Chicken Spaghetti with Burrata and Lemon Butter Garlic Sauce Recipe

This Chicken Spaghetti with Burrata and Lemon Butter Garlic Sauce is what weeknight dinner dreams are made of. It’s fast, flavor-packed, and irresistibly creamy—thanks to that silky burrata and a zesty lemon butter garlic sauce that clings to every strand of spaghetti. The balance of juicy chicken, bright citrus, and rich cheese creates a comforting yet fresh pasta dish that feels restaurant-worthy but comes together in under 30 minutes at home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Weeknight-Friendly: Ready in under half an hour, this dish is perfect for those evenings when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Luxe Yet Simple: Burrata adds a luxurious, creamy texture with zero effort—just tear and place it on top.
• Bright and Balanced: The lemon butter garlic sauce keeps everything light and zippy, perfectly offsetting the richness of the burrata and the savory chicken.
• Flexible and Fuss-Free: It’s easy to customize, and the ingredients are pantry staples or easy to find at any grocery store.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what brings this flavorful pasta to life:

• Spaghetti: The base of the dish; choose a quality pasta that holds onto the sauce well.
• Cooked Chicken: Use shredded rotisserie chicken or pan-seared chicken breast for ease and protein.
• Burrata: The creamy star of the show. Tear it open just before serving for maximum creaminess.
• Lemon Juice and Zest: Adds brightness and acidity, balancing the richness of the sauce.
• Butter: Forms the luxurious base of the sauce and blends beautifully with garlic and lemon.
• Garlic: Freshly minced garlic brings the aromatic depth and punchy flavor that defines the sauce.
• Olive Oil: Helps sauté the garlic without burning, and adds a fruity note to the base of the sauce.
• Red Pepper Flakes (optional): Adds just a touch of heat to balance the cream and butter.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning every layer of the dish to bring out all the flavors.
• Fresh Herbs (like basil or parsley): For garnish and a pop of fresh color and flavor at the end.

Variations

Looking to put your own spin on it? Here are some tasty ideas:

• Vegetarian Version: Skip the chicken and add roasted mushrooms, asparagus, or sautéed spinach.
• Add a Crunch: Toasted pine nuts or crushed pistachios on top give an exciting textural contrast.
• Make It Spicy: Add more red pepper flakes, or drizzle with chili crisp for a fiery finish.
• Swap the Pasta: Use linguine, fettuccine, or even orzo if that’s what you have on hand.
• Citrus Twist: Try Meyer lemons or add a splash of orange juice for a sweeter citrus balance.

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

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your spaghetti until al dente. Reserve about a cup of pasta water before draining.

Step 2: Prepare the Sauce

In a large skillet, heat olive oil and melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté just until fragrant—about 30 seconds to a minute. Don’t let it brown.

Step 3: Add Lemon and Chicken

Stir in lemon juice and zest, then toss in the cooked chicken to warm it through. Add a splash of pasta water to help the sauce come together.

Step 4: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet and toss everything together. Adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes if using. Add more pasta water if needed to make it silky.

Step 5: Serve and Top with Burrata

Plate the pasta and gently tear open burrata over the top of each serving. Finish with freshly chopped herbs and a little extra lemon zest or black pepper if desired.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

• Use Room Temperature Burrata: This helps it melt slightly over the warm pasta, creating a luscious creaminess.
• Don’t Overcook the Garlic: Burned garlic turns bitter—aim for just golden and aromatic.
• Reserve Pasta Water: This starchy liquid is key for loosening the sauce and helping it cling to the pasta.
• Finish with a Splash of Olive Oil: A drizzle of good-quality extra virgin olive oil right before serving enhances the flavor and adds a glossy finish.

How to Serve

This dish is a complete star on its own, but it also plays well with others. Here are some great pairing ideas:

Garnishes

Top with fresh basil leaves, cracked black pepper, and a drizzle of lemon-infused olive oil.

Side Dishes

A crisp green salad with arugula or mixed greens balances the creamy pasta. Add a lemon vinaigrette for harmony. Garlic bread or crusty baguette? Always a yes.

Wine Pairing

Serve with a chilled glass of Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc for a refreshing contrast to the richness of the burrata.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep any extra burrata separate if possible, as it can get watery.

Freezing

This dish isn’t ideal for freezing because of the cheese and lemon. The sauce may separate upon reheating, so enjoy it fresh if you can.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce. Add fresh herbs or a touch of lemon juice to refresh the flavors.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought rotisserie chicken?
Yes! Rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut for this recipe. It’s flavorful, already cooked, and makes this dish even quicker to prepare.

Is there a substitute for burrata?
If you can’t find burrata, you can use fresh mozzarella or even a spoonful of ricotta. It won’t be quite as creamy, but it’ll still be delicious.

Can I make this dish dairy-free?
Absolutely. Use olive oil instead of butter and skip the burrata or replace it with a dairy-free cheese or cashew cream. The lemon and garlic will still shine.

What can I do if the sauce is too thin or watery?
Add a little more grated Parmesan or let it cook a bit longer to reduce. You can also toss in a knob of cold butter at the end to help thicken it slightly.

Final Thoughts

This Chicken Spaghetti with Burrata and Lemon Butter Garlic Sauce is the kind of recipe that turns a regular evening into something special. It’s rich, bright, comforting, and incredibly easy to pull off—exactly what we all need in our weeknight rotation. Try it once, and you’ll be hooked.

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