Chicken Spaghetti with Burrata and Lemon Butter Garlic Sauce

Chicken Spaghetti with Burrata and Lemon Butter Garlic Sauce is a decadent yet light pasta dish that brings together tender spaghetti, juicy chicken, creamy burrata, and a bright, buttery lemon-garlic sauce. It’s a perfect fusion of comfort and elegance—simple enough for a weeknight, yet impressive enough for guests.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This dish is bursting with flavor and texture. The lemon butter garlic sauce adds a refreshing zing that perfectly balances the richness of the burrata and the savoriness of the chicken. It’s quick to prepare, comforting without being heavy, and comes together in one pan for easy cleanup. Plus, burrata brings a luxurious, creamy element that melts beautifully over the warm pasta—pure magic.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Spaghetti or pasta of choice
• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
• Olive oil
• Garlic, minced
• Unsalted butter
• Lemon juice and zest
• Burrata cheese
• Salt and black pepper
• Red pepper flakes (optional)
• Fresh parsley or basil for garnish

Directions

1. Cook spaghetti according to package instructions. Drain and reserve ½ cup of the pasta water.
2. Season chicken with salt and pepper. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat and cook the chicken until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and let rest before slicing.
3. In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté minced garlic until fragrant (about 1 minute).
4. Add lemon juice and zest. Stir and cook for another minute, then add the cooked pasta and toss to coat.
5. Add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce as needed.
6. Slice the cooked chicken and return it to the skillet. Toss everything together.
7. Plate the pasta and top each serving with a torn burrata ball.
8. Garnish with chopped herbs and a pinch of red pepper flakes, if desired. Serve immediately.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 4 servings.
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes

Variations

• Use rotisserie chicken: A great shortcut for even faster prep.
• Swap pasta: Try linguine, fettuccine, or a gluten-free pasta of your choice.
• Add veggies: Sautéed spinach, cherry tomatoes, or peas work wonderfully.
• Make it spicy: Add extra red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce.
• Use grilled chicken: Adds a smoky flavor that pairs beautifully with the lemon sauce.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

To reheat:

• Stovetop: Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of water or butter.
• Microwave: Reheat in short intervals, stirring between, until warmed through.

Note: Burrata is best added fresh, so if making ahead, store burrata separately and add just before serving.

Freezing is not recommended due to the delicate nature of the burrata.

FAQs

Can I substitute burrata with another cheese?

Yes, fresh mozzarella or ricotta can be used, but burrata offers unmatched creaminess.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Yes, simply omit the chicken or replace it with sautéed mushrooms or chickpeas.

What’s the best way to zest a lemon?

Use a microplane and zest only the bright yellow layer, avoiding the bitter white pith.

Is this dish heavy?

Surprisingly, no. The lemon butter garlic sauce keeps it light and fresh despite the creamy burrata.

Can I use pre-cooked chicken?

Absolutely. Just slice and warm it through in the sauce before serving.

How do I keep the pasta from drying out?

Use some reserved pasta water to keep the sauce silky and help it cling to the pasta.

What herbs pair well with this dish?

Parsley and basil are best. Thyme or tarragon can also work for a unique twist.

Does the lemon flavor overpower the dish?

No, it adds brightness and balances the richness of the cheese and butter.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, just scale up all ingredients accordingly—great for hosting.

Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

Yes, the lemon butter garlic sauce can be made a day ahead and reheated gently.

Conclusion

Chicken Spaghetti with Burrata and Lemon Butter Garlic Sauce is a delightful, elegant pasta dish that’s bursting with fresh, zesty flavor and rich creaminess. Whether you’re looking to upgrade your weeknight dinner or impress guests without spending hours in the kitchen, this recipe hits all the right notes. Creamy burrata, tender chicken, and lemony garlic butter pasta—what’s not to love?

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