Chicken Spaghetti with Burrata

This chicken spaghetti transforms an ordinary weeknight dinner into something extraordinary with its creamy burrata cheese, roasted tomatoes, and zesty lemon butter garlic sauce. The combination creates a restaurant-quality dish that brings comfort and elegance to your table without hours of preparation.

I first made this pasta when hosting an impromptu dinner party, and it has since become my signature dish when I want to impress without spending all day in the kitchen. The way the burrata slowly melts into the warm pasta creates a moment of pure culinary joy every single time.

Ingredients

• Chicken breasts: choose plump, tender pieces that can be easily sliced horizontally for even cooking
• Cherry tomatoes: look for bright, firm ones that will roast to sweet perfection
• Burrata cheese: splurge on quality here as it is the crowning glory of the dish
• Meyer lemon: if possible for its subtle sweetness that regular lemons lack
• Smoked paprika: adds a gentle smoky depth that elevates the chicken
• Fresh basil: essential for that final aromatic touch that brings everything together
• Pine nuts: their buttery crunch provides delightful texture contrast
• Spaghetti: use a good quality pasta that will hold the sauce well

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 about 20 minutes until they become caramelized and slightly wrinkled. The roasting concentrates their sweetness and creates a beautiful texture contrast in the final dish.

Prepare the Chicken:

Season thinly sliced chicken breasts with smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, and salt. Cook in olive oil for about 5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. The thin slices ensure quick cooking and tender meat that will complement rather than overpower the pasta.

Create the Lemon Butter Sauce:

In the same skillet used for chicken, add lemon slices, minced garlic, and butter. Cook gently until the garlic softens and the lemon releases its oils. This creates an aromatic base that will coat every strand of pasta with bright, buttery flavor.

Cook the Pasta:

Boil spaghetti according to package directions until al dente. Reserve some pasta water before draining. The starchy water can help bind the sauce if needed for the perfect consistency.

Combine Components:

Toss the drained pasta in the lemon butter sauce, then top with sliced chicken and roasted tomatoes. Arrange everything to create visual appeal with layers of colors and textures.

Finish and Garnish:

When serving, tear burrata cheese over the hot pasta so it slowly melts into creamy pools. Sprinkle with fresh basil and toasted pine nuts for freshness and crunch.

Pin it

My family particularly loves the roasted tomatoes in this dish. My daughter, who normally picks tomatoes out of everything, devours these roasted gems and even asks for extras. Their sweet intensity completely transforms what a tomato can be.

Make Ahead Options

This dish works wonderfully for entertaining as several components can be prepared in advance. The tomatoes can be roasted earlier in the day and kept at room temperature. The chicken can be cooked and sliced up to a day ahead, then reheated briefly before serving. Just cook the pasta and warm the sauce when ready to serve for a stress-free dinner party.

Perfect Substitutions

While burrata creates the signature creamy experience, you can substitute fresh mozzarella in a pinch. The dish will lose some of its luxurious mouthfeel but will still be delicious. For a lighter version, consider using zucchini noodles in place of some or all of the pasta. Meyer lemons provide a special sweetness, but regular lemons work well too simply add a tiny pinch of sugar to balance any tartness.

Wine Pairing

This chicken spaghetti calls for a wine that can complement its creamy yet bright profile. A crisp Pinot Grigio works beautifully with the lemon notes, while an unoaked Chardonnay harmonizes with the creamy burrata. For red wine lovers, a light Pinot Noir offers enough acidity to cut through the richness without overwhelming the delicate flavors of the dish.

Pin it

The Burrata Magic

Burrata deserves special attention as it is the star ingredient that elevates this dish. When shopping, look for burrata that feels heavy for its size and comes in clear whey. The outer mozzarella shell should be firm but yielding, while the interior should be creamy and soft. Always serve burrata at room temperature about 30 minutes out of the refrigerator to fully appreciate its flavor and texture.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use store-bought roasted tomatoes?

Yes, you can use store-bought roasted tomatoes for convenience. However, roasting fresh cherry tomatoes at home enhances their sweetness and adds a deeper flavor to the dish.

→ What can I substitute for Burrata cheese?

If Burrata cheese isn't available, you can substitute it with fresh mozzarella or a dollop of ricotta for a creamy texture.

→ What type of chicken works best for this dish?

Thinly sliced, boneless, skinless chicken breasts work best. If the chicken breasts are thick, slice them horizontally to ensure even cooking.

→ Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

The dish is best enjoyed fresh, but you can roast the tomatoes and cook the chicken ahead of time. Store them separately and assemble the pasta just before serving.

→ What are some side dishes that pair well with this meal?

A simple green salad, garlic bread, or steamed asparagus complement the flavors of the chicken spaghetti beautifully.

→ What type of spaghetti should I use?

Regular spaghetti works great, but you can also use whole wheat or gluten-free options if preferred.