How I Make the Dreamiest Chicken Spaghetti with Burrata and Lemon Butter Sauce

Name: How I Make the Dreamiest Chicken Spaghetti with Burrata and Lemon Butter Sauce
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 10 oz cherry tomatoes; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 8 oz spaghetti; 8 oz burrata; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 lemon, zested and juiced; 2 cups cooked shredded chicken; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh basil for garnish

April 29, 2025

Recipes

Every once in a while, I stumble upon a pasta dish so good it feels like a little vacation on a plate. That’s exactly how I feel about this Chicken Spaghetti with Burrata and Lemon Butter Garlic Sauce. It’s fresh, bold, creamy, and light all at once — the kind of meal that makes you close your eyes after the first bite. Whether you’re planning a cozy dinner at home or trying to impress your guests, this recipe delivers every single time. Let’s get into why it works so beautifully and how you can bring this magic to your kitchen.

Why This Recipe Works

After a lot of experimenting with creamy pasta dishes, I can honestly say this combination hits all the right notes:

Bright and zesty: The lemon cuts through the richness and keeps every bite refreshing.
Creamy without being heavy: Burrata brings luxurious creaminess without weighing down the dish.
Layered flavors: Roasted tomatoes, toasted pine nuts, fresh basil, and buttery garlic sauce create a symphony of textures and tastes.
Simple but sophisticated: Even though the steps are easy, the final dish feels like something you’d get at a fancy Italian trattoria.

Ingredients You’ll Need

(Serves 4 | Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cook Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 50 minutes)

For the Roasted Tomatoes:

10 oz cherry tomatoes, halved
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 garlic cloves, minced
Salt and pepper to taste

For the Chicken and Pasta:

1½ lbs chicken breasts, thinly sliced
¼ teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons smoked paprika
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
2 tablespoons olive oil
½ lemon, thinly sliced
4 garlic cloves, minced
4 tablespoons butter
8 oz spaghetti
8 oz burrata

For Garnish:

½ cup fresh basil, chopped
⅓ cup toasted pine nuts

How I Make My Chicken Spaghetti with Burrata and Lemon Butter Garlic Sauce

1. Roast the Tomatoes

I like to start with the tomatoes because they bring a deep, roasted sweetness to the dish. I toss the halved cherry tomatoes with olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and pepper, then spread them out on a baking sheet. I roast them at 400°F for about 20 minutes until they’re slightly blistered and caramelized. Once done, I set them aside while everything else comes together.

2. Cook the Chicken

While the tomatoes roast, I season the thinly sliced chicken breasts with salt, smoked paprika, and Italian seasoning. I heat a little olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat and sauté the chicken until golden brown and cooked through — about 5 minutes per side depending on thickness. After letting the chicken rest for a few minutes, I slice it into bite-sized pieces.

3. Make the Lemon Butter Garlic Sauce

In the same skillet (because those flavor bits are too good to waste), I sauté thin lemon slices, minced garlic, and butter for about 2 minutes. The lemons release their oils, infusing the butter with a citrusy aroma that’s pure heaven. I remove the lemon slices after a couple of minutes to keep the sauce bright without turning bitter.

4. Boil the Pasta

While the sauce comes together, I cook the spaghetti in a big pot of salted water until al dente. I always reserve about ½ cup of the pasta water before draining — it’s perfect for loosening up the sauce later if needed.

Once the pasta is cooked, I toss it directly into the skillet with the lemon butter garlic sauce, letting every strand soak up that liquid gold.

5. Assemble the Dish

Now comes the fun part. I plate the spaghetti first, making a nice little nest on each plate. I top it with slices of the juicy chicken, then scatter over the roasted tomatoes. I tear pieces of burrata and nestle them around the pasta, letting the creamy centers ooze just slightly onto the warm noodles.

Finally, I sprinkle everything with chopped fresh basil and toasted pine nuts for a final layer of flavor and crunch.

Tips for the Best Results

Use high-quality burrata: It’s the star of the show. Fresh, creamy burrata makes a huge difference.
Don’t skip toasting the pine nuts: A quick toast in a dry pan brings out their buttery flavor and adds irresistible texture.
Reserve pasta water: It’s liquid magic for creating a silky sauce.
Slice lemons thinly: Paper-thin lemon slices release their oils without overpowering the dish.
Serve immediately: This pasta is best enjoyed fresh, while the burrata is melty and luscious.

What I Love to Serve With This Dish

This pasta is already pretty complete, but if I’m feeling fancy, I pair it with:

A simple arugula salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette
Warm, crusty bread to soak up any extra sauce
A crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc for a perfect match

FAQs From My Kitchen to Yours

Q: Can I make this with a different pasta?
A: Absolutely! Linguine, fettuccine, or even tagliatelle would work beautifully.

Q: What if I can’t find burrata?
A: Fresh mozzarella is a good substitute. It won’t be quite as creamy, but it’s still delicious.

Q: Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
A: You can, but freshly cooked, seasoned chicken brings the best flavor to this dish.

Q: How do I toast pine nuts without burning them?
A: I toast them over medium-low heat in a dry pan, stirring often. They go from perfect to burnt quickly, so I keep a close eye on them.

Why You’ll Want to Make This Chicken Spaghetti with Burrata Again and Again

This dish is everything I want in a pasta meal: rich but fresh, comforting yet lively, simple but impressive. The lemon butter garlic sauce clings to the spaghetti, the roasted tomatoes burst with flavor, and the burrata melts into every bite for a finish that’s almost decadent. Every time I make it, it feels like a little celebration.

If you’re looking for a pasta recipe that feels just a little more special without adding hours in the kitchen, this Chicken Spaghetti with Burrata and Lemon Butter Garlic Sauce is the one. I can’t wait for you to try it!