Creamy Chicken Spaghetti with Lemon Butter Garlic Sauce and Burrata: A Dish to Savor

Are you craving a pasta dish that’s both comforting and elegant? Look no further than Chicken Spaghetti with Burrata and Lemon Butter Garlic Sauce. This recipe is a symphony of flavors and textures, combining tender spaghetti, juicy chicken, creamy burrata, and a zesty lemon butter garlic sauce. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or when you want to impress guests without spending hours in the kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This dish strikes the perfect balance between decadence and lightness. The lemon butter garlic sauce delivers a refreshing brightness that complements the richness of burrata and the savory goodness of chicken. With its quick prep time, one-pan cooking method, and easy cleanup, this recipe is a winner for anyone seeking convenience without sacrificing flavor. Plus, the luxurious creaminess of burrata adds an indulgent touch that elevates the entire dish to something truly special.

Ingredients

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

• Spaghetti or your preferred pasta type
• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
• Olive oil
• Fresh garlic, minced
• Unsalted butter
• Fresh lemon juice and zest
• Burrata cheese (4 oz per serving)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• Red pepper flakes (optional, for a hint of heat)
• Fresh parsley or basil for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing this dish is as simple as it gets. Follow these detailed steps to create a mouthwatering meal:

1. Cook the Pasta

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your chosen pasta—spaghetti works beautifully here—and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Before draining, reserve about ½ cup of the starchy pasta water. This will help loosen the sauce later on.

2. Prepare the Chicken

Season the chicken generously with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil shimmers, carefully add the chicken pieces. Cook them for approximately 5–6 minutes per side, ensuring they’re golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F). Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it into thin strips.

3. Make the Lemon Butter Garlic Sauce

In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and melt the butter. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, stirring frequently to prevent burning. The aroma of garlic sizzling in butter is heavenly! Next, stir in the lemon zest and juice, allowing the mixture to simmer for another minute. If the sauce seems too thick, splash in some reserved pasta water to achieve the desired consistency.

4. Combine Everything

Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet and toss everything together to ensure the pasta is evenly coated with the lemon butter garlic sauce. If needed, add more pasta water to create a silky texture. Return the sliced chicken to the skillet and gently toss to combine. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.

5. Assemble and Serve

Divide the pasta and chicken among plates. Top each serving with a generous ball of burrata, tearing it slightly so it melts beautifully into the warm pasta. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if desired. For an extra touch of elegance, shave some Parmesan over the top. Serve immediately while the burrata is still soft and creamy.

Save

Servings and Timing

This recipe serves 4 people generously. Here’s a breakdown of the timing:

• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20–25 minutes
• Total Time: Approximately 30–35 minutes

With such minimal effort, you can have a restaurant-quality meal ready in under half an hour!

Variations and Customizations

One of the best things about this recipe is its versatility. Here are a few ideas to make it your own:

• Use Pre-Cooked Protein: Swap the raw chicken for pre-cooked options like rotisserie chicken or grilled alternatives. Simply slice and warm it through in the sauce at the end.
• Swap the Pasta: Experiment with different types of pasta like linguine, fettuccine, or even gluten-free varieties.
• Add Veggies: Incorporate sautéed spinach, roasted cherry tomatoes, or steamed peas for added nutrition and color.
• Make It Vegetarian: Omit the chicken entirely and replace it with hearty vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or chickpeas.
• Spice It Up: For those who love heat, include extra red pepper flakes or drizzle a dash of hot sauce into the sauce.

Storage and Reheating Tips

If you happen to have leftovers (unlikely, but possible!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep in mind that burrata is best served fresh, so store it separately and add it just before reheating.

To reheat:

• Stovetop Method: Gently reheat the pasta in a skillet with a splash of water or butter to keep it moist.
• Microwave Method: Reheat in short intervals, stirring between each session to distribute heat evenly.

Freezing is not recommended due to the delicate nature of burrata, which may lose its signature creaminess after thawing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are answers to common questions about this dish:

Q: Can I substitute burrata with another cheese?
A: While burrata is highly recommended for its unmatched creaminess, fresh mozzarella or ricotta can serve as substitutes if necessary.

Q: What’s the best way to zest a lemon?
A: Use a microplane grater to remove only the bright yellow outer layer of the lemon peel, avoiding the bitter white pith underneath.

Q: Is this dish heavy?
A: Surprisingly, no. Despite the inclusion of burrata, the lemon butter garlic sauce keeps the overall profile light and refreshing.

Q: How do I keep the pasta from drying out?
A: Always reserve some pasta water when draining. Its starch content helps bind the sauce to the pasta and prevents it from becoming dry.

Q: Can I double the recipe?
A: Absolutely! Just scale up all ingredients proportionally—it’s an excellent option for feeding a larger group or hosting dinner parties.

Q: Does the lemon flavor overpower the dish?
A: Not at all. The lemon adds a subtle brightness that enhances the other flavors without dominating the palate.

Q: Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
A: Yes, the lemon butter garlic sauce can be prepared a day in advance and gently reheated when ready to use.

Conclusion

Chicken Spaghetti with Burrata and Lemon Butter Garlic Sauce is a delightful fusion of comfort and sophistication. Bursting with fresh, zesty flavors and rich creaminess, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your repertoire. Whether you’re crafting a cozy weeknight dinner or planning a memorable meal for guests, this recipe delivers on taste, ease, and presentation.

So go ahead—grab your ingredients, fire up the stove, and treat yourself to a plate of creamy, lemony goodness. Your taste buds will thank you!

Did you try making this dish? We’d love to hear how it turned out! Share your thoughts, tips, or photos in the comments below. Happy cooking!