maximum Flavor – We’re talking just a handful of everyday staples.
- Versatile – Works equally well for a cozy night in or a crowd-pleasing dinner with friends.
What Does It Taste Like?
This Lemon Pesto Pasta with Burrata is zesty, creamy, and herbaceous. The pesto brings a deep, garlicky base, the lemon adds an invigorating brightness, and the burrata melts luxuriously over the warm pasta, giving every forkful a rich, creamy finish. Think: comfort food meets garden-fresh vibrance.
Benefits of This Recipe
- Great source of healthy fats from olive oil, burrata, and pesto
- Packed with fresh herbs, which offer antioxidants and flavor without extra calories
- Vegetarian-friendly and easily adaptable to suit various diets
- Perfect for meal preppers—it stores surprisingly well and tastes even better cold!
Ingredients for Lemon Pesto Pasta with Burrata
Here’s everything you’ll need to bring this pasta dream to life:
- 8 ounces linguine or spaghetti – Long noodles hold the sauce perfectly
- 1/3 cup basil pesto – Store-bought or homemade
- Zest and juice of 1 lemon – Adds the essential brightness
- 1 tablespoon olive oil – Extra virgin, for a smooth finish
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper according to your preference.
- 1 ball (4 oz) burrata cheese – The star of the show
- 2 tablespoons of freshly grated Parmesan cheese (optional) – adds a rich, savory flavor
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh herbs – Basil, parsley, or chives work beautifully
- Crushed red pepper flakes (optional) – Adds a bit of spicy kick
Necessary Tools for Preparation
You won’t need a kitchen full of gadgets for this one:
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Fine grater or zester for the lemon
- Mixing bowl for the pesto-lemon sauce
- Tongs or pasta spoon for tossing
- Sharp knife for chopping herbs
- Serving bowls or plates
Simple tools. Big results.
Ingredient Additions and Substitutions
Let’s say you’re feeling adventurous or need to adapt based on what’s in your fridge. Here’s how:
Additions
- Cherry tomatoes – Roasted or fresh, for a juicy pop
- Toasted pine nuts – For crunch and nuttiness
- Grilled chicken or chickpeas – To bulk it up with protein
- Sautéed spinach or arugula – Adds leafy greens without overpowering the flavors
Substitutions
- Pasta – Swap linguine for fettuccine, bucatini, or even penne
- Pesto – Try arugula pesto, sun-dried tomato pesto, or a nut-free version
- Burrata – Use fresh mozzarella or a dollop of ricotta if needed
- Herbs – Any soft herbs like dill or cilantro can add an interesting twist
I promised you versatile, and here’s proof!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Ready to turn your kitchen into a fresh, fragrant Italian trattoria? Let’s go.
1. Cook the Pasta
Heat a large pot of water with salt until it reaches a rolling boil. Add your pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/4 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
2. Make the Lemon-Pesto Sauce
In a spacious bowl, combine the pesto, lemon zest, fresh lemon juice, and olive oil, stirring until well blended. Add a small amount of salt and freshly ground black pepper according to your preference.
3. Toss It All Together
Add the hot pasta directly into the bowl with the sauce. Gently mix everything together, gradually adding the reserved pasta water one tablespoon at a time, until the sauce coats each pasta strand perfectly.
4. Plate Like a Pro
Divide the pasta among plates or bowls. Nestle the burrata in the center of each portion—no need to break it just yet (that moment deserves a dramatic reveal).
5. Garnish Generously
Sprinkle with chopped fresh herbs, Parmesan (if using), and a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for a tiny kick.
6. Serve Immediately
Break open that burrata at the table and watch it ooze into the pasta like a dream. Anything but boring!!
What to Serve with Lemon Pesto Pasta with Burrata
This pasta is quite the showstopper on its own, but here are a few serving ideas to round out the meal:
- Simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette
- Grilled zucchini or asparagus
- Garlic bread or crostini for scooping up every last drop
- Chilled sparkling water with lemon slices for a light pairing
For a picnic, it’s equally tasty at room temp—just skip the burrata until you’re ready to serve.
Tips for Making This Pasta Perfect
- Use quality pesto – It’s one of the main flavor players, so go for the good stuff or make your own!
- Don’t overcook the pasta – Al dente is best for absorbing flavor without becoming mushy
- Serve immediately – Burrata is at its peak when slightly warmed by the pasta
- Lemon zest matters – It adds aroma and extra brightness—don’t skip it!
- Chill leftovers – They make a fantastic cold pasta lunch the next day
Storage Instructions
This pasta is best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers will still make you smile.
- Refrigerate: Keep it in a sealed container (excluding the burrata) for up to 2 days.
- Reheat: Warm gently in a pan using a small amount of water or broth.
- Cold Option: Eat as a cold pasta salad the next day—just add extra herbs or a drizzle of olive oil
Note: If storing with burrata, the texture may change slightly but will still taste great.
General Info
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Servings: 2–3
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian
This dish fits perfectly into busy weeknights or low-effort weekend entertaining. It looks impressive, tastes incredible, and feels luxurious without being fussy.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I make Lemon Pesto Pasta with Burrata ahead of time?
Yes, you can prep the pasta and sauce in advance, but add the burrata just before serving for best results.
Is this dish gluten-free?
Not as written, but simply use your favorite gluten-free pasta to make it so.
Can I use frozen pesto?
Absolutely. Thaw it in the fridge overnight or warm gently in a bowl of warm water before using.
What’s the best way to serve burrata?
At room temperature or slightly warmed by the pasta—this enhances its creamy texture.
Can I double this recipe?
Yes! This recipe scales easily—just use a larger bowl and double all ingredients.
Conclusion
I’m kicking myself for not having shot this sooner—Lemon Pesto Pasta with Burrata is a dish that’s effortlessly chic, comforting, and bursting with garden-fresh goodness. It adds sophistication without overwhelming, and delivers taste without complication.
Whether you’re treating yourself on a Tuesday night or hosting guests on a sunny weekend, this pasta is ready to impress. And trust me—once you try it, you’ll be thinking of excuses to make it again and again.
Looking for more ways to indulge in fresh, flavor-packed pasta and summer-inspired dishes? Check out these delicious recipes next:
- Lemon Herb Burrata Spaghetti with Roasted Garlic – Another creamy, dreamy take with citrus and roasted garlic that’s bursting with flavor.
- Spicy Cream Cheese Jalapeño Chicken Spaghetti – For those who like it hot, this one brings the heat and the comfort in every bite.
- Summer Orzo Salad Recipe – A light and herby pasta salad that makes the perfect picnic companion.
Interactive Elements
Tried this recipe? I’d love to see your creations!
📸 Share your photos and tag us on Pinterest—it absolutely makes my day to see your versions!
💌 Don’t forget to subscribe to get fresh, feel-good recipes like this delivered straight to your inbox every week.
Have a favorite twist on this recipe? Drop it in the comments—I’m all ears and always hungry for new ideas!
Nutritional Information (Per Serving – Approximate)
- Calories: 430 kcal
- Protein: 13g
- Fat: 26g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 2g
- Sodium: 390mg
Lemon Pesto Pasta with Burrata & Fresh Herbs
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 2–3 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Lemon Pesto Pasta with Burrata & Fresh Herbs is anything but boring! It’s light, creamy, zesty, and absolutely bursting with summer flavor. A swirl of linguine is tossed in a lemony basil pesto, then crowned with soft, luxurious burrata and sprinkled with fresh herbs. Ready in under 25 minutes, this pasta is perfect for weeknight dinners or impressing guests with minimal effort!
Ingredients
- 8 ounces linguine or spaghetti
1/3 cup basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
Zest and juice of 1 lemon
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
1 ball (4 oz) burrata cheese
2 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan (optional)
2 tablespoons chopped fresh herbs (basil, parsley, or chives)
Crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente.
Reserve 1/4 cup of the pasta water, then drain the pasta.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the basil pesto, lemon zest, lemon juice, and olive oil. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Add the hot, drained pasta to the bowl and toss to coat in the pesto mixture. Gradually add reserved pasta water until the sauce reaches your desired consistency.
Plate the pasta, placing the burrata in the center of each portion.
Sprinkle with freshly chopped herbs, Parmesan if using, and a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for a little heat.
Serve immediately and enjoy the bright, herby goodness!
Notes
For extra lemon zing, add a touch more zest just before serving.
If you don’t have burrata, fresh mozzarella works as a softer substitute.
Use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta if preferred.
This dish is best served immediately while the burrata is still creamy and soft.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 430 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 390 mg
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 43 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 25 mg