A bright, creamy pasta dish with tender cheese tortellini, fresh lemon pesto, silky burrata, and golden roasted pine nuts. It is simple enough for a weeknight but elegant enough for entertaining.
Ingredients
For the Tortellini
- 1 lb (450 g) cheese tortellini, fresh or refrigerated
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
For the Lemon Pesto
- ¾ cup fresh basil leaves
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup pine nuts
- 1–2 cloves garlic
- ½ cup extra-virgin olive oil
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- ¼ tsp salt
- ⅛ tsp black pepper
For Topping
- 8 oz (225 g) burrata cheese
- ¼ cup pine nuts
- 2 tbsp freshly grated Parmesan
- 1 tbsp fresh basil, chopped
- ½ lemon, cut into wedges
- 1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- Freshly cracked black pepper
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the tortellini according to the package directions until tender. Before draining, reserve about ½ cup of the pasta water.
- Prepare the roasted pine nuts. Place ¼ cup pine nuts in a dry skillet over medium-low heat. Toast for 2–4 minutes, stirring frequently, until lightly golden and fragrant. Remove immediately from the pan so they do not burn.
- Make the lemon pesto. Add basil, Parmesan, ¼ cup pine nuts, garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper to a food processor. Pulse until combined.
- Slowly drizzle in the olive oil while blending until the pesto becomes smooth but still slightly textured. Taste and adjust the lemon, salt, or pepper if needed.
- Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant.
- Add the drained tortellini to the skillet and gently toss.
- Lower the heat and add the lemon pesto. Toss gently until the tortellini are evenly coated.
- Add a splash of reserved pasta water, 1–2 tablespoons at a time, until the sauce becomes glossy and creamy without becoming watery.
- Transfer the tortellini to a serving dish.
- Tear the burrata into pieces and arrange it over the hot pasta.
- Sprinkle with the roasted pine nuts, Parmesan, fresh basil, and freshly cracked black pepper.
- Finish with a drizzle of olive oil and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. Serve immediately while warm.
Tips
- Use fresh cheese tortellini when available for the best texture.
- Toast the pine nuts carefully because they can burn quickly.
- Add the burrata after the pasta is finished cooking so it stays creamy and luxurious.
- For a stronger lemon flavor, add extra lemon zest rather than too much juice.
- Reserve pasta water before draining because it helps loosen and emulsify the pesto.
- Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or roasted vegetables if you want to make it a heartier meal.
Nut Information
This recipe contains pine nuts, which are considered tree nuts for allergy purposes.
It also contains dairy from the tortellini, Parmesan, and burrata.
If serving someone with a nut allergy, replace the pine nuts with toasted sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds and use a nut-free pesto variation.
Q&A
Q: Can I use store-bought pesto?
A: Yes. Choose a good-quality basil pesto and mix in fresh lemon zest and lemon juice for the bright flavor.
Q: Can I use mozzarella instead of burrata?
A: Yes, but burrata gives the dish a softer, creamier texture.
Q: Can I make this without pine nuts?
A: Yes. Sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds are good alternatives.
Q: Can I add protein?
A: Absolutely. Grilled chicken, garlic shrimp, salmon, or crispy pancetta all pair well with the lemon pesto.
Q: Can I make it ahead?
A: It is best served fresh. You can prepare the pesto and toast the pine nuts ahead of time, then cook and assemble the tortellini just before serving.
Q: How should I store leftovers?
A: Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of water or milk to loosen the sauce.
With years of experience in restaurant research and local SEO, Sara creates accurate, user-friendly guides that work for both people and search engines. Her goal is to help users go from search results to their nearest restaurant or menu choice with as few clicks as possible.
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