Chicken Spaghetti with Burrata

This chicken spaghetti transforms a familiar pasta dinner into something extraordinary with creamy burrata cheese and a bright lemon butter garlic sauce that coats every strand. The combination creates perfect balance between richness and freshness that will have everyone asking for seconds.

I first made this pasta after finding gorgeous burrata at my local market and wanting to create something special for a Sunday family dinner. Since then, it has become our go-to impressive meal whenever we want to elevate a regular pasta night without much extra effort.

Ingredients

• Chicken breasts: Use thinly sliced breasts for quicker cooking and more tender results. Look for uniform thickness.
• Cherry tomatoes: Their natural sweetness intensifies when roasted, creating little bursts of flavor. Choose ripe, firm tomatoes.
• Burrata cheese: The creamy center creates a luxurious sauce when mixed with the hot pasta. Select fresh burrata with a firm outer shell.
• Meyer lemon: Sweeter and less acidic than regular lemons, they add brightness without overwhelming. Regular lemons work if Meyer unavailable.
• Smoked paprika: Provides depth and subtle smokiness to the chicken. Spanish varieties offer the richest flavor.
• Fresh basil: Essential for that fresh, aromatic finish. Look for vibrant green leaves without browning.
• Pine nuts: Their buttery crunch adds wonderful texture contrast. Store in freezer to preserve freshness.
• Butter: Creates the silky base for the sauce. European-style butter with higher fat content produces a richer result.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Roast the tomatoes:

Halve cherry tomatoes and toss with olive oil, garlic, salt and pepper. Roast in a 400°F oven for 20 minutes until they begin to caramelize and release their juices. The roasting concentrates their sweetness and creates a jammy texture that will complement the creamy burrata.

Prepare the chicken:

Slice chicken breasts horizontally to create thinner cutlets. Season generously with salt, smoked paprika and Italian seasoning on both sides. The horizontal slicing ensures quicker cooking and more surface area for the seasonings to adhere to.

Cook the chicken:

Heat olive oil in a large skillet until shimmering. Add seasoned chicken and cook about 5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through to 165°F. The caramelization creates flavor compounds that will enhance the entire dish. Rest briefly before slicing.

Create the lemon garlic sauce:

Using the same skillet with all those flavorful chicken bits, add lemon slices, minced garlic and butter. Cook on low heat until butter melts and begins to pick up flavors from the lemon and garlic, about 2 minutes. This creates the foundation for the pasta sauce.

Cook and combine pasta:

Boil spaghetti until al dente, then drain and immediately add to the skillet with the lemon garlic butter sauce. Toss vigorously to coat every strand with the sauce. The hot pasta will absorb the flavors and emulsify with the butter.

Assemble the dish:

Top the sauced pasta with sliced chicken and roasted tomatoes. The layering allows each component to maintain its distinct texture while combining beautifully when served.

Garnish and serve:

Divide pasta among plates and top each portion with torn burrata, allowing the creamy center to melt slightly from the heat. Sprinkle with fresh basil and toasted pine nuts just before serving for maximum aroma and texture.

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My absolute favorite moment with this dish is watching guests cut into the burrata for the first time. That moment when the creamy center spills out and creates an instant sauce with the lemon butter is pure magic and always elicits delighted responses around the table.

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Make Ahead Options

This chicken spaghetti can be partially prepared in advance for easier entertaining. The chicken can be seasoned and cooked up to a day ahead, then sliced and refrigerated. The tomatoes can also be roasted in advance and stored separately. When ready to serve, simply warm the chicken and tomatoes while preparing the pasta and sauce fresh. This approach maintains the best texture while saving significant prep time.

Perfect Cheese Substitutions

While burrata creates the signature creamy texture of this dish, you can substitute with other cheeses if needed. Fresh mozzarella provides a similar mild flavor, though without the creamy center. For a stronger flavor profile, try dollops of ricotta mixed with a bit of grated Parmesan. Goat cheese offers a tangier alternative that pairs beautifully with the lemon notes in the sauce. Whatever cheese you choose, add it at the very end so it maintains its proper texture.

Wine Pairing Suggestions

This bright yet creamy pasta dish pairs beautifully with several wine styles. A crisp Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc complements the lemon notes in the sauce without overwhelming the delicate burrata. For red wine lovers, a light Pinot Noir or Sangiovese offers enough acidity to cut through the richness while harmonizing with the roasted tomatoes. Rosé provides a versatile middle ground that works particularly well during warmer months when this pasta shines as a seasonal favorite on the patio.

The Magic of Burrata

Burrata originates from Southern Italy and consists of a mozzarella exterior filled with cream and soft cheese curds. When serving this dish, place the burrata at the last possible moment so it remains intact until diners break into it themselves. The contrast between the firmer exterior and creamy interior creates a luxurious eating experience that elevates this pasta beyond ordinary chicken spaghetti recipes. For the freshest flavor, seek out burrata made locally if possible, as this delicate cheese is best enjoyed soon after production.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How can I ensure my chicken breasts are tender?

To keep your chicken tender, slice it thinly and cook it on medium heat until just done. Avoid overcooking as it can make the meat dry.

→ Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can substitute spaghetti with fettuccine, linguine, or even penne pasta depending on your preference.

→ What is the best way to toast pine nuts?

Toast pine nuts in a preheated oven at 350°F for approximately 5 minutes, watching closely to avoid burning.

→ Can I make this dish without burrata?

Yes, you can use other types of soft cheese like fresh mozzarella or ricotta if burrata is unavailable.

→ Is this dish suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! Cook and store the components separately, such as chicken, pasta, and sauce. Combine them when ready to serve for optimal flavor and texture.