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Rigatoni with Pesto, Burrata, and Toasted Pine Nuts

August 5, 2025 by Emma Delaney

Creamy burrata melts into warm rigatoni tossed in fresh basil pesto, topped with toasted pine nuts, lemon zest, and shaved parmesan for a luxurious, herbaceous Italian-inspired dish. This elegant yet easy-to-prepare pasta recipe delivers vibrant flavors and comforting textures that are perfect for a dinner party or an elevated weeknight meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Rigatoni with Pesto, Burrata, and Toasted Pine Nuts is the epitome of Italian comfort food. The rich creaminess of burrata balances the herby brightness of pesto, while the toasted pine nuts add a pleasant crunch. Lemon zest adds freshness, and a final touch of parmesan brings everything together. It’s a quick and impressive dish, ready in less than 30 minutes.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

rigatoni pasta
fresh basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
burrata cheese
toasted pine nuts
lemon zest
freshly ground black pepper
sea salt
grated parmesan cheese
extra virgin olive oil
fresh basil leaves (for garnish)

Directions

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the rigatoni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain, reserving 1/2 cup of the pasta water.
In a large mixing bowl, toss the hot rigatoni with the basil pesto. Add a splash of the reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
Arrange the pasta on serving plates or a large platter. Gently tear the burrata into pieces and place them over the pasta.
Sprinkle the toasted pine nuts and lemon zest evenly over the dish.
Add freshly ground black pepper, sea salt to taste, and a generous amount of grated parmesan.
Drizzle with a bit of extra virgin olive oil and garnish with fresh basil leaves. Serve immediately.

Servings and timing

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 22 minutes

Variations

Add protein: Grilled chicken, shrimp, or crispy pancetta make excellent additions for a heartier meal.
Pasta alternatives: Swap rigatoni with penne, fusilli, or even gnocchi.
Spicy version: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or chili oil for a spicy kick.
Nut-free: Use sunflower seeds or omit the pine nuts entirely if avoiding nuts.
Vegan version: Use a dairy-free pesto and a vegan cheese substitute.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. For best results, reheat gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water or olive oil to restore creaminess. Avoid microwaving burrata directly, as it can become rubbery—remove it first if possible.

FAQs

How do I make fresh basil pesto at home?

Combine fresh basil leaves, pine nuts, garlic, grated parmesan, salt, and olive oil in a food processor. Blend until smooth, adjusting oil for desired consistency.

Can I use another type of pasta?

Yes, any short pasta like penne, farfalle, or orecchiette works well with this recipe.

Is this dish served hot or cold?

It’s best served warm to allow the burrata to soften and blend into the pasta.

What is burrata cheese?

Burrata is a fresh Italian cheese made from mozzarella and cream. The outer shell is solid mozzarella, while the inside is soft and creamy.

Can I prepare this in advance?

You can cook the pasta and prepare the pesto ahead of time, but assemble with burrata just before serving for best texture.

Is store-bought pesto okay?

Yes, high-quality store-bought pesto works fine. However, homemade pesto offers the freshest flavor.

What can I substitute for pine nuts?

Walnuts, almonds, or even sunflower seeds can be used as alternatives to pine nuts.

What wine pairs well with this dish?

A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light Italian red such as Chianti complements the flavors beautifully.

How do I toast pine nuts?

Place them in a dry skillet over medium heat and stir frequently until golden brown, about 2–3 minutes.

Can I make this dish dairy-free?

Yes, use a dairy-free pesto and a vegan cheese alternative to make it dairy-free.

Conclusion

Rigatoni with Pesto, Burrata, and Toasted Pine Nuts offers a flavorful and visually stunning dish that’s both comforting and refined. With minimal effort and maximum flavor, this pasta is perfect for impressing guests or indulging in a luxurious weeknight meal. Whether you customize it or stick to the original, it’s bound to become a favorite in your kitchen.