Introduction
This Creamy Chicken Spaghetti with Burrata is the ultimate comfort food, offering rich flavors and creamy textures that make every bite irresistible. The combination of tender chicken, rich creamy sauce, and the silky, soft burrata creates a dish that feels indulgent yet balanced. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or a cozy weeknight dinner, this recipe will leave everyone at the table asking for seconds!
Why Everyone Loves This Dish?
- Rich and creamy: The combination of heavy cream and burrata creates a luxurious, indulgent sauce that coats the pasta perfectly.
- Comforting and satisfying: Perfect for those cozy nights when you need a bowl of something rich and filling.
- Crowd-pleaser: The creamy sauce, tender chicken, and melt-in-your-mouth burrata make this a dish that everyone can enjoy.
- Easy to make: Despite its decadent flavor, this dish is quick to prepare, making it an excellent option for busy weeknights.
Where Did It Originate?
This dish draws inspiration from classic Italian pasta recipes that focus on simple ingredients and bold flavors. The creamy pasta with chicken is a modern twist on traditional Italian cooking, incorporating burrata cheese, a fresh and indulgent cheese originating from Puglia, Italy. Burrata’s name means “buttered” in Italian, and it’s a creamy delight that’s perfect for enriching pasta dishes.
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into strips
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 8 oz spaghetti (or pasta of your choice)
- 2 balls of fresh burrata cheese
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Method of Preparation
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions, usually around 8-10 minutes for al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving a cup of pasta water.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken strips with salt, pepper, and dried oregano. Cook the chicken in the skillet for 6-7 minutes, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken and set it aside.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce
In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and garlic. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and softened. Pour in the chicken broth, scraping any bits from the bottom of the skillet. Stir in the heavy cream and bring it to a simmer. Let the sauce cook for 5 minutes until it thickens slightly.
Step 4: Combine Pasta and Chicken
Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet with the creamy sauce, along with the grated Parmesan cheese. Toss until the pasta is well-coated with the creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a little reserved pasta water to loosen it up.
Step 5: Add Burrata and Serve
Top the creamy chicken spaghetti with burrata cheese, tearing it gently with your hands to expose its creamy interior. Garnish with fresh parsley and red pepper flakes (if desired). Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Tips
- Sear the chicken: Make sure the chicken is seared properly for a golden, crispy texture on the outside, which adds depth to the flavor.
- Adjust creaminess: If you prefer a thicker sauce, let it simmer for longer. For a lighter version, add more chicken broth and less cream.
- Burrata tip: Add burrata just before serving to maintain its delicate texture and creaminess.
- Reserve pasta water: The starchy pasta water helps bind the sauce to the noodles and adds a silky texture.
Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking the chicken: Be careful not to overcook the chicken. Chicken breasts cook quickly and can become dry if left on the heat for too long.
- Skipping the pasta water: Adding pasta water to the sauce helps it cling better to the noodles, creating a smoother and creamier consistency.
- Not tasting as you go: Cream-based sauces can vary, so make sure to taste and adjust the seasoning before serving.
Serving Tips
- Pairing with sides: Serve with a side of garlic bread or a simple green salad to balance the richness of the dish.
- Wine pairing: A crisp white wine like Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc pairs wonderfully with this creamy pasta dish.
- Leftovers: This dish reheats well, so it’s perfect for meal prep or lunch the next day. Just add a little extra cream or broth when reheating to keep it creamy.
Health Benefits of Ingredients
- Chicken: A lean protein that helps build muscle and supports immune function.
- Olive oil: Contains heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, known to reduce inflammation and lower cholesterol.
- Heavy cream: While creamy and indulgent, it provides a good source of calcium, necessary for healthy bones.
- Burrata: A fresh cheese rich in calcium and protein, helping to strengthen bones and muscles.
- Garlic: Packed with antioxidants, garlic supports heart health and boosts immunity.
- Parmesan: A great source of calcium and protein, promoting bone health and muscle function.
Interesting Facts About the Dish
- Burrata cheese was first made in the 1920s in Puglia, Italy, as a way to use up leftover mozzarella curds.
- Parmesan cheese is one of the oldest cheeses, dating back over 900 years to Italy’s Emilia-Romagna region.
- This creamy pasta dish is a modern favorite, fusing traditional Italian pasta recipes with the richness of burrata cheese, making it both comforting and gourmet.
- Spaghetti is the most popular type of pasta in the world and is loved for its versatility in a variety of sauces, from simple tomato-based ones to creamy concoctions like this.
Summary Recipe
Ingredients:
Chicken breasts, olive oil, garlic, onion, heavy cream, chicken broth, Parmesan cheese, spaghetti, burrata, parsley.
Steps:
- Cook spaghetti, drain, and set aside.
- Sear the chicken in a skillet, remove, and set aside.
- Prepare the creamy sauce with garlic, onions, chicken broth, and cream.
- Combine pasta and chicken with sauce, add Parmesan, and stir.
- Top with burrata, garnish, and serve.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Chicken Spaghetti with Burrata is a truly indulgent pasta dish that combines rich flavors and creamy textures. It’s a dish that anyone can fall in love with—easy to make, comforting, and guaranteed to impress. Whether you’re feeding your family or hosting a dinner party, this dish is sure to be a hit.
Enjoy the richness and creaminess of this Italian-inspired dish today!
