Description
Creamy Pistachio Pesto Pasta with Burrata Cheese (plant-based) is a vibrant, flavorful dish combining the nutty richness of toasted pistachios with fresh basil and a smooth, creamy burrata cheese alternative. This simple yet elegant pasta recipe boasts a luscious pesto that coats every strand of spaghetti, topped with indulgent dollops of plant-based burrata, making it perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner or a special gathering. Its colorful presentation and versatile options ensure satisfaction for every palate.
Ingredients
Scale
Pesto Ingredients
- 1 cup shelled pistachios, lightly toasted
- 2 cups fresh basil leaves
- 2 garlic cloves
- 1/4 cup vegetarian Parmesan cheese (plant-based)
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice (natural)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1/2 cup olive oil (natural), plus more as needed
Pasta Ingredients
- 12 oz spaghetti or your favorite pasta (can use gluten-free pasta)
- Salt, to taste (for pasta water)
Topping and Garnish
- 8 oz burrata cheese (plant-based)
- Crushed pistachios (optional)
- Extra basil leaves (for garnish)
- Olive oil (natural), for drizzling
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Pistachio Pesto: Toast pistachios in a dry pan over medium heat until lightly golden and fragrant, about 3 to 5 minutes. In a food processor, combine toasted pistachios, fresh basil leaves, garlic cloves, vegetarian Parmesan cheese (plant-based), lemon juice (natural), salt, and pepper. Pulse while slowly drizzling in olive oil (natural) until the mixture reaches a creamy yet slightly chunky consistency with a rich and vibrant texture.
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook spaghetti or your preferred pasta until al dente according to package instructions. Reserve about half a cup of pasta water, then drain the rest.
- Combine Pasta and Pesto: Toss the hot pasta with a generous amount of pistachio pesto. Add reserved pasta water gradually, stirring continuously, until the pesto coats the pasta in a luscious, creamy layer. Adjust seasoning with additional salt or lemon juice (natural) if needed to brighten flavors.
- Plate and Add Burrata Cheese: Transfer the pesto-coated pasta to serving plates or a large dish. Gently tear or place dollops of burrata cheese (plant-based) on top, allowing it to slowly melt into the warm pasta and enhance creaminess.
Notes
- Toast pistachios lightly to preserve their natural sweetness and vibrant color.
- Use fresh, healthy basil leaves for optimal flavor and freshness.
- Reserve some pasta water to help emulsify pesto with pasta, creating a silky sauce rather than a dry coating.
- Adjust pesto consistency by adding more olive oil (natural) or reserved pasta water gradually to avoid overly oily or thick sauce.
- Serve immediately to enjoy burrata cheese (plant-based) at its freshest and creamiest.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Boiling and Blending
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 23g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: pistachio pesto pasta, plant-based burrata, creamy pasta, vegan pesto, gluten-free pasta, easy elegant dinner