Imagine twirling your fork into a plate of creamy, vibrant pasta that promises to transport your taste buds straight to the sun-drenched hills of Italy. This Chicken Tomato Pesto Burrata Pasta is not just a meal—it's a culinary experience that combines the rich, herbaceous notes of pesto, tender chicken, juicy cherry tomatoes, and the luxurious creaminess of burrata cheese. Whether you're looking to impress dinner guests or treat yourself to a gourmet weeknight dinner, this recipe is about to become your new obsession.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta of choice
- 2 cups cooked chicken, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup pesto
- 1 ball burrata cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes.
- While pasta is cooking, prepare your ingredients: dice the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces, halve the cherry tomatoes, and tear the burrata into rough chunks.
- Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta cooking water before draining the pasta. This starchy water will help create a smooth sauce.
- Return the drained pasta to the pot and immediately add the pesto, stirring to coat the pasta evenly. If the sauce seems too thick, add reserved pasta water gradually to achieve a silky consistency.
- Gently fold in the diced chicken and halved cherry tomatoes, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the pasta.
- Season the pasta with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, mixing carefully to combine all ingredients.
- Transfer the pasta to serving plates or a large serving platter. Top generously with the torn burrata cheese, allowing it to slightly melt from the warm pasta.
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves, torn or chopped, to add a bright, aromatic finish to the dish.
- Serve immediately while the pasta is hot and the burrata is creamy, allowing diners to mix the cheese into the pasta as they eat.
Tips
- Pasta Water Magic: Always reserve some pasta cooking water before draining. The starchy liquid is your secret weapon for creating a silky, smooth sauce that clings perfectly to every noodle.
- Burrata Placement: Add the burrata on top of the hot pasta just before serving. The residual heat will slightly melt the cheese, creating a dreamy, creamy texture without completely breaking down its delicate structure.
- Fresh is Best: Use fresh basil for garnishing. The bright, aromatic herb will elevate the entire dish and add a pop of color and freshness.
- Chicken Prep Hack: If you're short on time, use rotisserie chicken or quickly sauté chicken breasts with a pinch of salt and pepper for perfectly seasoned meat.
- Pesto Variations: Feel free to experiment with homemade or store-bought pesto. Classic basil pesto works wonderfully, but sun-dried tomato or spinach pesto can add exciting twists to the recipe.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 550kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 40g
Fat: 32g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 120mg
