Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Fresh and Vibrant: The roasted cherry tomatoes and fresh basil infuse the dish with bright, summery flavors.
- Creamy Indulgence: Burrata cheese adds a luxurious creaminess that elevates the pasta to gourmet status.
- Balanced and Flavorful: The zesty lemon butter garlic sauce complements the savory chicken and sweet tomatoes, creating a harmonious blend of tastes.
- Simple Yet Sophisticated: Easy enough for a weeknight dinner, yet impressive enough to serve to guests.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Cherry tomatoes
- Olive oil
- Garlic
- Salt and pepper
- Chicken breasts
- Smoked paprika
- Italian seasoning
- Meyer lemon
- Butter
- Spaghetti
- Burrata cheese
- Fresh basil leaves
- Pine nuts
Directions
- Roast the Tomatoes:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C).
- Halve the cherry tomatoes and toss them with olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Spread them on a parchment-lined baking sheet and roast for about 20 minutes until tender.
- Prepare the Chicken:
- Season thinly sliced chicken breasts with smoked paprika and Italian seasoning.
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook the chicken until fully cooked and no longer pink in the center.
- Remove from heat and set aside.
- Make the Lemon Butter Garlic Sauce:
- In the same skillet, melt butter and add thinly sliced Meyer lemon and minced garlic.
- Cook until the lemon slices are tender and the garlic is fragrant.
- Cook the Spaghetti:
- While preparing the sauce, cook the spaghetti in salted boiling water until al dente.
- Drain and add the spaghetti to the skillet with the lemon butter garlic sauce, tossing to combine.
- Remove and discard the lemon slices.
- Toast the Pine Nuts:
- Reduce the oven temperature to 350°F (177°C).
- Spread pine nuts on a baking sheet and toast for about 5 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Assemble the Dish:
- Combine the roasted tomatoes, cooked chicken, and lemon butter spaghetti.
- Top with torn burrata cheese, chopped fresh basil, and toasted pine nuts.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Preparation Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
Variations
- Vegetarian Option: Omit the chicken and add more roasted vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers.
- Different Proteins: Substitute chicken with shrimp or grilled tofu for a different twist.
- Pasta Alternatives: Use fettuccine, bucatini, or angel hair pasta instead of spaghetti.
- Nut-Free: Skip the pine nuts if you have nut allergies; the dish will still be delicious.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Gently reheat in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to maintain moisture.
FAQs
What is burrata cheese?
Burrata is a fresh Italian cheese made from mozzarella and cream. The outer shell is solid mozzarella, while the inside contains stracciatella and cream, giving it a soft, creamy texture.
Can I use regular lemons instead of Meyer lemons?
Yes, regular lemons can be used. Meyer lemons are sweeter and less acidic, so you might want to add a pinch of sugar to balance the tartness if using regular lemons.
Is there a substitute for pine nuts?
You can substitute pine nuts with toasted almonds, walnuts, or omit them entirely if preferred.
How can I make this dish gluten-free?
Use gluten-free spaghetti to make this recipe suitable for a gluten-free diet.
Can I prepare any components in advance?
Yes, you can roast the tomatoes and cook the chicken ahead of time. Store them separately in the refrigerator and combine with freshly cooked pasta and sauce when ready to serve.
What wine pairs well with this dish?
A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio complements the lemony and creamy flavors of this pasta.
How do I prevent the pine nuts from burning?
Toast the pine nuts at 350°F (177°C) for about 5 minutes, keeping a close eye on them, as they can burn quickly.
Can I add more vegetables to this pasta?
Absolutely! Vegetables like spinach, asparagus, or bell peppers can be added for extra nutrition and flavor.
Is this dish spicy?
No, this recipe is not spicy. However, you can add red pepper flakes to the lemon butter garlic sauce if you prefer some heat.
How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?
The chicken is cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and is no longer pink in the center.
Conclusion
This Chicken Spaghetti with Burrata and Lemon Butter Garlic Sauce is a delightful combination of fresh ingredients and rich flavors. Its versatility allows for various adaptations to suit different dietary needs and preferences. Whether for a family dinner or entertaining guests, this dish is sure to impress and satisfy. Enjoy the harmonious blend of creamy burrata, zesty lemon, and savory chicken in every bite!
Chicken Spaghetti with Burrata and Lemon Butter Garlic Sauce
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
SEO Optimized Description: Indulge in a vibrant and comforting meal with this Chicken Spaghetti featuring creamy burrata, roasted cherry tomatoes, and a zesty lemon butter garlic sauce. A perfect balance of fresh basil, toasted pine nuts, and seasoned chicken makes this pasta dish a delightful choice for both casual dinners and elegant gatherings. Easy to prepare and packed with gourmet flavors, it’s a surefire crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 chicken breasts, thinly sliced
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 Meyer lemon, thinly sliced
- 4 tbsp butter
- 12 oz spaghetti
- 8 oz burrata cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 2 tbsp pine nuts
Instructions
- Roast the Tomatoes:
Preheat oven to 400°F (204°C). Toss halved cherry tomatoes with olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Spread on a parchment-lined baking sheet and roast for 20 minutes until tender. - Cook the Chicken:
Season chicken slices with smoked paprika and Italian seasoning. Cook in a skillet over medium heat until fully cooked and no longer pink. Remove and set aside. - Make the Lemon Butter Garlic Sauce:
Using the same skillet, melt butter. Add thinly sliced Meyer lemon and minced garlic. Sauté until lemons are tender and garlic is fragrant. - Cook the Spaghetti:
Boil spaghetti in salted water until al dente. Drain and toss into the skillet with the lemon butter garlic sauce. Remove lemon slices before mixing. - Toast the Pine Nuts:
Lower the oven to 350°F (177°C). Spread pine nuts on a baking sheet and toast for 5 minutes. - Assemble the Dish:
Combine roasted tomatoes, cooked chicken, and lemon butter spaghetti. Top with torn burrata cheese, fresh basil, and toasted pine nuts. Serve warm.
Notes
- Substitute Meyer lemons with regular lemons and a pinch of sugar if needed.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- For extra heat, add red pepper flakes to the lemon butter garlic sauce.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop & Roasting
- Cuisine: Italian
