Chicken Spaghetti with Burrata & Lemon Butter Garlic Sauce is an exquisite dish that balances rich flavors with delightful textures, making it the perfect choice for any occasion. The combination of juicy chicken, creamy burrata, and zesty lemon butter garlic sauce harmonizes beautifully, creating a pasta experience that is both indulgent and comforting. Whether you are planning a cozy night in or a special dinner gathering, this recipe guarantees satisfaction and earns rave reviews from family and friends alike.
What sets this dish apart is its simplicity in preparation combined with the elegance it presents on the plate. The roasted tomatoes add a sweet, vibrant burst that complements the rich lemon garlic sauce perfectly. Not only does this dish deliver on taste, but it’s also incredibly appealing to the eye, thanks to the fresh basil and toasted pine nuts that garnish the finished product. Plus, the unique use of burrata cheese elevates this dish further, offering a luscious creaminess with every bite.
Challenging the notion that gourmet meals are time-consuming, Chicken Spaghetti with Burrata & Lemon Butter Garlic Sauce comes together in just under an hour. With minimal prep work and straightforward cooking steps, you’ll find this recipe to be both approachable and enjoyable. Each forkful of spaghetti is enveloped in the delightful lemon butter sauce, coaxing out all the succulent flavors of the ingredients, making every meal memorable.
Why You’ll Love This Chicken Spaghetti with Burrata & Lemon Butter Garlic Sauce
- Flavor Explosion: The marriage of zesty lemon, savory garlic, and creamy burrata creates a symphony of flavors that tantalizes your taste buds.
- Simple Yet Elegant: Perfect for any occasion, this dish feels gourmet while being straightforward to prepare.
- Quick Preparation: Ready in roughly 30 to 40 minutes, making it ideal for weeknight dinners.
- Nutrient-Rich Ingredients: Packed with protein from chicken, healthy fats from olive oil and burrata, and antioxidants from the tomatoes and basil.
Preparation Phase & Tools to Use
Before you begin crafting your Chicken Spaghetti with Burrata & Lemon Butter Garlic Sauce, it’s essential to prepare your kitchen and workspace to ensure a smooth cooking experience. Start by gathering all your ingredients and tools. You’ll need a large pot for boiling the spaghetti, a baking sheet lined with parchment paper for roasting the tomatoes, and a large skillet for cooking the chicken and making the sauce.
Ensure your cutting board and knives are ready, particularly for slicing the chicken and fresh ingredients like garlic and lemon. Prepping your ingredients ahead of time—mincing the garlic, halving the tomatoes, and slicing the chicken—can drastically cut down on cooking time, allowing you to enjoy the process.
Ingredients
- 10 oz cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1½ lbs chicken breasts, thinly sliced
- ¼ tsp salt
- 2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- ½ Meyer lemon, thinly sliced
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 4 tbsp butter
- 8 oz spaghetti
- 8 oz burrata cheese
- ½ cup chopped fresh basil
- ⅓ cup toasted pine nuts
Instructions
Step 1: Roast the Tomatoes
Begin your culinary journey by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This will help the tomatoes caramelize beautifully. In a mixing bowl, toss together the halved tomatoes with olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and pepper, ensuring each tomato is well coated. Transfer this mixture onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, spread evenly, and roast in the oven for about 20 minutes. The heat will intensify their flavors, leaving you with perfectly roasted, tender tomatoes.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
While the tomatoes roast, it’s time to focus on the chicken. Season the sliced chicken breasts with salt, smoked paprika, and Italian seasoning. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. When the oil is shimmering, introduce the chicken to the skillet. Cook for approximately 5 minutes on each side or until the chicken turns a delightful golden brown and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet, allow it to rest for a few minutes, then slice it thinly to maintain its tenderness.
Step 3: Create the Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce
With the chicken cooked, it’s time to embrace those delicious flavors. In the same skillet, add the thinly sliced Meyer lemon, minced garlic, and butter. Sauté everything together for around 2 minutes until the garlic becomes fragrant and the butter has melted. However, remember to remove the lemon slices afterward, as they can impart a bitter taste if left too long.
Step 4: Cook the Spaghetti
Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add your spaghetti and cook until it reaches an al dente texture, usually about 8 to 10 minutes. Before draining, reserve about ½ cup of the pasta cooking water to adjust the sauce’s consistency later. After draining, toss the spaghetti in the skillet with the lemon butter sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, gradually add some of the reserved pasta water until you get your desired sauce consistency.
Step 5: Assemble & Serve
Now it’s time for the final touches! Place a generous helping of spaghetti onto a plate, artfully layering on top with slices of chicken, the roasted tomatoes, and torn pieces of burrata cheese. For that gourmet finish, garnish your dish with freshly chopped basil and a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts, enhancing both flavor and texture. Serve immediately and enjoy this divine culinary creation warm.
Variations
- Protein: Substitute the chicken with shrimp or tofu for a different protein option.
- Vegetables: Feel free to add spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers to enhance the vegetable content.
- Spices: Experiment with fresh herbs like parsley or oregano to create a unique flavor profile.
Cooking Notes
- Always taste your pasta water; it should be salty like the sea, as this will season the spaghetti perfectly.
- If burrata isn’t available, you can substitute with fresh mozzarella for a similar texture.
Serving Suggestions
- This dish pairs wonderfully with a crisp Caesar salad on the side for a refreshing contrast.
- A glass of white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc, matches exquisitely with the lemony flavor.
Tips
- Make sure to slice your chicken breasts uniformly to ensure even cooking.
- Don’t skip the toasting of the pine nuts; they add a delightful crunch and flavor that elevate the dish.
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
Nutritional Information
- Calories: Approximately 680 per serving
- Protein: 43g
- Sodium: 750mg
FAQs
Can I use other types of cheese instead of burrata?
Yes, if burrata is unavailable, fresh mozzarella or ricotta cheese can work as a suitable replacement.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
Replace the chicken with sautéed mushrooms or add more vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers for a delicious vegetarian option.
Can I make this dish in advance?
While the components can be made ahead, it’s best to combine them just before serving to maintain the freshness of the pasta and cheese.
What is the best way to store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to avoid overcooking the chicken or pasta.
Conclusion
Chicken Spaghetti with Burrata & Lemon Butter Garlic Sauce is not just a meal; it’s an experience that brings families together around the dinner table. With its creamy texture, vibrant flavors, and healthful ingredients, this recipe checks all the boxes for a fantastic dish. Encourage your culinary creativity by making variations or serving it with your favorite sides. We invite you to try this dish today and join the conversation by sharing your experience or any additional tips you have! Remember, cooking is an adventure, and we’d love to hear how you make this delightful pasta your own.
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Chicken Spaghetti with Burrata & Lemon Butter Garlic Sauce
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Chicken Spaghetti with Burrata & Lemon Butter Garlic Sauce combines rich flavors and delightful textures, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 10 oz cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1½ lbs chicken breasts, thinly sliced
- ¼ tsp salt
- 2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- ½ Meyer lemon, thinly sliced
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 4 tbsp butter
- 8 oz spaghetti
- 8 oz burrata cheese
- ½ cup chopped fresh basil
- ⅓ cup toasted pine nuts
Instructions
- Roast the Tomatoes: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss the halved tomatoes with olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Spread on a parchment-lined baking sheet and roast for about 20 minutes.
- Cook the Chicken: Season sliced chicken with salt, smoked paprika, and Italian seasoning. Heat olive oil in a skillet, cook chicken for 5 minutes on each side until golden brown.
- Create the Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce: In the same skillet, add Meyer lemon, minced garlic, and butter. Sauté until garlic is fragrant and butter melts.
- Cook the Spaghetti: Boil salted water, cook spaghetti until al dente (8-10 minutes). Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then toss spaghetti with the lemon butter sauce.
- Assemble & Serve: Plate spaghetti, top with chicken slices, roasted tomatoes, burrata cheese, basil, and pine nuts. Serve warm.
Notes
Make sure to slice chicken breasts uniformly for even cooking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
Nutrition
- Calories: 680 kcal
- Sodium: 750 mg
- Protein: 43 g