Pin it
When juicy chicken meets smooth burrata and tangy lemon butter, you get a fancy pasta that's both rich and fresh. Sweet roasted tomatoes pop in your mouth while crunchy pine nuts give it some bite.
My kitchen experiments showed that letting burrata sit out awhile helps it melt just right.
Key Ingredients and Shopping Advice
- Burrata - Pick the freshest you can find for smooth melting
- Meyer Lemons - They're milder and less tart than regular ones
- Cherry Tomatoes - Grab different colors for a pretty plate
- Pine Nuts - Lightly brown your own for the best taste
Step-by-Step Cooking Guide
- 1. Tomato Roasting
- Bake them slowly until the edges turn brown but they still hold their shape.
- 2. Chicken Technique
- Wipe chicken dry before adding spices. Brown it well to build tasty flavors.
- 3. Sauce Building
- Let garlic flavor the butter before adding lemon. Pasta water makes everything silky.
- 4. Pasta Perfection
- Stop cooking when it's slightly firm, and save some water for the sauce.
- 5. Final Assembly
- Put everything together carefully, letting the warm dish melt the burrata naturally.
Pin it
I've learned from making tons of pasta that getting the timing right makes all the difference.
What makes this dish special is how good ingredients work together to create something amazing.
Tasty Changes for Every Season
In spring, try adding tender asparagus and fresh herbs. Summer calls for juicy heirloom tomatoes and fresh basil. Fall works great with chunks of butternut squash and sage. Winter dishes can include slow-cooked garlic and preserved lemon. Each version keeps the creamy burrata and bright lemon sauce while showcasing what's fresh now.
Drinks and Side Dishes That Work Well
Try a crisp glass of Vermentino or a light Chardonnay that hasn't seen oak - they go great with the lemony butter sauce. For sides, go with grilled asparagus, crusty bread to soak up the sauce, or a peppery arugula salad. You want something fresh that balances the rich cheese without taking over.
Pin it
Getting Temperatures and Timing Right
Watch how hot everything gets. Keep the sauce warm but not bubbling or it'll break. Time your pasta cooking just right for that perfect bite. Let your burrata warm up so it melts nicely. Everything should come together quickly for the best temperature when served.
Prep-Ahead Game Plan
You can roast tomatoes and cook chicken a day before. Just warm them up before using. Cook fresh pasta and make the sauce right before eating. Get all your stuff ready to go for quick assembly at the end. This keeps everything tasting great while making dinner easier.
Putting It All Together
Serve pasta in wide, shallow bowls. Place chicken slices and roasted tomatoes carefully around. Gently tear burrata over everything while it's still warm. Sprinkle with fresh basil and pine nuts right before bringing to the table. It should look fancy but not fussy.
Pin it
Final Thoughts: This dish shows what Italian cooking is all about - simple, good stuff mixed together to make something special. The mix of smooth burrata, bright lemony sauce, and tender chicken makes every bite something you'll remember.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Is fresh mozzarella okay instead of burrata?
- Sure, but burrata’s creamy texture gives it a unique flavor. Mozzarella is a solid backup option.
- → What’s a good replacement for pine nuts?
- Try toasted almonds or walnuts, or skip them altogether for a nut-free version.
- → Could I make parts early?
- You can roast the tomatoes beforehand, but cook the chicken and pasta fresh. Burrata’s best added when serving.
- → Why slice chicken thinly?
- Thin slices cook evenly and faster, which is great for a quick meal.
- → Can dried basil replace fresh?
- Fresh basil is ideal for this dish, but dried basil can work with only 2-3 teaspoons.