Baking Sheet: Essential for roasting tomatoes evenly and creating caramelized flavor.
Parchment Paper: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup super easy.
Skillet: Perfect for cooking chicken and sautéing lemon and garlic with butter.
Large Pot: Needed to boil spaghetti to al dente perfection.
Sharp Knife: Great for slicing chicken and cutting fresh ingredients.
Cutting Board: Provides a clean surface for ingredient preparation.
Mixing Bowl: Helps toss and season tomatoes with olive oil and spices.
Colander: Drains spaghetti quickly and efficiently.
Tongs: Helpful for handling and serving chicken and pasta.
Measuring Spoons: Ensures accurate seasoning for consistent flavor.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Chicken Spaghetti
Tomato Transformation Roasting warm oven transforms fresh tomatoes into caramelized flavor bombs by coating them with olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper before spreading across a baking sheet. They'll become deliciously golden and intense after 20 magical minutes.
Chicken Preparation juicy chicken breasts get seasoned with a robust blend of smoky paprika and Italian herbs. A skilled skillet sear creates perfect golden edges while keeping the inner meat tender and succulent.
Lemon Butter Magic after cooking chicken, the same skillet becomes a playground for creating a bright, rich sauce. Butter melts while lemon slices dance and garlic releases its aromatic charm, creating a silky base for the pasta.
Pasta Symphony spaghetti cooks to perfect al dente texture, retaining just enough starchy goodness to help sauce cling beautifully. The noodles become a canvas for the upcoming flavor explosion.
Elegant Plating each plate receives a generous tangle of spaghetti embraced by roasted tomatoes and sliced chicken. Creamy burrata adds luxurious richness while fresh basil leaves and toasted pine nuts provide a final elegant touch that transforms a simple meal into a culinary masterpiece.
Tips and Flavor Twists for Chicken Spaghetti
Intensify flavors by slow-roasting tomatoes, which concentrates their natural sweetness and creates a deeper, more complex taste profile for your dish.
Replace chicken with grilled shrimp, seared salmon, or tofu for diverse protein options that complement the pasta's delicate sauce and roasted tomato base.
Experiment with fresh herbs like oregano, thyme, or parsley to elevate the dish's aromatic qualities and add a vibrant green garnish that increases visual appeal.
Try different soft cheeses like mozzarella, ricotta, or goat cheese instead of burrata for unique texture and flavor variations that match your personal preference.
Add red pepper flakes, cayenne, or a dash of hot sauce to introduce a gentle heat that balances the dish's creamy and tangy elements for those who enjoy a subtle kick.
Chicken Spaghetti Serving Ideas
Rustic Family Feast: Gather loved ones around the table and serve this delightful chicken spaghetti as a comforting weekend meal that sparks conversation and brings everyone closer.
Fresh Herb Garnish Paradise: Sprinkle additional fresh basil, parsley, or chives over the dish to add vibrant color and a burst of aromatic freshness that elevates each bite.
Wine Pairing Delight: Complement the rich flavors with a crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or a light Sauvignon Blanc that cuts through the creamy burrata and enhances the roasted tomato notes.
Restaurant-Style Plating: Create an elegant presentation by twirling spaghetti into a neat nest on each plate, artfully arranging sliced chicken, roasted tomatoes, and burrata on top for a restaurant-quality look.
Storing and Reheating Chicken Spaghetti
Fridge Fresh Magic: Store leftover chicken spaghetti in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking, keeping ingredients crisp and flavors locked in tight.
Quick Reheat Trick: Warm refrigerated portions in skillet with splash of olive oil, stirring gently to restore moisture and prevent pasta from becoming dry or sticky.
Make-Ahead Meal Prep: Prepare roasted tomatoes and seasoned chicken up to 3 days before final assembly, storing separately in sealed containers to maintain individual ingredient quality.
Freezer Survival Strategy: Wrap individual servings in freezer-safe containers, removing as much air as possible, which allows storage for up to 1 month without compromising taste or texture.
Delightful chicken spaghetti brings comfort and flavor straight from Southern kitchens. Creamy cheese, tender chicken, and perfectly cooked pasta create a hearty meal you’ll savor with pure satisfaction.
Ingredients
Scale
1.5 lbs (680 g) chicken breast, thinly sliced
8 oz (226 g) burrata cheese
8 oz (226 g) spaghetti
10 oz (283 g) cherry or grape tomatoes, sliced in half
½ lemon (Meyer lemon preferred), thinly sliced
½ cup (25 g) fresh basil, chopped
7 cloves garlic, minced
4 tbsps (56 g) butter
4 tbsps (60 ml) olive oil
⅓ cup (45 g) pine nuts, lightly toasted
¼ tsp salt
2 tsps smoked paprika
1 tsp Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Prepare Tomatoes: Toss cherry tomatoes with olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper, then roast at 400°F (204°C) for 18-22 minutes until tender and caramelized around edges.
Season and Cook Chicken: Coat chicken breasts with salt, smoked paprika, and Italian herbs, then sear in a skillet over medium-high heat for 5-6 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Rest for 3-4 minutes and slice thinly.
Create Sauce Base: In the same skillet, melt butter and quickly sauté lemon slices and garlic for 1-2 minutes, creating a fragrant foundation for the pasta.
Cook and Dress Pasta: Boil spaghetti in salted water until al dente, then toss with lemon-garlic butter sauce, using reserved pasta water to achieve a silky texture.
Plate and Garnish: Arrange spaghetti on plates, top with sliced chicken, roasted tomatoes, and torn burrata. Finish with fresh basil leaves and toasted pine nuts for an elegant, flavor-packed presentation.
Notes
Tomato Roasting Tip: Space cherry tomatoes evenly to ensure proper caramelization and prevent steaming, which can make them soggy.
Chicken Seasoning Strategy: Pat chicken dry before adding spices to help create a perfect golden-brown crust and lock in moisture.
Pasta Water Magic: Save a cup of starchy pasta water to help create a silky, clingy sauce that perfectly coats the spaghetti.
Temperature Control: Use a meat thermometer to precisely check chicken’s internal temperature, preventing overcooking and ensuring juicy meat.
Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts, Boulder, CO
Degree: Diploma in Culinary Arts
Focus: Hands-on training in classic and modern culinary techniques, emphasizing sustainable cooking practices, kitchen professionalism, and real-world restaurant experience through externships.
Oregon State University
Degree: B.S. in Nutrition and Food Management
Focus: In-depth study of human nutrition, food safety, meal planning, and food-service operations, with a strong foundation in public health, dietetics, and community-based nutrition programs.
Sophie Reynolds is the recipe developer and culinary voice behind many of the approachable, flavor-focused creations at The Dream Café.
Sophie’s style leans into comfort food made simple: wholesome, satisfying meals anyone can make with confidence. Her passion lies in helping home cooks feel at ease in the kitchen while finding joy in the everyday act of cooking.
Sophie Reynolds
Co-Founder, Recipe Curator & Culinary Educator
Expertise
Education
Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts, Boulder, CO
Oregon State University
Sophie Reynolds is the recipe developer and culinary voice behind many of the approachable, flavor-focused creations at The Dream Café.
Sophie’s style leans into comfort food made simple: wholesome, satisfying meals anyone can make with confidence. Her passion lies in helping home cooks feel at ease in the kitchen while finding joy in the everyday act of cooking.