Description
Creamy chicken spaghetti adorned with silky burrata showcases Italian-inspired comfort. Zesty lemon butter garlic sauce elevates this simple yet luxurious pasta dish for home cooks seeking sophisticated flavor combinations.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1.5 lb (680 grams) chicken breast (2 skinless, boneless chicken breasts)
- 8 oz (226 grams) spaghetti
- 8 oz (226 grams) burrata cheese
- 10 oz (284 grams) cherry or grape tomatoes, sliced in half
- 4 tbsps (60 grams) butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 tbsps (60 milliliters) olive oil
- ½ lemon (preferably Meyer lemon), thinly sliced
- ⅓ cup pine nuts, lightly toasted
- ½ cup fresh basil, chopped
- ¼ tsp salt
- 2 tsps smoked paprika
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Pasta Preparation: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil and cook spaghetti until al dente, approximately 8-10 minutes.
- Chicken Searing: Slice chicken breasts into thin, uniform strips and sear in olive oil over medium-high heat until golden-brown and fully cooked to 165°F (74°C).
- Tomato Roasting: Spread cherry tomatoes on a baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil and sea salt, then roast at 400°F (204°C) for 15-20 minutes until slightly charred and caramelized.
- Sauce Creation: In the same skillet, melt butter, add minced garlic, and whisk in fresh lemon juice to create a smooth, tangy lemon butter sauce.
- Combining Elements: Drain pasta, reserving some cooking water, then combine spaghetti, sautéed chicken, and roasted tomatoes in the skillet, gently tossing to distribute ingredients evenly.
- Finishing Touches: Tear burrata into rustic pieces, sprinkle with chopped basil and toasted pine nuts, then drizzle generously with lemon butter garlic sauce.
- Plating: Serve immediately with an extra garnish of fresh basil and a lemon wedge, allowing guests to adjust the dish’s brightness to their preference.
Notes
- Master Pasta Doneness: Cook spaghetti precisely 8-10 minutes for perfect al dente texture, ensuring it’s tender yet firm when bitten.
- Chicken Searing Secrets: Use medium-high heat for golden-brown exterior, checking internal temperature reaches 165°F to guarantee safe, juicy meat.
- Tomato Transformation Technique: Roasting cherry tomatoes concentrates natural sugars, creating intense caramelized flavor and rich, jammy consistency.
- Sauce Salvation Strategy: Reserve pasta water before draining – this starchy liquid helps adjust sauce consistency and ensures silky, smooth coating for your dish.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 610
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 520 mg
- Fat: 36 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 22 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 47 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg