If you are craving a meal that feels both indulgent and vibrant, let me introduce you to the Chicken Spaghetti with Burrata and Lemon Butter Garlic Sauce Recipe. This dish masterfully combines tender, smoky-spiced chicken with the sweet burst of roasted cherry tomatoes, all enveloped in a luscious, zesty lemon butter garlic sauce. The crowning glory is the creamy burrata that melts slightly into the pasta, creating a heavenly harmony of textures and flavors. Every bite sings with freshness and richness, making it a perfect recipe for those who want comfort food with a sophisticated twist.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t let the list intimidate you—each ingredient is straightforward and purposeful. From the smoky paprika seasoning to the fresh basil brightness, every component works together to elevate this dish’s flavor, texture, and even its stunning color palette.
- 10 oz cherry tomatoes, halved: Roasting them brings out their natural sweetness and adds vibrant bursts of flavor.
- 2 tbsp olive oil: Essential for roasting and cooking, it infuses richness and helps everything cook evenly.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic adds a pungent, savory backbone to the roasted tomatoes.
- Salt & pepper, to taste: Simple seasonings that balance all the flavors perfectly.
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Thin-cut for quick, even cooking with a juicy texture.
- ¼ tsp salt: For seasoning the chicken precisely.
- 2 tsp smoked paprika: Gives the chicken a warm, smoky depth that’s irresistible.
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning: Herbs that add a fragrant Mediterranean flair.
- 2 tbsp olive oil: Used for sautéing the chicken to golden perfection.
- ½ lemon, thinly sliced: Infuses the sauce with a fresh, tangy brightness.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Adds a garlicky punch to the lemon butter sauce.
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter: Creates a silky, rich base for the sauce that clings to every strand of pasta.
- 8 oz spaghetti: The perfect canvas for all those marvelous flavors and creamy sauce.
- 8 oz burrata cheese: Soft and creamy, it melts gently over the pasta for indulgence in every forkful.
- ½ cup fresh basil, chopped: Adds freshness and herbal aroma that brightens the dish.
- â…“ cup pine nuts, lightly toasted: Crunchy texture and mild nuttiness to finish the dish beautifully.
How to Make Chicken Spaghetti with Burrata and Lemon Butter Garlic Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Roast the Tomatoes
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss the halved cherry tomatoes with olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and pepper until they are evenly coated. Spread them out on a parchment-lined baking sheet, making sure they have space to roast rather than steam. Pop them into the oven for about 20 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when they look caramelized and slightly shriveled, releasing a concentrated sweetness that will elevate the entire dish.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
While the tomatoes are roasting, slice each chicken breast horizontally to create thin cutlets; this helps them cook quickly and encourages tenderness. Season both sides of the chicken with salt, smoked paprika, and Italian seasoning for a smoky and herbaceous flavor profile. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, then cook the chicken for about 5 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest to retain its juiciness before slicing it into strips.
Step 3: Make the Lemon Butter Garlic Sauce
In the same skillet, keep all those flavorful brown bits—it’s pure magic waiting to be transformed. Add the thin lemon slices, minced garlic, and unsalted butter over medium-low heat. Allow the mixture to gently simmer, letting the lemon release its juice into the buttery garlic concoction. After a few minutes, remove the lemon slices and set the sauce aside. This sauce will become the silky glue that brings everything together on your plate.
Step 4: Cook the Spaghetti
Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until it reaches the perfect al dente texture—firm to the bite but tender. Drain the pasta and immediately toss it with the luscious lemon butter garlic sauce to coat each strand thoroughly. This step ensures every forkful carries that bright, buttery flavor.
Step 5: Assemble and Serve
Gently fold in the sliced chicken and the roasted cherry tomatoes with the pasta, mixing carefully so you don’t break up the tender ingredients. Transfer generous portions onto serving plates or a large family-style platter. Tear the burrata cheese over the top, letting its creamy richness cascade down the warm noodles. Finally, sprinkle freshly chopped basil and toasted pine nuts to add freshness and a delightful crunch that will keep everyone coming back for more.
How to Serve Chicken Spaghetti with Burrata and Lemon Butter Garlic Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
Freshly chopped basil and lightly toasted pine nuts are essential garnishes that bring color, crunch, and herbal brightness to this dish. The basil adds a fragrant lift that balances the richness while the pine nuts provide a wonderful contrast in texture. Don’t hesitate to scatter additional lemon zest or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper for an extra pop if you crave a bit of heat.
Side Dishes
This recipe shines as a complete meal but pairs wonderfully with simple, fresh side dishes. A crisp arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette or roasted asparagus makes a clean, refreshing companion. For something heartier, garlic bread or a rustic loaf can scoop up any leftover lemon butter garlic sauce, creating a truly satisfying experience.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress at a dinner party or make the meal more interactive, serve the chicken spaghetti family-style in a large, shallow bowl. Tear the burrata cheese at the table for a rustic and dramatic effect. Alternatively, you can build individual portions in pasta bowls and garnish each with a basil sprig and pine nuts for an elegant touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers (though you might not!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the burrata separate whenever possible and add fresh basil just before serving again for the best freshness.
Freezing
Because of the dairy and fresh herbs, freezing this dish is not ideal as it can change texture and flavor. It’s best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated for short-term storage. However, you can freeze the cooked chicken and roasted tomatoes separately before combining with pasta and burrata.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the pasta with chicken and tomatoes in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or extra butter to loosen the sauce. Avoid microwaving with burrata; instead, tear fresh burrata over the reheated dish to recapture that creamy magic.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While spaghetti is classic here, feel free to use fettuccine, linguine, or even a short pasta like penne. Just adjust cooking times accordingly to ensure the pasta stays al dente and complements the sauce beautifully.
Is burrata cheese necessary, or can I substitute it?
Burrata is definitely the star cheese in this recipe because of its creamy interior that melts into the pasta. However, if you can’t find burrata, fresh mozzarella or a soft ricotta can work as a substitute, though the texture won’t be quite as luxurious.
Can I make the lemon butter garlic sauce dairy-free?
Yes! Swap the unsalted butter for a high-quality olive oil or a plant-based butter alternative. The sauce will still be flavorful, but the buttery richness will be lighter.
How spicy is the smoked paprika in the chicken seasoning?
Smoked paprika adds warmth and a subtle smoky flavor without making the dish spicy hot. If you prefer a little heat, you could add a pinch of cayenne pepper, but it’s optional and depends on your taste.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
This Chicken Spaghetti with Burrata and Lemon Butter Garlic Sauce Recipe can definitely be prepped ahead by cooking and storing components separately. Assemble just before serving to keep textures and flavors fresh and vibrant.
Final Thoughts
There’s something incredibly satisfying about this Chicken Spaghetti with Burrata and Lemon Butter Garlic Sauce Recipe that keeps me coming back for more. It hits all the right notes—from the smoky, tender chicken and sweet roasted tomatoes to the silky, bright lemon butter sauce and indulgent burrata cheese. Trust me, once you try it, this will become one of your go-to dishes for both cozy weeknights and special occasions. So go ahead, invite some friends or enjoy it solo—you deserve every delicious bite.
Print
Chicken Spaghetti with Burrata and Lemon Butter Garlic Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Halal
Description
This Chicken Spaghetti with Burrata and Lemon Butter Garlic Sauce is a flavorful and elegant pasta dish that combines tender, seasoned chicken breasts with roasted cherry tomatoes, a zesty lemon butter garlic sauce, creamy burrata cheese, fresh basil, and toasted pine nuts. Perfect for a comforting yet sophisticated dinner in just 50 minutes.
Ingredients
Roasted Tomatoes
- 10 oz cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt & pepper, to taste
Chicken
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- ¼ tsp salt
- 2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Lemon Butter Garlic Sauce
- ½ lemon, thinly sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
Pasta and Garnishes
- 8 oz spaghetti
- 8 oz burrata cheese
- ½ cup fresh basil, chopped
- â…“ cup pine nuts, lightly toasted
Instructions
- Roast the Tomatoes: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss the halved cherry tomatoes with olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Spread them evenly on a parchment-lined baking sheet and roast in the oven for 20 minutes until they become caramelized and bursting with flavor.
- Prepare the Chicken: Slice each chicken breast horizontally to create thin cutlets. Season both sides evenly with salt, smoked paprika, and Italian seasoning. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook the chicken cutlets for about 5 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked through. Remove from heat and let them rest before slicing into strips.
- Make the Lemon Butter Garlic Sauce: Using the same skillet, add the thin lemon slices, minced garlic, and unsalted butter. Cook on low to medium heat for a few minutes, allowing the lemon to release its juices and the butter to melt into a fragrant sauce. Remove and discard the lemon slices, then set the sauce aside.
- Cook the Spaghetti: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta well, then toss it immediately with the prepared lemon butter garlic sauce to coat.
- Assemble the Dish: Add the sliced cooked chicken and the roasted cherry tomatoes to the sauced spaghetti. Gently toss everything together to combine the flavors well. Transfer the pasta mixture to serving plates. Tear the burrata cheese over the top so it melts slightly into the warm pasta. Garnish with fresh chopped basil and lightly toasted pine nuts for added texture and aroma.
Notes
- For best results, use fresh burrata cheese for a creamy and rich finish.
- You can toast pine nuts in a dry skillet over medium heat until golden to enhance their flavor.
- If burrata is unavailable, fresh mozzarella can be substituted but will alter the texture slightly.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days; reheat gently to preserve creaminess.
- Feel free to add a pinch of chili flakes to the sauce if you like a little heat.
