When it comes to comfort food, few dishes can rival the universal appeal of spaghetti. But what if we told you that this beloved classic could be transformed into something even more indulgent and luxurious?
Enter Chicken Spaghetti with Burrata and Lemon Butter Garlic Sauce — a dish that combines tender chicken, creamy burrata cheese, and a vibrant, zesty sauce to create a pasta experience that’s anything but ordinary.
Whether you’re looking to elevate your weeknight dinner game or impress guests with a restaurant-quality meal, this recipe is your ticket to culinary stardom. Let’s dive into how to make this mouthwatering masterpiece.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Before we get started, gather the following ingredients to bring this dish to life:
For the Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning (or a mix of dried basil, oregano, and thyme)
For the Lemon Butter Garlic Sauce:
- 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter
- 4 cloves of garlic, minced
- Zest and juice of 1 lemon
- 1/2 cup of heavy cream
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Pasta:
- 8 ounces of spaghetti (or your preferred pasta)
- 4 ounces of burrata cheese, torn into small pieces
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Season and Cook the Chicken
Start by seasoning the chicken breasts generously with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. This simple step ensures the chicken is flavorful from the inside out.
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté it for about a minute until it becomes aromatic. Then, place the seasoned chicken breasts into the skillet. Cook for 6-8 minutes on each side until they’re golden brown and cooked through. Once done, set the chicken aside to rest. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the meat tender and juicy.
Step 2: Create the Lemon Butter Garlic Sauce
Using the same skillet (because who loves extra dishes?), melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about a minute until fragrant. The aroma alone will have your kitchen smelling like an Italian trattoria.
Next, pour in the lemon juice and zest, followed by the heavy cream. Stir everything together gently and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. The result is a silky, tangy, and utterly irresistible sauce that ties this dish together.
Step 3: Cook the Pasta
While your sauce is simmering, cook your spaghetti (or preferred pasta) according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Drain the pasta well and set it aside. Pro tip: Reserve a small cup of pasta water in case you need to loosen up your sauce later.
Step 4: Assemble the Dish
Now comes the fun part — bringing it all together! Slice the rested chicken breasts into thin strips for easy serving.
In a large serving bowl, combine the cooked spaghetti, lemon butter garlic sauce, and sliced chicken. Toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated with that luscious sauce. Finally, gently fold in the torn burrata cheese pieces. As they melt slightly into the warm pasta, they’ll add a creamy richness that takes this dish over the top.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
To finish, garnish your Chicken Spaghetti with fresh basil leaves for a pop of color and an herby aroma. Serve immediately while it’s hot, creamy, and utterly irresistible.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This dish is more than just a meal — it’s an experience. Here’s what makes it so special:
- The Chicken: Perfectly seasoned and pan-seared to golden perfection, it adds heartiness to every bite.
- The Sauce: A harmonious blend of butter, garlic, lemon, and cream creates a flavor profile that’s bright yet indulgent.
- The Burrata: Creamy and luxurious, it melts into the pasta for an added layer of decadence.
- The Simplicity: Despite its gourmet appearance, this recipe is straightforward enough for home cooks of any skill level.
Tips for Success
- Don’t Overcook Your Pasta: Al dente is key here since the pasta will absorb some of the sauce as you toss everything together.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic, lemon juice, and basil make all the difference in flavor.
- Customize It: Feel free to swap out spaghetti for fettuccine or even gluten-free pasta if you prefer. You can also add vegetables like spinach or cherry tomatoes for extra color and nutrition.
Perfect Pairings
This dish pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal. For drinks, a chilled glass of white wine — such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio — complements the zesty lemon notes in the sauce.
Conclusion
Congratulations! You’ve just created a dish that’s equal parts comforting and elegant. Chicken Spaghetti with Burrata and Lemon Butter Garlic Sauce is proof that even classic recipes can be elevated with just a few thoughtful touches.
Whether you’re twirling spaghetti on a quiet weeknight or serving it up at a dinner party, this recipe is guaranteed to impress. So grab a fork, dig in, and savor every creamy, zesty bite — you’ve earned it!
PrintChicken Spaghetti with Burrata and Lemon Butter Garlic Sauce
This elevated chicken spaghetti combines juicy pan-seared chicken, creamy burrata, and a zesty lemon butter garlic sauce for a comforting and luxurious pasta dish. Perfect for weeknight dinners or impressing guests.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
- Diet: High-Protein
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (or a mix of dried basil, oregano, and thyme)
For the Lemon Butter Garlic Sauce:
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- Zest and juice of 1 lemon
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Pasta:
- 8 ounces spaghetti or preferred pasta
- 4 ounces burrata cheese, torn into small pieces
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
Instructions
1. Season chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
2. In a skillet, heat olive oil and sauté garlic for 1 minute.
3. Add chicken and cook 6–8 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Set aside to rest.
4. In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic until fragrant.
5. Add lemon juice, zest, and cream. Simmer for 2–3 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
6. Meanwhile, cook spaghetti according to package directions until al dente. Drain.
7. Slice rested chicken into strips.
8. Toss pasta with sauce and chicken in a large bowl.
9. Fold in burrata cheese gently, letting it melt slightly.
10. Garnish with fresh basil and serve hot.
Notes
Use fresh burrata for maximum creaminess.
You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter version.
Pasta water can be added if sauce needs thinning.
Pairs well with garlic bread or a crisp green salad.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 620
- Sugar: 3g
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 35g
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