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When you mix juicy chicken, smooth burrata, and tangy lemon butter together, you get a fancy pasta dish that's both rich and fresh. Sweet roasted tomatoes pop in your mouth while crunchy pine nuts add a nice texture change.
I've found that letting burrata sit out for a bit makes it melt way better.
Key Ingredients and Smart Shopping Advice
- Burrata - Get the freshest you can find for smooth melting
- Meyer Lemons - They're milder and more honeyed than standard ones
- Cherry Tomatoes - Grab different colors to make it pretty
- Pine Nuts - Always toast them fresh for the best taste
Step-by-Step Cooking Guide
- 1. Tomato Roasting
- Roast them slowly until the edges brown but they don't fall apart.
- 2. Chicken Technique
- Make sure it's dry before adding seasonings. Cook until golden for extra flavor.
- 3. Sauce Building
- Let garlic flavor the butter first, then add lemon. Pasta water helps make it smooth.
- 4. Pasta Perfection
- Don't cook it too long, and save some water for the sauce.
- 5. Final Assembly
- Put everything together carefully, and let the heat from the dish melt the burrata.
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I've spent years making pasta and learned that getting the timing right is everything.
This dish works so well because great ingredients come together in a way that makes them even better than they are alone.
Tasty Seasonal Twists
In spring, try adding tender asparagus with fresh herbs. Summer calls for colorful heirloom tomatoes and just-picked basil. During fall, mix in some butternut squash and sage. Winter works great with slow-roasted garlic and preserved lemon. Each version keeps the creamy burrata and bright lemon sauce while showcasing what's fresh that season.
Matching Drinks and Side Dishes
This goes great with a light Vermentino or a simple Chardonnay that hasn't been aged in oak. For sides, try some grilled asparagus, crusty bread to soak up the sauce, or a peppery arugula salad. You want something fresh that won't overpower the rich burrata.
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Getting Temperatures Just Right
Watch how hot everything gets. Keep the sauce warm but not bubbling or it'll separate. Time your pasta cooking just right so it's still a bit firm. Let the burrata warm up before using it so it melts nicely. Everything should come together fast so it's the perfect temperature when served.
Prep-Ahead Options
You can roast tomatoes and cook chicken a day early. Just warm them up before using. Cook fresh pasta and make the sauce right before serving. Get everything ready to go for quick assembly at the end. This keeps everything tasting great but makes cooking easier.
Putting It All Together
Serve pasta in wide, shallow bowls. Add chicken slices and roasted tomatoes in a nice pattern. Break up the burrata gently over everything while it's still warm. Sprinkle with fresh basil and pine nuts just before taking it to the table. It should look fancy but not fussy.
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Final Thoughts: This dish shows off what makes simple Italian cooking so amazing - great ingredients coming together to create something special. The combo of creamy burrata, zingy lemon sauce, and tender chicken makes every forkful something you'll remember.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I swap burrata for regular mozzarella?
- Sure, but burrata's gooey middle makes this dish extra special. Fresh mozzarella works as your best backup option.
- → What's a good replacement for pine nuts?
- Try chopped walnuts or almonds that you've lightly toasted. Or just leave them out if you're avoiding nuts.
- → Is this good for meal prep?
- You can roast the tomatoes beforehand, but cook the pasta and chicken right before eating. Add the burrata right when you're ready to eat.
- → Why do I need to cut the chicken flat?
- Slicing it this way makes thinner pieces that cook quicker and more evenly throughout.
- → Will dried basil work in this recipe?
- Fresh basil tastes way better here. If you must use dried, only add a couple teaspoons instead.