Oh my goodness, are you ready for a flavor explosion? This chicken spaghetti with burrata and lemon butter garlic sauce is my go-to dish when I want to impress without spending all day in the kitchen. Picture this: perfectly cooked spaghetti, tender shredded chicken, and a luscious sauce that sings with the bright notes of lemon and the rich creaminess of burrata. It’s like a love letter to Italian comfort food! I remember the first time I made this; I was trying to use up some leftovers, and it turned into a masterpiece! The combination of garlic and butter is always a winner, and the burrata? Well, let’s just say it takes everything to a whole new level. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll want to make it again and again!
Ingredients List
- 8 oz spaghetti
- 2 chicken breasts, cooked and shredded
- 1 cup burrata cheese, torn into pieces
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lemon, juiced and zested
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
How to Prepare *Chicken Spaghetti with Burrata and Lemon Butter Garlic Sauce*
Cooking the Spaghetti
Let’s start with the spaghetti! Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. I like to add about a tablespoon of salt to really flavor the pasta. Once it’s boiling, toss in 8 ounces of spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions, usually about 8-10 minutes, until it’s al dente. You want that perfect bite! Remember to give it a stir occasionally to prevent it from sticking. Once it’s done, drain it in a colander but don’t rinse it—those starchy bits will help the sauce cling later!
Making the Sauce
Now for the magic part—making the lemon butter garlic sauce! In a large skillet, melt 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. As it melts, the aroma will start to fill your kitchen. Add in 4 minced cloves of garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes, but watch it closely; we don’t want it to burn! Once it’s fragrant and golden, stir in the juice and zest of 1 lemon. This is where the freshness really shines through! Give it a good stir and let it bubble gently for another minute, letting those flavors mingle.
Combining Everything
Alright, it’s time to bring it all together! Add your shredded chicken to the skillet with the sauce, mixing it well to coat every piece. Then, toss in the drained spaghetti, gently combining everything so that the noodles are beautifully coated in that luscious sauce. If it feels a bit dry, don’t hesitate to add a splash of pasta water—it’s like liquid gold for your dish!
Serving the Dish
Now onto the fun part—serving! Plate up generous portions of your chicken spaghetti, then tear the creamy burrata into pieces and place it right on top. It’ll melt slightly into the warm pasta, creating an indulgent layer of richness. Finish it off with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for that pop of color and freshness. Serve it immediately while it’s hot, and trust me, everyone will be diving in before you can say “delizioso!”
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s a quick and easy meal, perfect for busy weeknights—ready in just 35 minutes!
- The combination of creamy burrata and zesty lemon butter garlic sauce creates flavors that are simply unforgettable.
- It’s a one-pan wonder, making clean-up a breeze while still delivering a gourmet vibe.
- This dish is gluten-free when you use gluten-free spaghetti, so everyone can enjoy it!
- It’s versatile—feel free to add your favorite veggies or adjust the garlic for a flavor that’s uniquely yours!
Tips for Success
To make sure your *chicken spaghetti with burrata and lemon butter garlic sauce* turns out absolutely perfect, here are some of my favorite tips! Trust me, these little details can make all the difference.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and a juicy lemon will elevate your dish. The zest of the lemon adds such a vibrant flavor, so don’t skip it!
- Don’t Overcook the Spaghetti: Aim for al dente! It’s better to undercook it just a bit since it will continue to cook when you mix it with the sauce.
- Season Generously: When cooking the spaghetti, don’t be shy with the salt. It’s your chance to infuse flavor right into the pasta!
- Keep the Heat Medium: When sautéing the garlic, keep an eye on it and adjust the heat if necessary. Burnt garlic can ruin the sauce, so stir frequently and take it off the heat if it starts to brown too quickly.
- Save Some Pasta Water: Before draining the spaghetti, reserve a cup of pasta water. If your sauce is too thick, a splash of this starchy water will help loosen it up and add creaminess!
- Garnish with Love: Fresh parsley not only adds a pop of color but also a fresh flavor that complements the rich burrata beautifully. Plus, it looks gorgeous on the plate!
- Serve Immediately: This dish is best enjoyed fresh out of the pan while everything is warm and the burrata is melty. If you let it sit too long, the texture can change, so dig in right away!
Variations
If you’re feeling adventurous, there are so many fun ways to switch up your *chicken spaghetti with burrata and lemon butter garlic sauce*! Here are some ideas that you can play around with to make this dish uniquely yours:
- Protein Swap: Instead of chicken, try using shrimp or sautéed scallops! Both options add a delightful seafood twist that pairs beautifully with the lemon butter sauce.
- Veggie Boost: Toss in some fresh spinach, cherry tomatoes, or even roasted bell peppers for added color and nutrition. Just sauté them in the garlic butter before adding the chicken.
- Herb Medley: Experiment with different fresh herbs! Basil, thyme, or even a bit of dill can bring a whole new flavor profile to the dish. Just add them in at the end for a fresh hit.
- Cheese Lovers: If you want to mix up the cheese game, try adding some grated Parmesan or a sprinkle of feta for a tangy kick alongside the burrata.
- Spice it Up: Feeling a little adventurous? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat! It complements the garlic and lemon perfectly.
These variations make it easy to customize the dish to your taste or to use what you have on hand. So go ahead, get creative, and have fun with it! You never know what delicious combinations you might come up with!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Now, let’s talk about what to do with those delicious leftovers! If you happen to have any of your *chicken spaghetti with burrata and lemon butter garlic sauce* left (which is rare, trust me!), here’s how to store it properly so you can enjoy it again later.
First off, let the dish cool down to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. I like to use glass containers because they keep everything fresh and are microwave-safe! You can store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just remember to seal it tightly to keep those flavors intact.
When you’re ready to reheat, you have a couple of options. The microwave is quick—just pop it in for about 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating. If you prefer the stovetop method, heat a little olive oil or butter in a skillet over medium heat, then add your spaghetti. Stir it gently, adding a splash of pasta water if needed to bring back that creamy texture.
Either way, be careful not to overheat it, as the burrata can lose its lovely creaminess if cooked too long. And just like that, you’ll have a comforting meal ready to enjoy all over again!
Nutritional Information Disclaimer
Please keep in mind that the nutritional information provided for this *chicken spaghetti with burrata and lemon butter garlic sauce* is an estimate and can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use. Factors such as portion sizes and any added ingredients can also affect the overall nutrition. For the most accurate results, it’s always best to calculate using your own measurements and products. Enjoy your cooking adventure!
FAQ Section
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While I love spaghetti for this dish, you can easily swap it out for any pasta shape you like. Fettuccine, penne, or even gluten-free options work wonderfully. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time based on the pasta shape!
What can I substitute for burrata?
If burrata isn’t available, don’t worry! You can use fresh mozzarella as a substitute. While it won’t be quite as creamy, it still adds a lovely texture and flavor. Just tear it into pieces and sprinkle it on top just like you would with burrata.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
While this *chicken spaghetti with burrata and lemon butter garlic sauce* is best served fresh, you can prep some components ahead of time. Cook the spaghetti and shred the chicken in advance. Just keep everything separate until you’re ready to cook the sauce and combine it all for the best taste and texture!
What other vegetables can I add to this dish?
The sky’s the limit! Some of my favorites are spinach, zucchini, or even asparagus. Just sauté them with the garlic in the sauce for a few minutes until they’re tender. It’s a great way to sneak in some extra veggies!
How can I make this dish spicier?
For a bit of heat, add red pepper flakes to the garlic as you sauté it. You could also toss in some sliced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce at the end. It adds a delightful kick that pairs beautifully with the lemon and creamy burrata!
Print
Chicken Spaghetti with Burrata and Zesty Lemon Butter Sauce
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A delicious chicken spaghetti dish topped with creamy burrata and a flavorful lemon butter garlic sauce.
Ingredients
- 8 oz spaghetti
- 2 chicken breasts, cooked and shredded
- 1 cup burrata cheese
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lemon, juiced and zested
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook spaghetti according to package instructions.
- In a pan, melt butter over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
- Stir in lemon juice and zest.
- Add shredded chicken to the pan and mix well.
- Combine cooked spaghetti with the chicken and sauce.
- Serve topped with burrata cheese and garnish with parsley.
Notes
- Use fresh lemon for the best flavor.
- Adjust garlic according to your taste.
- Serve immediately for the best texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 600
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: chicken spaghetti, burrata, lemon butter garlic sauce