Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is a dream come true for anyone who loves creamy, flavorful pasta dishes with a hint of citrus. The combination of burrata cheese, lemon butter, and garlic sauce creates a rich, velvety texture that coats the spaghetti beautifully. The shredded chicken adds protein, making the dish both hearty and satisfying. Plus, the fact that it only requires seven ingredients means it’s simple, affordable, and incredibly easy to make. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or preparing a cozy meal for yourself, this recipe will become a go-to favorite.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces spaghetti
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup burrata cheese
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lemon (juice and zest)
- Salt and pepper to taste
(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. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of the pasta water, then drain the rest.
- Prepare the Lemon Butter Garlic Sauce: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to let it brown.
- Add Lemon: Squeeze the juice of one lemon into the skillet and add the lemon zest. Stir to combine and let it infuse into the sauce.
- Incorporate Chicken: Add the shredded chicken into the skillet, mixing it well with the lemon butter garlic sauce. Heat for 2-3 minutes until the chicken is warmed through.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked spaghetti into the skillet, tossing it until the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce. If needed, use the reserved pasta water to achieve your desired sauce consistency.
- Season to Taste: Sprinkle salt and pepper to taste, adjusting to your preferences.
- Add Burrata: Remove from heat and carefully tear apart the burrata, placing it on top of the pasta. Let it melt slightly from the residual heat.
- Serve Immediately: Give the spaghetti a gentle toss to incorporate the burrata before serving.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
Variations
- Add Veggies: For extra flavor and nutrition, you can add sautéed spinach, cherry tomatoes, or roasted asparagus to the dish.
- Make it Spicy: Add red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper to give the dish a spicy kick.
- Use Different Cheese: While burrata is a creamy and indulgent choice, you can also substitute it with mozzarella, ricotta, or even a sprinkle of Parmesan.
- Add Herbs: Fresh herbs like basil, parsley, or thyme can be tossed in for added fragrance and color.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftover Chicken Spaghetti in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days.
- Reheating: To reheat, place the pasta in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or chicken broth to loosen the sauce. Stir occasionally until heated through. You can also reheat it in the microwave for 1-2 minutes.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought rotisserie chicken for this recipe?
Yes, rotisserie chicken works wonderfully in this recipe and will save you time. Just shred the chicken and add it to the sauce as directed.
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, you can use any type of pasta you prefer, such as fettuccine, penne, or rigatoni. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time based on the type of pasta.
Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?
You can omit the chicken and make a delicious vegetarian version by adding more vegetables, such as mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
While the dish is best served fresh, you can prepare the chicken and lemon butter sauce ahead of time, then toss everything together and add the burrata just before serving.
How can I make the sauce creamier?
If you’d like a richer, creamier sauce, you can add a splash of heavy cream or some cream cheese to the butter and garlic sauce.
What can I substitute for burrata cheese?
If you can’t find burrata, you can substitute with fresh mozzarella or ricotta cheese. The creaminess of burrata is what makes this dish so special, but these alternatives will still provide a delicious texture.
Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken if needed, just make sure to thaw and shred it before adding it to the sauce.
How do I know when the pasta is done?
The pasta should be cooked al dente, which means it should still have a firm bite when you taste it. Follow the package instructions for timing, and always taste a piece before draining to ensure it’s to your liking.
Can I use salted butter in this recipe?
Yes, you can use salted butter, but be mindful of the amount of salt you add to the dish, as the butter will already provide some seasoning.
Can I freeze leftovers?
While it’s possible to freeze the dish, the texture of the burrata cheese may change after freezing and reheating. If you do decide to freeze, store the pasta and sauce in an airtight container for up to 1 month. Reheat on low heat when ready to serve.
Conclusion
Chicken Spaghetti with Burrata and Lemon Butter Garlic Sauce is the perfect balance of simplicity and elegance. With just a handful of ingredients, you can create a creamy, flavorful dish that’s sure to please everyone at the table. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a more refined meal for guests, this recipe is sure to impress! The burst of fresh lemon, the richness of burrata, and the tender chicken make this dish an unforgettable experience.
Chicken Spaghetti with Burrata and Lemon Butter Garlic Sauce: An Incredible 7-Ingredient Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A creamy and flavorful Chicken Spaghetti with Burrata and Lemon Butter Garlic Sauce. Simple, quick, and perfect for a cozy weeknight or special dinner.
Ingredients
8 ounces spaghetti
2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
1 cup burrata cheese
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 lemon (juice and zest)
Salt and pepper to taste
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 1 cup of the pasta water, then drain the rest.
- Prepare the Lemon Butter Garlic Sauce: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to let it brown.
- Add Lemon: Squeeze the juice of one lemon into the skillet and add the lemon zest. Stir to combine and let it infuse into the sauce.
- Incorporate Chicken: Add the shredded chicken into the skillet, mixing it well with the lemon butter garlic sauce. Heat for 2-3 minutes until the chicken is warmed through.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked spaghetti into the skillet, tossing it until the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce. If needed, use the reserved pasta water to achieve your desired sauce consistency.
- Season to Taste: Sprinkle salt and pepper to taste, adjusting to your preferences.
- Add Burrata: Remove from heat and carefully tear apart the burrata, placing it on top of the pasta. Let it melt slightly from the residual heat.
- Serve Immediately: Give the spaghetti a gentle toss to incorporate the burrata before serving.
Notes
For extra flavor, add sautéed spinach, cherry tomatoes, or roasted asparagus to the dish.
Spice it up by adding red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper.
Feel free to swap burrata with mozzarella, ricotta, or Parmesan if needed.
Fresh herbs like basil or parsley can be added for extra fragrance and color.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 510
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 470mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
