Chicken Spaghetti with Burrata and Lemon Butter Garlic Sauce Recipe

This Chicken Spaghetti with Burrata and Lemon Butter Garlic Sauce is everything a quick weeknight dinner should be—bright, creamy, rich, and comforting, all in one plate. Tender spaghetti twirled with juicy chicken, draped in a silky lemon butter garlic sauce, and crowned with creamy burrata that melts ever so slightly into the warm pasta—it’s a flavor explosion in every bite! Best of all, it’s super easy to make, taking just around 30 minutes from start to finish. Whether you’re feeding family or treating yourself to a cozy dinner, this dish delivers big on taste without fuss.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Fast and Flavor-Packed: Ready in just 30 minutes, but tastes like something you’d get from a fancy bistro.
• Creamy Without the Heaviness: The combination of butter, garlic, and lemon makes a light but luxurious sauce, and the burrata brings a luscious, creamy finish without needing heavy cream.
• Elegant but Easy: Despite how indulgent and fancy it sounds, this recipe is seriously beginner-friendly.
• Perfect for Leftovers: This pasta reheats beautifully, and that sauce just gets better with time.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gather these flavorful ingredients for a satisfying pasta night:

• Spaghetti: The classic choice for twirling and soaking up that buttery, garlicky sauce. Any long pasta works too—try linguine or fettuccine!
• Cooked Chicken: Perfect for using up leftovers or rotisserie chicken. Make sure it’s well-seasoned and juicy.
• Burrata Cheese: This is the star! It adds a rich, creamy texture when torn over the hot pasta. Use fresh burrata for the best flavor.
• Garlic: Lots of fresh garlic for that bold aromatic base. Don’t skimp—garlic is everything here.
• Butter: Unsalted butter makes the sauce silky and rich. A little goes a long way when combined with garlic and lemon.
• Lemon Juice and Zest: Adds brightness and acidity to balance the richness. Fresh lemons make all the difference.
• Olive Oil: Helps sauté the garlic and ties the sauce together with extra depth.
• Salt and Black Pepper: Season to taste. A pinch of flaky salt on top is divine.
• Fresh Parsley or Basil: Optional, but fresh herbs lift the whole dish and add color.

Variations

Want to mix things up a bit? Try one of these tasty tweaks:

• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or chili oil for a little heat.
• Vegetarian Version: Skip the chicken and toss in some roasted zucchini, asparagus, or cherry tomatoes.
• Swap the Pasta: Use gluten-free spaghetti, whole wheat pasta, or even pappardelle for a fun twist.
• Lemon Lovers: If you love it extra tangy, add a splash of white wine or a bit more lemon zest.
• Creamier Sauce: Stir in a splash of reserved pasta water or a tablespoon of mascarpone if you want an even silkier texture.

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

Step 1: Cook the Spaghetti

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti until al dente according to package instructions. Reserve a bit of pasta water before draining.

Step 2: Make the Lemon Butter Garlic Sauce

In a large skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant—about 1-2 minutes. Stir in the lemon juice and zest, and season with salt and pepper.

Step 3: Add the Chicken

Add your cooked chicken to the skillet and stir to coat in the lemon butter garlic sauce. Let it warm through for a few minutes so the flavors meld.

Step 4: Combine with Pasta

Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet with the sauce and chicken. Toss everything together, adding a splash of pasta water if it needs loosening. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Step 5: Finish with Burrata

Plate the pasta, then tear the burrata over the top just before serving. The heat from the pasta will gently melt it into creamy perfection. Sprinkle with herbs and more pepper if desired.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

• Use High-Quality Burrata: Fresh burrata makes a huge difference—look for it in the specialty cheese section.
• Don’t Overcook the Garlic: It should be golden and fragrant, not brown or burnt. Burnt garlic = bitter sauce.
• Reserve Pasta Water: This starchy liquid is your best friend for creating a silky, cohesive sauce.
• Zest First, Then Juice: Always zest your lemon before juicing—it’s nearly impossible to zest a squeezed lemon.

How to Serve

This pasta is a standout on its own, but here’s how to make it even more memorable:

Garnishes:

Top with freshly cracked black pepper, chopped parsley or basil, a sprinkle of lemon zest, and a drizzle of olive oil.

Sides:

Serve alongside a crisp arugula salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette or roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccolini.

Bread:

A chunk of crusty bread is ideal for mopping up that extra sauce—don’t let it go to waste!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Transfer any leftovers into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors only get better as it sits.

Freezing

This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze the spaghetti and chicken (without burrata) for up to a month. Thaw overnight and add fresh burrata when reheating.

Reheating

Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water or olive oil to revive the sauce. Add burrata fresh each time—don’t microwave it.

FAQs

Can I use shredded mozzarella instead of burrata?
Yes, but keep in mind that burrata is much creamier and richer. Mozzarella will still give you that stretchy cheese pull but won’t melt into the sauce the same way.

Can I make this dish dairy-free?
You can skip the burrata and butter and use a good quality olive oil with lemon for a lighter, dairy-free version. It will still be delicious, just not as creamy.

What kind of chicken works best here?
Boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs work well—either grilled, baked, or shredded rotisserie. Just make sure it’s juicy and seasoned.

Is it okay to use bottled lemon juice?
Fresh lemon juice is definitely preferred here for brightness and flavor. Bottled lemon juice tends to be more acidic and less fragrant.

Final Thoughts

This Chicken Spaghetti with Burrata and Lemon Butter Garlic Sauce is comfort food with a burst of freshness and elegance. It’s perfect for busy nights when you want something truly satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen. Creamy, zesty, and unbelievably easy—you’re going to want to make this again and again. Give it a try, and get ready for major pasta love at first bite!

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