Chicken Spaghetti with Burrata and Lemon Butter Garlic Sauce Recipe

Prepare for a delightful weeknight treat that comes together in just 30 minutes—Chicken Spaghetti with Burrata and Lemon Butter Garlic Sauce is a burst of bright, creamy, and utterly comforting flavors in every bite. Each strand of pasta soaks up the silky lemon butter garlic sauce, while juicy bites of chicken and luxurious pillows of torn burrata make every mouthful feel extra special. Whether you’re cooking for family, impressing guests, or simply in the mood for something fresh and soul-satisfying, this dish is destined to become a star in your repertoire!

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe celebrates a handful of simple ingredients, each chosen for the way it transforms this dish into a restaurant-worthy meal. Don’t skip or skimp—every element was selected to bring out the best texture, taste, and color in Chicken Spaghetti with Burrata and Lemon Butter Garlic Sauce.

  • Spaghetti (12 oz): Classic long pasta perfectly catches the creamy sauce and stands up to tender chicken.
  • Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts (1 lb): Mild and juicy, they’re easy to cube and cook quickly for a hearty protein boost.
  • Olive Oil (2 tbsp): Adds rich undertones and helps achieve a gorgeous golden sear on the chicken.
  • Unsalted Butter (4 tbsp): Creates a decadent base for the sauce and ensures silky, luscious texture.
  • Garlic (4 cloves, minced): The heart of the sauce; freshly minced garlic brings the dish to life with its aroma.
  • Zest and Juice of 1 Lemon: Bright acidity and fragrant zest cut through the richness and balance the flavors.
  • Chicken Broth (1/2 cup): Deglazes the pan while adding savory depth to the sauce.
  • Grated Parmesan Cheese (1/2 cup): Melts into the sauce for saltiness and umami, thickening it just right.
  • Salt (1/2 tsp): Essential for seasoning the chicken and pulling all the flavors together.
  • Black Pepper (1/4 tsp): Gives just a hint of heat and complexity.
  • Crushed Red Pepper Flakes (1/4 tsp, optional): Adds subtle warmth—adjust to your heat preference!
  • Burrata Cheese (8 oz, 2 small balls): The ultimate creamy finishing touch; break it open just before serving for melty decadence.
  • Chopped Fresh Parsley (2 tbsp): A sprinkle of bright green freshness for color and herbal lift at the end.
  • Extra Lemon Wedges: Customize each plate’s fresh lemon pop to taste.

How to Make Chicken Spaghetti with Burrata and Lemon Butter Garlic Sauce

Step 1: Cook the Spaghetti

Bring a large pot of heavily salted water to a rolling boil—and trust me, salted water makes a difference! Add the spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente, tender but still with a slight bite. Once drained, set aside for tossing into that irresistible sauce later.

Step 2: Sauté the Chicken

While your pasta bubbles away, grab a big skillet and heat up the olive oil over medium-high heat. Season your bite-sized chicken pieces well with salt and pepper, then sauté until they’re golden and just cooked through, about 6 to 8 minutes. Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate—they’ll get cozy with the spaghetti soon.

Step 3: Make the Lemon Butter Garlic Sauce

Reduce the heat to medium, drop in the butter and garlic, and let things sizzle until fragrant and golden, about a minute. Add the lemon zest and juice right into the pan, followed by chicken broth. Scrape up every browned bit stuck to the bottom—it all means flavor! Let this sauce simmer for a couple of minutes, reducing down and mingling all those bright, garlicky, buttery notes.

Step 4: Combine Pasta, Chicken, and Cheese

Add the drained spaghetti, the cooked chicken, grated Parmesan, and red pepper flakes (if you like a kick) into the skillet with your sauce. Give everything a big toss to coat—don’t be shy, you want every piece glistening and flavorful. If you like it saucier, add a splash more broth or even a bit of cream for extra luxury.

Step 5: Finish with Burrata and Fresh Parsley

Divide the Chicken Spaghetti with Burrata and Lemon Butter Garlic Sauce into bowls and crown each serving with torn burrata cheese. Watch as it melts into creamy puddles over the warm pasta. Scatter over fresh parsley and finish with extra lemon wedges for squeezing at the table, then dig in!

How to Serve Chicken Spaghetti with Burrata and Lemon Butter Garlic Sauce

Chicken Spaghetti with Burrata and Lemon Butter Garlic Sauce Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

A flourish of torn burrata really steals the show, but don’t forget a shower of fresh parsley for garden-fresh flavor and gorgeous green color. Lemon wedges let everyone dial up the brightness to their liking—each squeeze enhances the sauce. For a final touch, an extra sprinkle of Parmesan brings a little salty, cheesy magic.

Side Dishes

This pasta practically begs for simple sides to complete the meal. A crisp arugula salad with shaved fennel, or some roasted asparagus is perfect. If you love bread, offer slices of crusty Italian-style bread for soaking up any extra lemon butter garlic sauce. Round things out with a crisp, dry white wine that’ll echo the dish’s citrusy notes.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner-party wow factor, serve the Chicken Spaghetti with Burrata and Lemon Butter Garlic Sauce in shallow bowls, twirling nests of pasta with chicken in the center, and then break the burrata right at the table. You could also offer a “build your own pasta bowl” bar, letting guests add their own burrata, herbs, and extra lemon wedges. Pretty pasta tongs or wide, colorful plates make for a festive touch too!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Chicken Spaghetti with Burrata and Lemon Butter Garlic Sauce will keep beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Consider storing the burrata separately and topping fresh when reheating so it stays creamy instead of melting into the pasta.

Freezing

While you can freeze the chicken spaghetti mixture (minus the burrata) in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months, note that the sauce will thicken slightly upon thawing. Whenever possible, add fresh burrata after reheating for that signature creamy finish. Avoid freezing burrata itself, as its delicate texture is best enjoyed fresh.

Reheating

Gently reheat leftovers in a skillet with a splash of water or chicken broth to loosen up the sauce. Warm over medium-low heat, tossing frequently to prevent sticking and to evenly distribute heat. Add the burrata just before serving so you retain that luscious, creamy texture that makes this dish shine.

FAQs

Can I use a different pasta shape?

Absolutely! While classic spaghetti is perfect for Chicken Spaghetti with Burrata and Lemon Butter Garlic Sauce, other shapes like linguine, fettuccine, or even rigatoni will work beautifully and hold the sauce well.

What can I substitute for burrata?

If you can’t find burrata, fresh mozzarella or even a dollop of ricotta cheese can step in—though nothing quite matches the creamy, rich explosion that burrata gives. Feel free to experiment with what you have on hand!

How do I make this vegetarian?

Easy! Simply omit the chicken and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. The burrata, lemon butter garlic sauce, and all the other flavors are so satisfying that you won’t miss the meat one bit.

Is this dish kid-friendly?

Definitely. You can leave out the red pepper flakes to keep things mild, and little ones often love the creamy sauce and melty cheese. Serve extra lemon wedges on the side so each eater can adjust the brightness to their own taste.

Can I use rotisserie or grilled chicken?

Yes, using rotisserie or pre-grilled chicken is a great time-saver, and it will bring a different smoky dimension to the Chicken Spaghetti with Burrata and Lemon Butter Garlic Sauce. Just shred or slice and add it in when tossing with the pasta.

Final Thoughts

If you’re eager for a bright, flavorful twist on classic comfort food, you’ve found it with Chicken Spaghetti with Burrata and Lemon Butter Garlic Sauce. I hope this recipe brings as much joy to your table as it does to mine—give it a try, and get ready to be asked for the recipe again and again!

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Chicken Spaghetti with Burrata and Lemon Butter Garlic Sauce Recipe

Chicken Spaghetti with Burrata and Lemon Butter Garlic Sauce Recipe

4.6 from 29 reviews

Indulge in a creamy and flavorful dish with this Chicken Spaghetti recipe featuring succulent chicken, creamy burrata, and a zesty lemon butter garlic sauce. Perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner.

  • Author: nadia
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Italian-American
  • Diet: Non-Vegetarian

Ingredients

Units Scale

Spaghetti:

  • 12 oz spaghetti

Chicken:

  • 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces

Sauce:

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 4 garlic cloves (minced)
  • zest and juice of 1 lemon
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

Additional:

  • 8 oz burrata cheese (2 small balls)
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
  • Extra lemon wedges for serving

Instructions

  1. Cook Spaghetti: Boil salted water and cook spaghetti until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. Sauté Chicken: Sauté seasoned chicken in olive oil until cooked through. Set aside.
  3. Prepare Sauce: In the same skillet, sauté butter and garlic. Add lemon zest, lemon juice, and chicken broth. Simmer, then add cooked spaghetti, Parmesan, red pepper flakes, and chicken. Toss to coat.
  4. Finish and Serve: Transfer to bowls, top with torn burrata and parsley. Serve with lemon wedges.

Notes

  • For extra richness, add a splash of heavy cream.
  • Grilled chicken can be used for a smokier flavor.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 plate
  • Calories: 610
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Sodium: 480mg
  • Fat: 28g
  • Saturated Fat: 13g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 55g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 40g
  • Cholesterol: 95mg

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