Creamy Pistachio Pesto Pasta with Burrata Cheese Delight
If you are craving a dish that perfectly blends nutty flavors with creamy indulgence, Creamy Pistachio Pesto Pasta with Burrata Cheese is exactly what you need. This vibrant, comforting pasta recipe combines the rich texture of homemade pistachio pesto with the luscious softness of burrata cheese (plant-based), creating a meal that feels both satisfying and sophisticated. It’s an easy, fresh, and nutrient-packed favorite that’s bound to become a regular in your kitchen rotation.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Unique flavor fusion: The pistachios offer a rich, nutty base that pairs beautifully with the creamy burrata cheese (plant-based) for a one-of-a-kind taste.
- Simple yet impressive: Despite its gourmet feel, this recipe uses uncomplicated ingredients and steps perfect for any home cook.
- Versatile meal: You can enjoy this pasta warm, at room temperature, or even chilled for a refreshing twist.
- Nutritious indulgence: Pistachios add healthy fats and protein, while the fresh basil and lemon brighten every bite.
- Perfect for special occasions or weeknights: This dish looks and tastes like a celebration without requiring hours in the kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient contributes essential flavor and texture elements, making this dish both delicious and visually appealing. From the vibrant green basil to the creamy-soft burrata cheese (plant-based), every component works together in harmony.
- Fresh basil leaves: Provide the aromatic, herbal backbone for the pistachio pesto.
- Raw shelled pistachios: Bring a toasted, buttery flavor and crunchy texture that enrich the pesto.
- Garlic cloves: Add subtle pungency that enhances the overall depth of the pesto.
- Olive oil (natural): Gives the pesto a smooth, luscious consistency.
- Lemon juice (natural): Balances richness with fresh acidity and brightness.
- Vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural): Offers a mild umami lift without overwhelming the nuts and herbs.
- Sea salt: Elevates all flavors while harmonizing the ingredients.
- Black pepper (freshly ground): Adds just the right kick to the pesto.
- Pasta (such as linguine or fettuccine): Perfectly carries the creamy pistachio pesto sauce in every bite.
- Burrata cheese (plant-based): Melts beautifully onto the pasta for creamy indulgence and a subtle tang.
- Natural gelling agent (optional): Helps maintain a luscious, thick texture if you prefer a more set pesto sauce.
Variations for Creamy Pistachio Pesto Pasta with Burrata Cheese
This recipe is incredibly easy to personalize. Whether you want to adjust it for dietary needs or elevate it with creative tweaks, these variations make it fun and flexible.
- Swap pasta types: Try gluten-free pasta or vegetable noodles for a lighter or alternative twist.
- Add greens: Toss in sautéed spinach or kale for extra nutrition and color contrast.
- Include smoked turkey bacon: For added smoky, savory notes that complement the creamy pesto.
- Mix in cherry tomatoes: Fresh or lightly roasted tomatoes introduce a juicy burst of sweetness.
- Use almond milk (plant-based): To thin out the pesto slightly if you prefer a creamier, saucier consistency.
How to Make Creamy Pistachio Pesto Pasta with Burrata Cheese
Step 1: Prepare the Pistachio Pesto
Start by placing the basil leaves, raw shelled pistachios, and garlic cloves into a food processor. Blitz until finely chopped. Gradually pour in olive oil (natural) while the machine runs to create a creamy texture. Add lemon juice (natural), vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), sea salt, black pepper, and a small amount of natural gelling agent if you want a thicker consistency. Pulse until fully blended but still slightly textured.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your choice of pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve a cup of pasta water before draining to use for adjusting the sauce consistency later.
Step 3: Combine Pasta with Pesto
Return the cooked pasta to the pot or a large mixing bowl. Add the pistachio pesto and gently toss to coat every strand. If the pesto seems too thick, stir in a bit of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired creaminess.
Step 4: Plate and Add Burrata Cheese
Divide the pasta among serving plates. Tear or spoon generous portions of burrata cheese (plant-based) on top, letting it soften and mingle with the warm pasta for that irresistible creamy finish.
Pro Tips for Making Creamy Pistachio Pesto Pasta with Burrata Cheese
- Use fresh basil: The fresher the leaves, the more vibrant and flavorful your pesto will be.
- Toast the pistachios lightly: For a deeper flavor, gently toast the nuts in a dry skillet before blending.
- Reserve pasta water: Never forget the magic of starchy pasta water to bind your sauce perfectly.
- Serve immediately: Burrata cheese shines best on warm pasta and starts to melt beautifully right away.
- Adjust seasoning after mixing: Taste once combined and tweak salt, pepper, or acidity to balance flavors.
How to Serve Creamy Pistachio Pesto Pasta with Burrata Cheese
Garnishes
Fresh basil leaves scattered on top add a burst of herbal brightness and eye-catching color. A light drizzle of olive oil (natural) or lemon zest can also elevate the presentation and flavor.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs perfectly with crisp green salads, garlic roasted vegetables, or a crusty loaf of artisan bread to soak up the creamy pesto sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party, serve the creamy pistachio pesto pasta in individual shallow bowls with whole burrata cheese balls placed center stage. Adding crushed pistachio pieces and edible flowers on top can turn it into a beautiful centerpiece dish.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover pasta and pesto separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Burrata cheese should be kept chilled and added fresh when you’re ready to serve again to maintain its soft texture.
Freezing
Freeze the pistachio pesto sauce without the cheese for up to one month in an airtight container. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat gently before tossing with cooked pasta.
Reheating
Warm leftover pesto pasta gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water or plant-based milk to prevent it from drying out. Add fresh burrata cheese on top after reheating.
FAQs
Can I make the pistachio pesto ahead of time?
Yes, pistachio pesto can be made a day or two in advance and kept refrigerated in an airtight container to allow flavors to meld beautifully.
What type of pasta works best for Creamy Pistachio Pesto Pasta with Burrata Cheese?
Long, thin pastas like linguine or fettuccine are ideal because they carry the creamy pesto well and create a satisfying bite.
Is burrata cheese essential for this recipe?
Burrata cheese (plant-based) provides that rich creaminess that complements the nutty pesto perfectly, but you can substitute it with soft mozzarella (plant-based) if needed.
How do I store leftover creamy pistachio pesto pasta?
Keep leftover pasta without burrata in the fridge for up to two days. Add fresh burrata when serving again for the best experience.
Can I make this dish vegan friendly?
Absolutely, using plant-based burrata cheese and vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural) ensures the recipe suits a vegan diet seamlessly.
Final Thoughts
Creamy Pistachio Pesto Pasta with Burrata Cheese is one of those magical recipes that makes everyday dining feel special without complicated prep. It’s a celebration of vibrant, fresh ingredients coming together in a dish that’s both comforting and exciting. Whether for a casual meal or welcoming guests, give this recipe a try and watch it become your new favorite go-to for abundant flavor and effortless elegance.
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Creamy Pistachio Pesto Pasta with Burrata Cheese
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Creamy Pistachio Pesto Pasta with Burrata Cheese (plant-based) offers a delightful blend of nutty pistachios and luscious creamy cheese, delivering a fresh, nutrient-packed, and versatile dish that can be served warm, at room temperature, or chilled. This recipe is easy to prepare, sophisticated in flavor, and perfect for any occasion, combining the vibrant flavors of basil, lemon, and vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural) with the smooth texture of plant-based burrata cheese.
Ingredients
Pesto Ingredients
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves
- 3/4 cup raw shelled pistachios
- 2 garlic cloves
- 1/2 cup olive oil (natural)
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice (natural)
- 1 teaspoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon natural gelling agent (optional)
Pasta and Cheese
- 8 ounces pasta (such as linguine or fettuccine)
- 4 ounces burrata cheese (plant-based)
Instructions
- Prepare the Pistachio Pesto: Place the fresh basil leaves, raw shelled pistachios, and garlic cloves into a food processor. Blitz until finely chopped. With the machine running, gradually pour in the olive oil (natural) to create a creamy texture. Add the lemon juice (natural), vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), sea salt, black pepper, and natural gelling agent if using. Pulse until the mixture is fully blended but still slightly textured.
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve one cup of pasta water before draining the pasta.
- Combine Pasta with Pesto: Return the cooked pasta to the pot or place in a large mixing bowl. Add the prepared pistachio pesto and gently toss to coat the pasta evenly. If the pesto is too thick, stir in some reserved pasta water to reach your desired creamy consistency.
- Plate and Add Burrata Cheese: Divide the pasta among individual serving plates. Tear or spoon generous portions of plant-based burrata cheese on top, allowing it to soften and meld with the warm pasta for a creamy finish.
Notes
- Use fresh basil leaves for the most vibrant pesto flavor.
- Lightly toast pistachios in a dry skillet to enhance their nutty aroma before blending.
- Reserve pasta water to help bind the pesto sauce perfectly.
- Serve immediately so the plant-based burrata cheese melts beautifully.
- Adjust seasoning after combining the pasta and pesto to balance salt, pepper, and acidity.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 380 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 22 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
Keywords: pistachio pesto, creamy pasta, plant-based burrata, vegetarian pasta, nutty pesto, easy pasta recipe, healthy pesto sauce
