Chicken Spaghetti with Burrata and Lemon Butter Garlic Sauce is a decadent and comforting pasta dish that combines tender chicken, al dente spaghetti, and a rich, creamy lemon butter garlic sauce. Topped with fresh burrata cheese, this meal is both elegant and satisfying, perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This dish elevates simple spaghetti with the luxurious addition of burrata cheese and a tangy, buttery sauce. The lemon adds brightness, while the garlic and butter create a rich base that clings to every strand of pasta. With tender chicken mixed in, it’s a complete, crowd-pleasing meal that tastes gourmet but is surprisingly easy to make.

Chicken Spaghetti with Burrata and Lemon Butter Garlic Sauce

Ingredients

12 oz spaghetti
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
Salt and pepper, to taste
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick)
Zest and juice of 1 lemon
1/2 cup chicken broth
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 ball burrata cheese (about 4 oz), for topping
Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Cook the Spaghetti: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook spaghetti according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.
Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper, then cook for 5–7 minutes, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant. Stir in lemon zest, lemon juice, and chicken broth, and simmer for 2–3 minutes.
Combine Pasta and Chicken: Add the cooked spaghetti and chicken back into the skillet. Toss to coat in the lemon butter garlic sauce. If the pasta seems dry, add a splash of the reserved pasta water until desired consistency is reached. Stir in Parmesan cheese.
Serve: Transfer the pasta to serving plates. Tear the burrata cheese over the top, allowing the creamy interior to melt slightly over the pasta. Garnish with fresh parsley. Serve immediately.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes

Variations

Spicy Version: Add extra red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce for a little kick.
Vegetable Addition: Toss in sautéed spinach, cherry tomatoes, or asparagus for extra color and nutrition.
Alternative Cheese: Substitute burrata with fresh mozzarella or ricotta for a slightly different creamy texture.
Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free spaghetti to make the dish gluten-free.
Herb Variation: Add fresh thyme or basil to the sauce for a fragrant twist.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Reheating: Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen the sauce. Burrata is best added fresh when serving.

FAQs

1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs work well and provide a juicier, slightly richer flavor.

2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

You can prep the chicken and sauce ahead of time, but the burrata should be added just before serving for the best texture.

3. Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, fettuccine, linguine, or even penne can be used instead of spaghetti.

4. How do I prevent the pasta from drying out?

Reserve some pasta water to add when tossing the pasta with the sauce. This will help maintain a creamy consistency.

5. Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes, substitute butter with olive oil or a plant-based butter, and skip the Parmesan and burrata or use vegan alternatives.

6. Can I freeze this pasta?

Freezing is not recommended due to the burrata, which can become watery and grainy. You can freeze the chicken and sauce separately without cheese for later use.

7. Can I add vegetables to the dish?

Absolutely! Sautéed mushrooms, spinach, asparagus, or cherry tomatoes pair beautifully with the lemon butter garlic sauce.

8. Can I use pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken?

Yes, pre-cooked chicken can be added at the end to warm through. Adjust seasoning as needed.

9. How tangy is the lemon flavor?

The lemon provides a bright, balanced acidity that complements the richness of the butter and burrata without overpowering the dish.

10. Can I use Parmesan instead of burrata?

Yes, Parmesan can be added to the top for extra flavor, but it won’t provide the same creamy texture as burrata.

Conclusion

Chicken Spaghetti with Burrata and Lemon Butter Garlic Sauce is a decadent yet simple pasta dish that combines tender chicken, rich buttery sauce, and creamy burrata for a restaurant-quality meal at home. With a perfect balance of tang, richness, and flavor, this recipe is sure to impress family and friends while remaining easy enough for a weeknight dinner.

Chef MARTHA