If you’re craving a luscious, comforting Italian meal that feels both fresh and indulgent, you absolutely have to try this Creamy One Pot Rigatoni with Basil-Pistachio Pesto & Burrata Recipe. Picture perfectly cooked rigatoni soaked in a dreamy, velvety sauce enriched with heavy cream and Parmesan, all brightened up with a vibrant, nutty basil-pistachio pesto. Then, to elevate everything, luscious creamy burrata melts on top just before serving. This dish marries simple ingredients with bold flavors, offering a satisfyingly rich but fresh pasta experience that you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this dish starts with a handful of straightforward yet essential ingredients. Each brings its own magic: the garlic and shallots build a fragrant base while the rigatoni soaks up the luscious broth and cream to become tender and flavorful. The basil and pistachios transform into a vibrant pesto that adds freshness and texture, while the burrata on top provides that silky, holy-grail creaminess that makes this recipe unforgettable.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: For that essential fragrant sauté and richness.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Adds fragrant depth and classic Italian aroma.
- 1 small shallot, diced: Offers gentle sweetness to balance the garlic.
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): A subtle kick of heat that livens up the dish.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances every flavor perfectly.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper: Adds mild warmth and aroma.
- 1 pound rigatoni pasta: The perfect pasta shape to hold creamy sauce in every tube.
- 4 cups vegetable broth: Cooks the pasta while infusing savory flavor.
- 1 cup heavy cream: The secret to that velvety richness you can’t resist.
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Provides savory umami and thickens the sauce.
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves: Bright, herbaceous notes for the pesto.
- â…“ cup shelled pistachios: Adds buttery crunch and a nutty twist to the pesto.
- ¼ cup olive oil (for pesto): Binds the pesto together with fruity richness.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice: Brings a zesty brightness to cut through the creaminess.
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest: Intensifies lemon flavor without watering down the sauce.
- 2 burrata balls (about 4 ounces each): The crowning jewel — creamy and indulgent, melting beautifully on top.
- Fresh basil leaves and crushed pistachios for garnish: To add fresh color and extra texture when serving.
How to Make Creamy One Pot Rigatoni with Basil-Pistachio Pesto & Burrata Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the aromatics
Start by heating one tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot or deep skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic, diced shallot, optional red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Give everything a gentle stir and let it cook for 2 to 3 minutes until the shallots become translucent and the kitchen fills with that gorgeous fragrant aroma. This simple step sets a flavorful foundation for the whole dish.
Step 2: Add pasta, broth, and cream
Toss in your rigatoni along with the vegetable broth and heavy cream. Stir to combine all the ingredients well, then bring everything to a gentle boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low and let it cook uncovered. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking, allowing the rigatoni to soften and absorb the creamy broth. In about 12 to 15 minutes, your pasta will be al dente and the liquid mostly absorbed into a luscious sauce.
Step 3: Prepare the basil-pistachio pesto
While your pasta is cooking, get a food processor ready for the pesto. Combine fresh basil leaves, shelled pistachios, quarter cup of olive oil, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Blend until the mixture becomes smooth and vibrant green. This pesto adds a fresh and nutty punch, cutting through the cream and lifting the whole dish to the next level.
Step 4: Stir in Parmesan and pesto
Once the rigatoni is perfectly cooked, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. It melts instantly, enriching the sauce’s texture and flavor. Follow this by gently folding in the basil-pistachio pesto, ensuring every piece of pasta is coated in creamy, aromatic goodness. Remove the pot from heat now that everything is combined and delicious.
Step 5: Plate and add burrata topping
It’s final step time! Divide the creamy rigatoni into warm bowls. Tear your fresh burrata into chunks and place generously on top of each serving. The burrata slowly melts into the hot pasta, creating irresistibly rich pockets of creaminess that beautifully contrast the pesto’s fresh flavors. Finish each bowl with a sprinkle of crushed pistachios and fresh basil leaves for a gorgeous presentation.
How to Serve Creamy One Pot Rigatoni with Basil-Pistachio Pesto & Burrata Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs and textures seal the deal when serving this dish. Aim for a handful of torn fresh basil leaves to scatter on top—this adds bright color and an herbaceous boost that feels fresh against the creamy sauce. A light sprinkle of crushed pistachios adds delightful crunch and lovely nutty pops with each bite, making every forkful dynamic and exciting.
Side Dishes
Since this dish is rich and satisfying, go for lighter, vibrant side options. A crisp green salad dressed in a simple lemon vinaigrette pairs beautifully by cutting through the richness with acidity and crunch. Alternatively, roasted or grilled vegetables like asparagus or zucchini bring a smoky dimension that complements the creamy rigatoni perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress guests, serve the pasta family-style in a pretty large shallow bowl so everyone gets their share of the burrata goodness in every bite. Offering freshly cracked black pepper and extra Parmesan on the side allows each diner to customize the flavor intensity. For a trendy twist, drizzle a little quality aged balsamic over the burrata to introduce a sweet tang that elevates the whole dish.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can refrigerate any leftover creamy rigatoni in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Because the sauce is rich, give it a good stir before reheating to mix the cream and pesto back together and keep the texture smooth. The burrata topping is best added freshly when serving rather than stored on the leftovers to keep its luxurious creaminess.
Freezing
This dish is best enjoyed fresh due to the cream and burrata, which don’t freeze well and can separate when thawed. If you must freeze, leave out the burrata and pesto, freezing only the plain cooked rigatoni in broth and cream. Thaw gently and add fresh pesto and burrata after reheating for best results.
Reheating
When it comes time to reheat, do so gently over low heat on the stove or at medium power in the microwave, stirring frequently. Adding a splash of broth or cream while reheating helps to restore the sauce’s richness and keeps the pasta from drying out. Top with fresh burrata and garnish after reheating for maximum indulgence.
FAQs
Can I make this dish vegan?
Absolutely! Just swap out the heavy cream for a plant-based cream like coconut or cashew cream, and either omit the burrata or replace it with a dairy-free cheese alternative. For the pesto, double-check that your Parmesan substitute is vegan-friendly or simply increase the basil and pistachios for flavor.
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Definitely, but rigatoni works best because its ridges and hollow shape hold the creamy sauce and pesto beautifully. Penne or ziti are good alternatives, but avoid very thin noodles that won’t carry the sauce as well.
How spicy is this dish?
The recipe includes optional red pepper flakes, so the spice level is up to you. You can leave them out entirely for a mild taste, or add a pinch for a gentle warmth that balances the creaminess without overpowering the fresh basil and cheese.
Can I prepare the pesto ahead of time?
Yes! The basil-pistachio pesto can be made in advance and stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just bring it to room temperature and give it a quick stir before folding it into the pasta to preserve its fresh flavors.
What’s the best way to serve burrata?
The key is to serve burrata fresh and at room temperature. Tear it gently over the hot pasta just before serving so it melts slightly into the sauce, imparting that signature creamy richness that elevates this recipe from good to unforgettable.
Final Thoughts
It’s rare that a one pot pasta dish can achieve such a harmonious balance of creaminess, freshness, and texture, but this Creamy One Pot Rigatoni with Basil-Pistachio Pesto & Burrata Recipe absolutely nails it. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or treating yourself, this recipe delivers on flavor, comfort, and elegance all at once. Trust me, once you try it, this will become one of your all-time favorite pasta dinners. So grab your ingredients and dive into a bowl of pure comfort and delight!
