Quick & Easy Lemon Pesto Chicken Pasta with Burrata – 30 Mins

Hey there, friend! I hope you’re ready to whip up something delicious because I have a recipe that’s going to brighten your day: Lemon Pesto Chicken Pasta with Burrata & Pine Nuts! Picture this: it’s a sunny Saturday afternoon, and the world just feels a little more vibrant. You’re in your kitchen, sunlight streaming through the windows, and you decide to make a dish that perfectly matches that cheery vibe. You can almost smell the fresh basil and lemon zest wafting through the air! This dish has become a staple in my house, not just because it’s an absolute show-stopper of flavor, but also for its sheer simplicity. Plus, it comes together in just 30 minutes, making it a perfect weeknight dinner or an easy weekend treat.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and easy: Ready in just 30 minutes!
• Bright and fresh flavors that scream summer.
• Comforting and satisfying, perfect for any occasion.
• Budget-friendly ingredients that you probably already have.
• Elegant enough for guests yet easy enough for a weeknight meal.

Ingredients

Let’s gather the ingredients to make this beauty. You’ll need:

• 8 oz of pasta (linguine or fettuccine are great choices)
• 2 chicken breasts (about 1 pound), boneless and skinless
• 1 cup of fresh basil leaves
• 1/4 cup of pine nuts (plus extra for garnish)
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1/4 cup of olive oil
• Zest and juice of 1 lemon
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 balls of burrata cheese

Note: Fresh garlic adds a punch to the dish, but if you have garlic powder on hand, you can use that in a pinch. And don’t skimp on the lemon zest—it really lifts the flavors!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Alright, it’s time to bring this dish to life! Follow these steps, and I promise you’ll have a plate of pure happiness in no time.

1. Start by cooking your pasta according to the package instructions in a large pot of salted boiling water. Go for al dente—that’s where the magic happens!
2. While the pasta is cooking, let’s prep your chicken. Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
3. In a skillet, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the chicken and cook for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. You can check if it’s done by slicing it in the middle—no pink should remain!
4. Once cooked, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing it into bite-sized pieces. It’s key to let it rest so it retains all those juicy flavors.
5. Now, while your chicken is resting, let’s make the pesto! In a food processor, combine the basil leaves, pine nuts, minced garlic, Parmesan cheese, lemon zest, juice, and a pinch of salt. Pulse until finely chopped.
6. With the processor running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil until you have a lovely smooth consistency. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed! This is your magic elixir.
7. Drain the pasta and return it to the pot. Add the pesto sauce and toss until the pasta is well coated.
8. Finally, add your sliced chicken to the pasta and give it another gentle toss.
9. Serve the pasta in bowls, topping each with a generous piece of creamy burrata and a sprinkle of pine nuts for that extra crunch.

Tip: Don’t overmix the pasta once you add the pesto. We want that creamy, dreamy texture to shine through!

Pro Tips & Variations

Now that you’ve made the classic version, let’s play around with it a bit! Here are some fun twists:

• Add veggies: Sauté some cherry tomatoes or spinach to toss in with the pasta for added nutrition and color.
• Spice it up: A pinch of red pepper flakes can give it a delightful kick!
• Herb swap: If basil isn’t your thing, try using arugula or spinach for the pesto base—incredibly tasty!
• Protein options: Swap chicken for shrimp or keep it vegetarian and add roasted chickpeas for protein.

Feel free to get creative! Cooking should always be a bit of an adventure.

Serving Suggestions

When I serve this Lemon Pesto Chicken Pasta, I love pairing it with a fresh side salad drizzled with a light vinaigrette. The crispiness of the greens and the tanginess of the dressing complement the creamy burrata perfectly. You could also serve it with some crusty bread for soaking up any leftover pesto goodness. Oh, and don’t forget a chilled glass of white wine or sparkling water with a slice of lemon for a refreshing touch!

Storage Tips

Made a big batch? No worries! This dish stores beautifully. Here are some tips:

• Refrigerate: Allow the pasta to cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It will keep for up to 3 days in the fridge.
• Freeze: While the pasta can be frozen, the burrata is best fresh. If you plan to freeze, omit the burrata and any fresh ingredients and enjoy within a month. Just thaw it overnight in the fridge when you’re ready to eat.
• Reheat: Gently reheat in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of olive oil or water to help revive the creaminess of the sauce.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! You can skip the chicken and use extra veggies or even roasted chickpeas for protein. The pesto brings enough flavor to make it satisfying!

What type of pasta works best?

While linguine and fettuccine are great, you can really use any pasta you love! Whole wheat, gluten-free, or even veggie pasta will work beautifully.

How do I store leftovers?

Simply place the leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat gently to maintain the creamy texture!

Can I prepare the pesto in advance?

Sure thing! The pesto can be made a day or two ahead. Just store it in an airtight container, topped with a thin layer of olive oil to prevent browning.

I don’t have pine nuts. Can I substitute them?

Yes, you can! Walnuts, cashews, or even sunflower seeds can make for a delicious substitute!

Conclusion

So there you have it—a delightful, vibrant dish that’s equal parts comforting and refreshing. I can’t wait for you to try this Lemon Pesto Chicken Pasta with Burrata & Pine Nuts. The explosion of flavors, the creaminess of the cheese, and the crunch of the pine nuts make for a truly irresistible combo. If you give it a whirl, drop a comment below and let me know how it turned out! I love hearing about your cooking adventures—happy cooking, my friend!

Quick & Easy Lemon Pesto Chicken Pasta with Burrata – 30 Mins

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• Author: antaki
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

Prepare Lemon Pesto Pasta featuring juicy chicken, creamy burrata, & crunchy pine nuts in just 30 mins! Discover this simple, flavorful dish today!

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

8 oz of pasta (linguine or fettuccine)

2 chicken breasts (about 1 pound), boneless and skinless

1 cup of fresh basil leaves

1/4 cup of pine nuts (plus extra for garnish)

2 cloves of garlic, minced

1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese, grated

1/4 cup of olive oil

Zest and juice of 1 lemon

Salt and pepper to taste

2 balls of burrata cheese

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Instructions

Start by cooking your pasta according to the package instructions in a large pot of salted boiling water. Go for al dente—that’s where the magic happens!

While the pasta is cooking, let’s prep your chicken. Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.

In a skillet, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the chicken and cook for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through.

Once cooked, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing it into bite-sized pieces.

While your chicken is resting, make the pesto! In a food processor, combine the basil leaves, pine nuts, minced garlic, Parmesan cheese, lemon zest, juice, and a pinch of salt. Pulse until finely chopped.

With the processor running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil until you have a lovely smooth consistency. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.

Drain the pasta and return it to the pot. Add the pesto sauce and toss until the pasta is well coated.

Finally, add your sliced chicken to the pasta and give it another gentle toss.

Serve the pasta in bowls, topping each with a generous piece of creamy burrata and a sprinkle of pine nuts for that extra crunch.

Notes

This Lemon Pesto Chicken Pasta with Burrata & Pine Nuts is quick, easy, and bursting with fresh flavors! Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s perfect for any occasion.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4 servings
• Calories: 600
• Sugar: 2g
• Fat: 28g
• Carbohydrates: 60g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 30g

Keywords: Lemon Pesto Chicken Pasta, Quick Dinner Recipe, Italian Pasta Recipe, Easy Weeknight Meal