If you love pasta that looks fancy but is actually simple to make, this Easy Pesto Pasta With Burrata and Roasted Tomatoes is the perfect recipe. It is fresh, creamy, colorful, and full of Italian-inspired flavor. The pasta is tossed with basil pesto, juicy roasted tomatoes, parmesan, olive oil, and finished with creamy burrata cheese on top.
This recipe feels like something you would order at a cozy Italian café, but it is easy enough for a weeknight dinner. The pesto coats the pasta beautifully, the roasted tomatoes add sweet juicy flavor, and the burrata melts into the warm pasta for the creamiest finish.
At Honey Drizzle Diaries, we love recipes that feel beautiful, easy, and Pinterest-worthy. This pesto burrata pasta is perfect for summer dinners, date night, brunch-style lunches, cozy pasta nights, or whenever you want a meal that feels fresh and elegant without being complicated.
Why You’ll Love This Pesto Burrata Pasta
This pasta is simple, creamy, fresh, and full of flavor. It uses a few ingredients, but the final dish looks and tastes restaurant-style.
You’ll love this recipe because it is quick to make, perfect for pasta night, and beautiful enough to serve guests. It is also flexible. You can use spaghetti, linguine, rigatoni, penne, or any pasta you love.
The creamy burrata is what makes this pasta feel extra special. When placed on top of warm pesto pasta, it gently melts into the noodles and creates a rich, creamy sauce without needing heavy cream.
What Makes This Pasta So Good?
This recipe works because it balances fresh, creamy, and sweet flavors. The basil pesto is herby and garlicky. The roasted tomatoes are juicy and slightly caramelized. The pasta is warm and comforting. The burrata adds a soft creamy finish.
The result is bright, cozy, and elegant at the same time.
It is the perfect recipe when you want something easy but still impressive.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Pasta
- 300 grams spaghetti, linguine, penne, or rigatoni
- Salt for pasta water
- 1/2 cup reserved pasta water
For the Roasted Tomatoes
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes, optional
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
For the Pesto Pasta
- 1/2 cup basil pesto
- 1/3 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 ball burrata cheese
- Fresh basil leaves
- Extra parmesan for serving
- Cracked black pepper
Ingredient Notes
Pasta
Spaghetti and linguine look beautiful with pesto, but short pasta like penne or rigatoni also works well because it holds the sauce.
Pesto
You can use homemade basil pesto or store-bought pesto. If using store-bought, choose one with good olive oil, basil, parmesan, and garlic for the best flavor.
Burrata
Burrata is soft, creamy, and perfect for this recipe. Add it at the end so it stays creamy and beautiful.
Cherry Tomatoes
Cherry tomatoes roast quickly and become sweet, juicy, and slightly blistered. Use red, yellow, or mixed-color tomatoes for a pretty dish.
Parmesan
Parmesan adds salty richness and helps the pesto cling to the pasta.
Lemon Juice
A small squeeze of lemon brightens the pesto and balances the creamy burrata.
How to Make Pesto Pasta With Burrata and Roasted Tomatoes
Step 1: Roast the Tomatoes
Preheat the oven to 200°C or 400°F.
Add cherry tomatoes to a baking dish or sheet pan. Toss with olive oil, garlic, salt, black pepper, chili flakes, and Italian seasoning.
Roast for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the tomatoes are soft, juicy, and slightly blistered.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta
While the tomatoes roast, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Cook the pasta until al dente according to the package instructions.
Before draining, reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water. This helps loosen the pesto and create a silky sauce.
Step 3: Toss Pasta With Pesto
Add the drained pasta to a large bowl or pan. Add basil pesto, parmesan cheese, olive oil, lemon juice, and a splash of reserved pasta water.
Toss until the pasta is evenly coated and glossy. Add more pasta water little by little if needed.
Step 4: Add Roasted Tomatoes
Gently fold in the roasted tomatoes and any juices from the pan.
The tomato juices mix with the pesto and make the pasta even more flavorful.
Step 5: Add Burrata
Transfer the pasta to a serving bowl or plates.
Place the burrata on top. Tear it open gently so the creamy center spills over the pasta.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Top with fresh basil, extra parmesan, cracked black pepper, chili flakes, and a small drizzle of olive oil.
Serve immediately while the pasta is warm and the burrata is creamy.
Tips for the Best Pesto Burrata Pasta
Do not overcook the pasta. Al dente pasta holds the pesto better and gives the dish a restaurant-style texture.
Save pasta water before draining. It helps turn pesto into a silky sauce.
Add burrata at the end. If you mix it too early, it can disappear into the pasta.
Use fresh basil for garnish. It makes the dish look beautiful and adds fresh flavor.
Taste before serving. Pesto can already be salty, so adjust salt carefully.
Easy Variations
Chicken Pesto Burrata Pasta
Add grilled chicken or rotisserie chicken for a protein-rich dinner.
Shrimp Pesto Pasta
Add sautéed shrimp for a seafood version.
Spicy Pesto Burrata Pasta
Add chili oil or extra red pepper flakes for a little heat.
Creamy Pesto Pasta
Add a splash of cream or extra burrata for a richer sauce.
Roasted Vegetable Pesto Pasta
Add roasted zucchini, bell peppers, mushrooms, or asparagus.
Lemon Pesto Pasta
Add extra lemon zest and lemon juice for a brighter summer flavor.
What to Serve With Pesto Burrata Pasta
This pasta pairs beautifully with garlic bread, Caesar salad, arugula salad, roasted vegetables, grilled chicken, baked salmon, or a fresh cucumber tomato salad.
For a cozy dinner, serve it with garlic bread and a simple green salad.
For a summer dinner, serve it with lemonade, iced tea, or sparkling water with lemon.
For dessert, pair it with lemon cake, coconut ice cream, blueberry danish, or strawberry matcha tiramisu cups.
Make-Ahead Tips
You can roast the tomatoes ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
You can also make homemade pesto ahead and keep it chilled.
For the best texture, cook the pasta fresh and add the burrata right before serving.
Storage Tips
Store leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
If possible, store burrata separately and add fresh burrata after reheating.
To reheat, warm the pasta gently in a pan with a splash of water or olive oil. Do not overheat the burrata.
You can also enjoy leftovers cold as a pesto pasta salad.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use store-bought pesto?
Yes. Store-bought pesto works perfectly for an easy dinner.
Can I use mozzarella instead of burrata?
Yes. Fresh mozzarella can work, but burrata gives a creamier texture.
Can I make this pasta cold?
Yes. This recipe can be served warm or cold as a pasta salad. Add burrata right before serving.
What pasta shape works best?
Spaghetti, linguine, penne, rigatoni, and fusilli all work well.
Can I add protein?
Yes. Chicken, shrimp, salmon, or crispy tofu all pair well with pesto pasta.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Pesto Pasta With Burrata and Roasted Tomatoes is fresh, creamy, colorful, and full of flavor. It looks fancy but comes together with simple ingredients and easy steps.
The basil pesto makes the pasta herby and rich, the roasted tomatoes add juicy sweetness, and the burrata creates a creamy restaurant-style finish.
If you want a simple pasta recipe that feels elegant, cozy, and perfect for dinner, this pesto burrata pasta is one to save.
Quick Recipe Card
Easy Pesto Pasta With Burrata and Roasted Tomatoes
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 3 to 4 servings
Ingredients
- 300 grams pasta
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes, optional
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 cup basil pesto
- 1/3 cup parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup reserved pasta water
- 1 ball burrata cheese
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 200°C or 400°F.
- Toss cherry tomatoes with olive oil, garlic, salt, pepper, chili flakes, and Italian seasoning.
- Roast for 15 to 20 minutes until juicy and blistered.
- Cook pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water.
- Toss cooked pasta with pesto, parmesan, lemon juice, olive oil, and a splash of pasta water.
- Add roasted tomatoes and their juices.
- Transfer to a serving bowl.
- Top with burrata cheese.
- Garnish with basil, parmesan, black pepper, chili flakes, and olive oil.
- Serve warm.