If you are looking for a dish that captures the warmth of homemade Italian cooking with a fresh, vibrant twist, this Chicken Spaghetti with Burrata and Lemon Butter Garlic Sauce Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a delightful harmony of tender chicken strips, perfectly cooked spaghetti, and a luscious lemon butter garlic sauce, all crowned with creamy burrata that melts into every bite. This recipe brings together simple, fresh ingredients into a silky, flavorful dish that’s sure to become a favorite in your dinner rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering straightforward yet impactful ingredients is key to achieving the perfect balance of flavors and textures in this dish. Each component plays an essential role, whether it’s the rich creaminess of burrata, the brightness of lemon, or the comforting starchiness of spaghetti.
- 12 oz spaghetti: The foundation of this dish, providing a satisfying bite and perfect base for the sauce.
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts (cut into strips): Offers tender, protein-packed goodness that soaks up the sauce beautifully.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Helps to sear the chicken to a golden perfection and adds subtle fruity notes.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Essential for seasoning the pasta water and chicken, bringing out all the flavors.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper: Adds a mild kick and depth to the chicken seasoning.
- 4 tablespoons butter: Creates the rich, velvety base of the lemon garlic sauce.
- 4 cloves garlic (minced): Infuses the sauce with aromatic warmth and savory punch.
- Zest and juice of 1 lemon: Introduces a bright, zesty freshness that lifts the entire dish.
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): For those who like a gentle spicy heat to balance the richness.
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a savory, nutty undertone and helps thicken the sauce slightly.
- ½ cup reserved pasta water: The secret ingredient that helps to marry the sauce and pasta perfectly.
- 8 oz burrata cheese (2 small balls or torn into pieces): The star ingredient that offers an indulgently creamy finish.
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil or parsley: Garnishes the dish with a burst of herbal brightness and color.
How to Make Chicken Spaghetti with Burrata and Lemon Butter Garlic Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Spaghetti
Start by boiling a large pot of salted water and cook your spaghetti until al dente, just right to hold onto the sauce without getting mushy. Remember to save half a cup of that starchy pasta water before draining—it’s a game-changer for loosening up the sauce later without watering it down.
Step 2: Prepare and Cook the Chicken
While the pasta cooks, season your chicken strips generously with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and sauté the chicken until golden and fully cooked, about 6 to 7 minutes. This step locks in the chicken’s juices, giving you tender, flavorful bites that shine in the dish.
Step 3: Make the Lemon Butter Garlic Sauce
Reduce the skillet heat to medium, then melt the butter until bubbling with aroma. Add minced garlic and cook just until fragrant—about one minute—to avoid bitterness. Stir in lemon zest, lemon juice, and red pepper flakes if you like a little heat. This sauce bursts with bright citrus notes perfectly offsetting the rich butter and garlic.
Step 4: Combine Everything
Now toss in the cooked spaghetti, reserved pasta water, and grated Parmesan cheese. Stir vigorously so the sauce clings beautifully to every strand. Return the cooked chicken to the pan and gently combine everything. This step creates that unified, creamy texture that makes this Chicken Spaghetti with Burrata and Lemon Butter Garlic Sauce Recipe truly irresistible.
Step 5: Add Burrata and Fresh Herbs
Just before plating, tear or place the burrata cheese over the pasta so it starts to melt luxuriously into the warm noodles. Sprinkle with your chopped fresh basil or parsley for a pop of color and herbal brightness that finishes the dish with flair.
How to Serve Chicken Spaghetti with Burrata and Lemon Butter Garlic Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like basil or parsley elevate the dish with their vibrant green color and fragrant notes. A little extra lemon zest on top can add a delightful zing, enhancing the sauce’s citrus profile. If you enjoy some crunch, toasted pine nuts also deliver a lovely texture contrast.
Side Dishes
This pasta pairs wonderfully with a light arugula salad dressed simply in olive oil and lemon or alongside slices of warm, crusty garlic bread. Both options complement the creamy, tangy pasta without overpowering its delicate flavors, making for a well-rounded meal experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this dish family-style in a large shallow bowl to encourage sharing that cozy vibe. Or, for a refined touch, twirl the spaghetti carefully onto individual plates and place a generous dollop of burrata right on top. Drizzle a little extra lemon butter from the pan for a glossy, appetizing finish.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Chicken Spaghetti with Burrata and Lemon Butter Garlic Sauce Recipe keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Store the burrata separately if you want to preserve its creamy texture and add it fresh when reheating.
Freezing
Because burrata’s delicate texture doesn’t freeze well, it’s best to freeze the chicken spaghetti without the cheese. Pack the pasta and chicken portion tightly in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months, then thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the pasta gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce. Add fresh burrata just before serving to enjoy that luscious creaminess that defines the recipe.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While spaghetti is classic here, feel free to use linguine, fettuccine, or even penne. Just adjust cooking times so you get that perfect al dente texture.
What if I don’t have burrata?
You can substitute fresh mozzarella for a milder, less creamy effect, or try ricotta for a similar softness. Burrata truly makes the dish special, so adding it fresh is worth sourcing if possible.
How can I make the sauce creamier?
Besides the burrata, adding a splash of cream or a little extra Parmesan while cooking can enrich the sauce further. The reserved pasta water also helps make the sauce silky without heaviness.
Is this recipe spicy?
The red pepper flakes add optional, gentle heat, so you can leave them out if you prefer a milder dish. The lemon and garlic provide plenty of flavor without overwhelming spice.
Can I prepare this recipe for a weeknight dinner?
Yes! This recipe comes together in about 30 minutes, making it perfect for a quick, satisfying weeknight dinner that feels like a special treat.
Final Thoughts
If you want a pasta dish that brings warmth, comfort, and a sophisticated burst of flavor to your table, this Chicken Spaghetti with Burrata and Lemon Butter Garlic Sauce Recipe will quickly become your new go-to. It’s easy enough for any night, yet special enough to impress guests or treat yourself. Give it a try and enjoy every creamy, zesty bite!
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Chicken Spaghetti with Burrata and Lemon Butter Garlic Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Nut-Free
Description
This Chicken Spaghetti with Burrata and Lemon Butter Garlic Sauce is a creamy, flavorful pasta dish that combines tender chicken strips sautéed to perfection with a vibrant lemon butter garlic sauce. Tossed with al dente spaghetti and topped with creamy burrata cheese and fresh herbs, it’s an easy and elegant meal perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining.
Ingredients
For the Pasta and Chicken
- 12 oz spaghetti
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
For the Sauce and Toppings
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- Zest and juice of 1 lemon
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup reserved pasta water
- 8 oz burrata cheese (2 small balls or torn into pieces)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil or parsley
Instructions
- Cook the Spaghetti: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti according to package directions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of the pasta water before draining and set the pasta aside.
- Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken strips with salt and black pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then sauté the chicken for 6–7 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside on a plate.
- Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned. Stir in the lemon zest, lemon juice, and red pepper flakes, if using, to infuse bright and spicy flavors into the sauce.
- Toss Pasta with Sauce: Add the cooked spaghetti back into the skillet along with the reserved pasta water and grated Parmesan cheese. Toss everything together to coat the pasta evenly with the lemon butter garlic sauce.
- Combine Chicken and Pasta: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and gently mix it with the pasta and sauce until well combined and heated through.
- Serve with Burrata and Herbs: Just before serving, top the dish with torn pieces of burrata cheese and sprinkle with chopped fresh basil or parsley. Serve immediately while warm and creamy.
Notes
- Add burrata just before serving to maintain its creamy texture.
- For extra flavor, splash white wine into the sauce or top with toasted pine nuts.
- This dish pairs well with a side of arugula salad or garlic bread.
