Name: Chicken Spaghetti with Burrata, Pine Nuts, & Lemon Butter Garlic Sauce
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 12 oz spaghetti; 2 cups cooked chicken breast (grilled, baked, or shredded); 2 balls burrata cheese; 1/4 cup pine nuts (lightly toasted); 3 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tbsp unsalted butter; 2 tbsp olive oil; Zest and juice of 1 lemon; Salt and black pepper, to taste; 2 tbsp fresh parsley or basil, chopped

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This Chicken Spaghetti with Burrata, Pine Nuts, and Lemon Butter Garlic Sauce is a decadent yet balanced pasta dish that brings creamy, citrusy, and nutty flavors together in perfect harmony. It’s elegant enough for a special dinner but simple enough for a cozy weeknight meal. Every bite is rich with flavor and texture.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how this recipe feels both fancy and comforting at the same time. The creamy burrata melts beautifully into the hot pasta, while the lemon butter garlic sauce adds a bright, savory layer. Toasted pine nuts give it a buttery crunch, and the juicy chicken makes it a full, satisfying meal. It’s one of those dishes that looks impressive on the plate but is surprisingly easy to pull together.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Spaghetti
Cooked chicken breast (grilled, baked, or shredded)
Burrata cheese
Pine nuts (lightly toasted)
Garlic, minced
Unsalted butter
Fresh lemon juice and zest
Olive oil
Fresh parsley or basil, chopped
Salt and black pepper

Directions

I start by cooking the spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. I reserve about ½ cup of pasta water before draining.
In a skillet, I melt butter with a little olive oil over medium heat, then sauté the garlic until fragrant (about 1 minute).
I stir in the lemon juice and zest, season with salt and pepper, and let it simmer for a couple of minutes.
I add the cooked chicken and toss it in the sauce until heated through.
I add the drained pasta into the skillet, using some reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce if needed.
Off the heat, I tear the burrata over the hot pasta, letting it melt slightly, and top it all with toasted pine nuts and fresh herbs before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 4 servings.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes

Variations

I sometimes use rotisserie chicken to make this even quicker.
For a spicy kick, I add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic while sautéing.
If I want a vegetarian version, I skip the chicken and toss in sautéed mushrooms or roasted zucchini.
I occasionally replace spaghetti with linguine or fettuccine depending on what I have on hand.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I warm the pasta gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water or broth. Burrata doesn’t reheat well, so I usually add fresh cheese only when serving leftovers, if I have some.

FAQs

Can I use another cheese instead of burrata?

Yes, I sometimes use fresh mozzarella or a dollop of ricotta for a similar creamy texture.

Should I toast the pine nuts?

Definitely. Toasting brings out their flavor and adds a nice crunch that pairs well with the creamy sauce.

Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

Yes, I often prep the lemon butter garlic sauce in advance and store it in the fridge. I reheat it gently before adding the pasta and chicken.

What kind of chicken works best?

I prefer grilled or baked chicken breast, but shredded rotisserie chicken works great too and saves time.

Can I use gluten-free pasta?

Absolutely. I swap the regular spaghetti for my favorite gluten-free brand and it turns out just as delicious.

Conclusion

This Chicken Spaghetti with Burrata, Pine Nuts, and Lemon Butter Garlic Sauce is a dish I keep coming back to when I want something both luxurious and easy to prepare. It’s packed with flavor, has just the right amount of richness, and comes together in about 30 minutes. Whether I’m cooking for guests or just treating myself, this pasta never disappoints.