Name: Chicken Spaghetti with Burrata and Lemon Butter Garlic Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 12 oz spaghetti; 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips; 1 teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 4 tablespoons butter; 4 cloves garlic, minced; Zest and juice of 1 lemon; ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional); ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese; ½ cup reserved pasta water; 8 oz burrata cheese (2 small balls or torn into pieces); 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil or parsley

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If you’re looking for a pasta dish that feels like a celebration every time you serve it, Chicken Spaghetti with Burrata and Lemon Butter Garlic Sauce is about to become your new favorite. This meal brings together tender chicken, silky spaghetti, creamy burrata, and a tangy, buttery sauce that’s brightened up with fresh lemon and garlic. Every forkful is a perfect balance of richness, zest, and comfort, making it a showstopper whether you’re cooking for yourself or hosting a dinner party.

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

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s talk about the magic behind this dish: it’s all about simple ingredients that, when combined, create layers of irresistible flavor. Each component in Chicken Spaghetti with Burrata and Lemon Butter Garlic Sauce brings something unique to the table, from creamy cheese to the zing of fresh lemon.

Spaghetti (12 oz): The classic pasta shape acts as the perfect canvas for soaking up all that luscious sauce.
Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts (1 lb): Cut into strips, these cook quickly and remain juicy, adding protein and heartiness.
Olive Oil (2 tablespoons): For sautéing the chicken and infusing the dish with a subtle fruity richness.
Salt (1 teaspoon): Essential for seasoning both the pasta water and the chicken, bringing all the flavors together.
Black Pepper (½ teaspoon): Adds a gentle kick and depth to the chicken and the final dish.
Butter (4 tablespoons): The foundation of the lemon garlic sauce, giving it a velvety, comforting finish.
Garlic (4 cloves, minced): Infuses the sauce with aromatic, savory notes that define the dish.
Lemon (zest and juice of 1): Brings a bright, zippy freshness that lightens up the whole plate.
Red Pepper Flakes (½ teaspoon, optional): For those who like a little heat, this adds a gentle warmth to the sauce.
Parmesan Cheese (½ cup, grated): Melts into the spaghetti, giving the sauce a salty, nutty bite.
Reserved Pasta Water (½ cup): The secret to a silky sauce that clings perfectly to every strand of spaghetti.
Burrata Cheese (8 oz, 2 small balls or torn): Adds a decadent creaminess that melts beautifully over the hot pasta.
Fresh Basil or Parsley (2 tablespoons, chopped): A final flourish of color and herby brightness.

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

Step 1: Cook the Spaghetti

Start by bringing a big pot of salted water to a boil. Add your spaghetti and cook it according to the package instructions until it’s perfectly al dente. Before you drain, dip a measuring cup into the pot and save about half a cup of that starchy pasta water—this is the magic ingredient for a silky, restaurant-worthy sauce. Drain the spaghetti and set it aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Chicken

While the pasta is cooking, season your chicken strips with salt and pepper. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and sauté for 6 to 7 minutes, turning occasionally, until each piece is golden brown and cooked through. Transfer the chicken to a plate and keep it warm—you’re just getting started!

Step 3: Make the Lemon Butter Garlic Sauce

In the same skillet (don’t wash it—you want all those tasty chicken bits!), reduce the heat to medium and add the butter. As it melts, toss in the minced garlic and let it sizzle for about a minute until fragrant. Then, stir in the lemon zest, lemon juice, and red pepper flakes if you’re feeling spicy. The aroma is absolutely mouthwatering and sets the stage for the whole dish.

Step 4: Bring It All Together

Add the cooked spaghetti directly into the skillet with the sauce. Pour in the reserved pasta water and sprinkle over the Parmesan cheese. Use tongs to gently toss everything together until the spaghetti is glossy and coated with the lemony, garlicky butter sauce. Slide the cooked chicken back into the pan, and toss gently to combine all the goodness.

Step 5: Add Burrata and Fresh Herbs

Just before serving, tear or cut the burrata into pieces and arrange them over the hot pasta. The heat will start to melt the cheese, creating irresistible creamy pockets throughout the dish. Finish with a generous sprinkle of chopped basil or parsley for a fresh, vibrant touch. Serve your Chicken Spaghetti with Burrata and Lemon Butter Garlic Sauce right away, while everything is at its best!

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

Garnishes

The finishing touches make all the difference! A little extra lemon zest over the top wakes up the whole dish, while a final dusting of Parmesan gives it that classic Italian flair. Scatter a few more fresh basil or parsley leaves for a pop of color and a burst of herby aroma. If you want to impress, a drizzle of good quality olive oil just before serving is a chef’s kiss moment.

Side Dishes

Chicken Spaghetti with Burrata and Lemon Butter Garlic Sauce is the star of the show, but it plays beautifully with a light arugula salad tossed in lemon vinaigrette or a side of crispy garlic bread. Roasted vegetables or even a simple Caprese salad are also fantastic options to round out the meal without overshadowing the main attraction.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party, serve the pasta family-style on a big platter, letting everyone dig in and discover pockets of creamy burrata. Or, twirl individual nests of spaghetti onto plates and nestle a generous piece of burrata on each. For a fun twist, try piling everything into mini cast iron skillets for a rustic, cozy feel—this makes the Chicken Spaghetti with Burrata and Lemon Butter Garlic Sauce even more memorable.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers (which is rare because it’s so delicious), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Keep the burrata separate if possible, so it stays creamy and fresh when you reheat the pasta.

Freezing

While the chicken and spaghetti freeze fairly well, burrata does not maintain its signature creamy texture after freezing. If you want to freeze the base, do so before adding the burrata, and then top with fresh cheese when you’re ready to serve. Freeze in a tightly sealed container for up to two months.

Reheating

To reheat, add a splash of water or chicken broth to the pasta and warm gently in a skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Add the burrata just before serving so it melts into the spaghetti just like it did the first time you made Chicken Spaghetti with Burrata and Lemon Butter Garlic Sauce.

FAQs

Can I substitute another cheese for burrata?

Absolutely! While burrata is uniquely creamy, you can use fresh mozzarella torn into pieces or even a dollop of ricotta for a similar effect. Just remember, the luscious creaminess of burrata is what makes Chicken Spaghetti with Burrata and Lemon Butter Garlic Sauce extra special.

Is this dish spicy with the red pepper flakes?

Only if you want it to be! The red pepper flakes are totally optional and add a gentle warmth rather than serious heat. Feel free to adjust or omit them according to your taste.

Can I use a different type Main Course

Definitely! While spaghetti works beautifully, feel free to swap in linguine, fettuccine, or even short pasta shapes like rigatoni. The sauce is versatile and clings well to most types, so you can make Chicken Spaghetti with Burrata and Lemon Butter Garlic Sauce with your favorite pasta.

What’s the best way to zest a lemon?

A microplane grater is your best friend here. Gently run it over the lemon, taking only the bright yellow layer and leaving the bitter white pith behind. Fresh zest adds a huge burst of citrus flavor to your Chicken Spaghetti with Burrata and Lemon Butter Garlic Sauce.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Simply swap in your favorite gluten-free spaghetti or pasta. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, so everyone can enjoy this fabulous Chicken Spaghetti with Burrata and Lemon Butter Garlic Sauce.

Final Thoughts

Chicken Spaghetti with Burrata and Lemon Butter Garlic Sauce is one of those dishes that tastes like it took all day, but comes together in just 30 minutes. It’s fresh, creamy, and bursting with flavor. I hope you give it a try and make it a go-to in your kitchen—you might just find yourself craving it every week!

Chicken Spaghetti with Burrata and Lemon Butter Garlic Sauce Recipe

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4.5 from 10 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Chicken Spaghetti with Burrata and Lemon Butter Garlic Sauce is a creamy, flavorful Italian-American dish featuring tender chicken, al dente spaghetti, and a luscious lemony butter garlic sauce topped with rich burrata cheese and fresh herbs. Perfect for an easy weeknight meal, it balances zesty lemon and garlic with the indulgence of burrata and Parmesan.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta and Chicken

12 oz spaghetti
1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper

Sauce and Toppings

2 tablespoons olive oil
4 tablespoons butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
Zest and juice of 1 lemon
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
½ cup reserved pasta water
8 oz burrata cheese (2 small balls or torn into pieces)
2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil or parsley

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Instructions

Cook the Spaghetti: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of the pasta water, then drain the spaghetti and set aside.
Prepare the Chicken: While the pasta cooks, season the chicken strips with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and sauté for 6–7 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
Make the Lemon Butter Garlic Sauce: Reduce the heat to medium and add butter to the same skillet. Once melted, add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it. Stir in the lemon zest, lemon juice, and red pepper flakes if using.
Toss Pasta with Sauce: Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet along with the reserved pasta water and grated Parmesan cheese. Toss everything together thoroughly to evenly coat the pasta with the sauce.
Combine Chicken and Pasta: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and gently mix to combine with the pasta and sauce.
Add Burrata and Herbs: Just before serving, top the pasta and chicken with torn pieces of burrata cheese and sprinkle with chopped fresh basil or parsley for a fresh finish.
Serve: Serve the dish warm, optionally accompanied by a fresh arugula salad or garlic bread.

Notes

Add burrata just before serving to maintain its creamy texture.
For extra flavor, add a splash of white wine to the sauce while cooking the garlic and butter.
To add crunch and interest, sprinkle toasted pine nuts on top.
This dish pairs wonderfully with a side arugula salad or warm garlic bread.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Italian-American