Description
Creamy Pistachio Pesto Pasta with Burrata Cheese (plant-based) is a delightful dish that combines the nutty richness of roasted pistachios with the smooth creaminess of plant-based burrata. This vibrant green pesto sauce coats al dente pasta perfectly, creating an elegant and satisfying meal that is quick to prepare and visually stunning. Ideal for weeknight dinners or special gatherings, this recipe offers a nourishing and flavorful twist on traditional pesto with fresh herbs, zesty lemon juice, and simple natural ingredients.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Pesto
- 8 oz spaghetti or fettuccine pasta
- 1 cup roasted pistachios
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves
- 2 garlic cloves
- 3 tbsp olive oil (natural)
- 1 tbsp lemon juice (natural)
- 1/4 cup Parmesan-style cheese (plant-based)
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Reserved pasta water, as needed
Topping and Garnish
- 6 oz burrata cheese (plant-based), in balls
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (optional)
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
- Cracked black pepper, for garnish
- Olive oil (natural), for drizzling
Instructions
- Prepare the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta cooking water for later use.
- Make the Pistachio Pesto: In a food processor, combine roasted pistachios, fresh basil leaves, garlic cloves, lemon juice (natural), Parmesan-style cheese (plant-based), salt, and black pepper. Pulse while slowly drizzling in olive oil (natural) until the mixture turns smooth and creamy. Add reserved pasta water gradually to reach desired sauce consistency.
- Toss Pasta with Pesto: Return the drained pasta to the pot or a large skillet over low heat. Stir in the pistachio pesto sauce thoroughly to evenly coat the pasta. Use reserved pasta water as needed to help the pesto cling to the pasta.
- Add Burrata Cheese: Plate the pesto-coated pasta on serving dishes. Gently add generous balls of burrata cheese (plant-based) on top. The cheese will soften slightly, lending a rich creaminess with each bite.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle fresh basil leaves and cracked black pepper over the pasta. Add halved cherry tomatoes for color and freshness if desired. Finish with a light drizzle of olive oil (natural). Serve warm and enjoy.
Notes
- Toast the pistachios lightly before making the pesto to enhance their nutty flavor.
- Reserve some pasta water; its starchiness helps create a creamy, cohesive sauce.
- Use fresh basil and high-quality olive oil (natural) for the best taste.
- Add burrata cheese (plant-based) at the end to retain its luscious texture.
- For added texture, sprinkle chopped pistachios on top before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: pistachio pesto, plant-based burrata, vegan pasta, creamy pasta, pesto pasta recipe, easy Italian dinner