Burrata Pesto Pasta with Arugula & Lemon Zest is a bright, creamy, and fresh pasta dish that perfectly balances richness with zest. Made with basil pesto, creamy burrata, peppery arugula, and a touch of lemon, it’s a quick yet elegant meal ideal for warm-weather dining or a simple weeknight dinner that feels indulgent.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes with minimal cooking involved.
• Fresh Flavors: The combination of basil, arugula, lemon, and burrata makes for a refreshing dish.
• Elegant but Simple: Looks and tastes gourmet with very little effort.
• Customizable: Swap in your preferred pasta, greens, or add-ins.
• Perfect for Summer: Light, vibrant, and doesn’t require heavy sauces or long cook times.

Ingredients

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

• 12 oz pasta (casarecce, fusilli, or your choice)
• 1/2 cup basil pesto (homemade or store-bought)
• 1 ball burrata cheese (or 2 small)
• 1 cup arugula
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Crushed pistachios or red pepper flakes (optional, for garnish)

Directions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/4 cup of the pasta water before draining.
2. In a large mixing bowl, toss the hot pasta with olive oil and basil pesto until well coated. Add a splash of reserved pasta water to help emulsify and loosen the sauce if needed.
3. While the pasta is still warm, gently stir in the arugula so it wilts slightly.
4. Divide the pasta among serving bowls or plates.
5. Tear the burrata into large spoonfuls and place generously over the top of the pasta.
6. Sprinkle with lemon zest, grated Parmesan, and, if using, crushed pistachios or red pepper flakes.
7. Finish with cracked black pepper and a drizzle of olive oil. Serve immediately.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4 people.
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 10–12 minutes
Assembly time: 5 minutes
Total time: Approximately 25–30 minutes

Variations

• Use different greens: Try baby spinach, watercress, or mixed baby greens instead of arugula.
• Add protein: Top with grilled chicken, shrimp, or crispy chickpeas for a more filling dish.
• Try other cheeses: Substitute fresh mozzarella, goat cheese, or ricotta if burrata is unavailable.
• Nut-free option: Use a nut-free pesto or make your own with seeds instead of nuts.
• Spice it up: Add a pinch of chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the pesto.

Storage/reheating

Storage:
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep burrata separate if possible to preserve texture.

Reheating:
Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water or olive oil. Burrata may lose its texture when reheated, so consider adding fresh cheese before serving.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought pesto?

Yes, high-quality store-bought pesto works perfectly. If you have time, homemade pesto adds a fresher flavor.

What kind of pasta works best?

Short pasta like fusilli, casarecce, or penne works well to hold the pesto and support the burrata.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can prep the pasta and pesto mixture ahead. Add burrata and arugula just before serving.

What is burrata and how is it different from mozzarella?

Burrata is a soft Italian cheese with a creamy interior, unlike mozzarella which is firmer. Burrata adds a rich, luxurious texture.

Can I serve this cold as a pasta salad?

Yes, it works well chilled too. Let it come to room temperature slightly before adding burrata for the best texture.

Is arugula necessary?

No. You can replace it with other greens or omit it entirely if preferred.

How do I prevent the pesto from clumping?

Toss the pesto with warm pasta and a bit of reserved pasta water to create a smooth, emulsified sauce.

Can I make it vegan?

Yes. Use vegan pesto, omit the burrata, and replace Parmesan with nutritional yeast or a vegan hard cheese.

Should I salt the pasta water?

Absolutely. It enhances the flavor of the pasta and helps balance the entire dish.

Can I add lemon juice along with the zest?

A small splash of lemon juice can brighten the flavor even more, just be careful not to overpower the pesto.

Conclusion

Burrata Pesto Pasta with Arugula & Lemon Zest is a simple yet refined dish that delivers bold flavors and creamy textures in every bite. Whether you’re hosting a casual summer gathering or looking for a quick weeknight meal that doesn’t compromise on elegance, this recipe offers a delicious, refreshing take on pasta that’s as beautiful as it is satisfying.

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