If you’re looking for a dish that perfectly balances creamy, zesty, and savory flavors, this Chicken Spaghetti with Burrata and Lemon Butter Garlic Sauce is a dream come true. This comforting yet elegant pasta combines tender paprika-seasoned chicken, roasted cherry tomatoes, and silky burrata over a bed of spaghetti coated in lemony butter garlic sauce. It’s quick enough for a weeknight but impressive enough for a dinner party.
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Why You’ll Love This Chicken Spaghetti with Burrata and Lemon Butter Garlic Sauce
This pasta dish is all about freshness and balance. The roasted cherry tomatoes add bursts of sweetness, while the lemon butter garlic sauce brightens every bite. Melted burrata gives it a luxurious creaminess without feeling heavy. Plus, it’s a complete meal that brings together protein, carbs, and healthy fats in a single bowl.
The beauty of this Chicken Spaghetti with Burrata and Lemon Butter Garlic Sauce lies in its versatility — you can make it in under an hour, using ingredients you likely already have on hand.
Ingredients You’ll Need
• Chicken Breast: Brings protein and richness; seasoning enhances depth.
• Spaghetti: The perfect base that soaks up the lemon butter garlic sauce beautifully.
• Burrata Cheese: Adds creamy, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• Cherry Tomatoes: Roasted for natural sweetness and vibrant color.
• Olive Oil: Enhances flavor and helps caramelize the tomatoes.
• Garlic: Infuses the sauce with savory aroma.
• Butter: Forms the base of the silky lemon garlic sauce.
• Lemon (preferably Meyer): Provides refreshing tang and brightens the flavors.
• Smoked Paprika: Gives the chicken subtle smokiness.
• Italian Seasoning: Adds herbal depth with oregano, basil, and thyme.
• Fresh Basil: Lends aroma and freshness to the finished dish.
• Pine Nuts: Toasted for crunch and nutty undertones.
• Salt & Pepper: Essential for seasoning and balance.
Alternative Ingredient Suggestions
If you’re missing an ingredient or want to customize your Chicken Spaghetti with Burrata and Lemon Butter Garlic Sauce, try these variations:
• Pasta Swap: Use fettuccine, bucatini, or angel hair instead of spaghetti.
• Cheese Alternative: Substitute burrata with fresh mozzarella or creamy ricotta.
• Protein Variation: Use rotisserie chicken, shrimp, or grilled tofu for different textures.
• Tomato Options: Sun-dried or regular diced tomatoes also work beautifully.
• Nuts Alternative: Swap pine nuts for toasted almonds or walnuts for a cost-effective crunch.
• Make it Spicy: Add red pepper flakes to the sauce for a gentle heat.
Step-by-Step Directions
- Roast the Tomatoes: Preheat your oven to 400°F. Toss halved cherry tomatoes with olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Spread on a lined baking sheet and roast for about 20 minutes until blistered and fragrant.
- Prepare the Chicken: Season chicken breasts with smoked paprika, salt, and Italian seasoning. Heat olive oil in a skillet and cook the chicken for about 5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Transfer to a plate and slice thinly.
- Make the Lemon Butter Garlic Sauce: In the same skillet, add butter, garlic, and thinly sliced lemon. Let it cook on low heat for 2–3 minutes to release the lemon oils and soften the garlic.
- Cook the Pasta: Boil spaghetti according to package directions. Drain and toss it directly into the skillet with the sauce. Mix well, then remove lemon slices to prevent bitterness.
- Combine Everything: Add the roasted tomatoes and sliced chicken to the pasta. Toss until evenly coated in sauce.
- Finish with Burrata: Plate the pasta, then top with chunks of burrata cheese, chopped fresh basil, and toasted pine nuts.
Tips for Perfect Chicken Spaghetti with Burrata and Lemon Butter Garlic Sauce
• Bring Burrata to Room Temperature: This ensures it melts perfectly over warm pasta.
• Watch the Pine Nuts: They toast quickly — just 5 minutes at 350°F is enough.
• Balance the Lemon: Use Meyer lemon if available for sweetness and low acidity.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Tomatoes: Give them space to roast evenly for maximum flavor.
• Double the Cheese: If you love creamy pasta, adding extra burrata is pure bliss.
Pairing Ideas and Flavor Variations
• Serve With: Garlic bread, green salad with balsamic vinaigrette, or roasted asparagus.
• Make It Lighter: Swap spaghetti for zucchini noodles or whole wheat pasta.
• Add Extra Veggies: Spinach, mushrooms, or artichokes make excellent additions.
• Mediterranean Twist: Add olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and a sprinkle of feta.
• Make-Ahead Tip: Prep the chicken and tomatoes ahead of time; reheat gently before tossing with pasta and sauce.
Health Benefits and Nutritional Highlights
This Chicken Spaghetti with Burrata and Lemon Butter Garlic Sauce is indulgent yet balanced. You get lean protein from chicken, healthy fats from olive oil and nuts, and essential nutrients from fresh tomatoes and basil. Burrata adds calcium and creaminess, while lemon supports digestion and brightens the palate.
Conclusion
This Chicken Spaghetti with Burrata and Lemon Butter Garlic Sauce isn’t just a meal — it’s a full sensory experience. The creamy burrata, zesty lemon sauce, and juicy paprika-seasoned chicken create a dish that’s as comforting as it is sophisticated. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, this pasta showcases how a few simple ingredients can come together to create something truly extraordinary.
From the golden roasted tomatoes to the silky butter garlic base, every bite delivers layers of freshness and indulgence. It’s one of those recipes that never fail to impress — both in flavor and presentation. Serve it hot, sprinkle extra basil on top, and enjoy a restaurant-worthy dinner right from your kitchen.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make Chicken Spaghetti with Burrata and Lemon Butter Garlic Sauce ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the roasted tomatoes and cooked chicken in advance. Store them separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, cook fresh pasta and reheat everything gently with the lemon butter garlic sauce before adding burrata and basil.
2. What’s the best way to store and reheat leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove over low heat with a splash of olive oil or butter to revive the sauce. Avoid microwaving burrata — it’s best added fresh when reheating.
3. Can I make this dish without chicken?
Absolutely! To make it vegetarian, skip the chicken and add extra vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or roasted zucchini. The burrata and lemon butter garlic sauce still create a rich, satisfying pasta even without meat.
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Chicken Spaghetti with Burrata and Lemon Butter Garlic Sauce
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Halal
Description
This Chicken Spaghetti with Burrata and Lemon Butter Garlic Sauce combines tender chicken, roasted cherry tomatoes, and creamy burrata in a zesty lemon butter garlic sauce. It’s an easy yet elegant pasta dish perfect for both weeknights and special occasions.
Ingredients
- 10 oz cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1.5 lb chicken breasts, skinless and boneless
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for cooking chicken)
- 1/2 lemon (preferably Meyer), thinly sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 8 oz spaghetti
- 8 oz burrata cheese
- 1/2 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 1/3 cup pine nuts, lightly toasted
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F. Toss halved cherry tomatoes with olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Spread evenly on a baking sheet and roast for 20 minutes until softened and slightly blistered.
- Season chicken breasts with salt, smoked paprika, and Italian seasoning. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and cook the chicken for about 5 minutes per side until cooked through. Remove from heat and slice thinly.
- In the same skillet, add butter, minced garlic, and lemon slices. Cook on low heat for 2–3 minutes to infuse the butter with lemon flavor. Remove the lemon slices.
- Bring a pot of salted water to boil. Cook spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and toss it into the skillet with the lemon butter garlic sauce.
- Add the roasted tomatoes and sliced chicken to the pasta. Mix well to coat everything evenly in the sauce.
- Divide pasta onto plates, top with burrata cheese, fresh basil, and toasted pine nuts. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Bring burrata to room temperature before adding for a creamier texture.
- Use Meyer lemons for a slightly sweeter and less acidic flavor.
- Toast pine nuts carefully at 350°F for only 5 minutes to avoid burning.
- You can substitute burrata with mozzarella or ricotta if desired.
- This dish pairs well with garlic bread or a fresh green salad.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Roasting, Sautéing, Boiling
- Cuisine: American, Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 875 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 320 mg
- Fat: 45 g
- Saturated Fat: 18 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 24 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 55 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 52 g
- Cholesterol: 165 mg
