There’s something magical about a pasta dish that feels indulgent yet effortlessly fresh—and this Lemon Herb Burrata Spaghetti is exactly that. It’s silky, garlicky, citrus-kissed, and crowned with luscious burrata that melts into every forkful like a dream. If you’re a fan of cozy yet vibrant meals, you’re about to fall hard for this one.
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Overview of Lemon Herb Burrata Spaghetti
Lemon Herb Burrata Spaghetti with Roasted Garlic is a comforting yet elevated dish that’s perfect for everything from casual weeknights to date-night-ins. It combines roasted garlic’s mellow sweetness with zesty lemon, fragrant herbs, and the creamy indulgence of burrata—all twirled into tender strands of spaghetti.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple yet stunning: Easy enough for a busy evening but fancy enough to serve guests.
- Fresh meets comfort: Light lemon and herbs balance out the richness of butter and cheese.
- Burrata magic: That creamy center turns every bite into pure bliss.
- Customizable: Add-ins and swaps are easy if you’re feeling creative.
What It Tastes Like
Imagine a tangle of warm pasta, kissed with golden roasted garlic, fresh lemon, and a whisper of red pepper heat. The herbs bring brightness, while the burrata melts into the warm strands, creating a silky, cheesy sauce that coats everything beautifully. It’s cozy yet refreshing—like sunshine in a bowl!
Benefits of This Dish
- Quick and easy: 10 minutes of prep, one pot, one pan.
- Naturally meatless: Perfect for vegetarians or meatless Mondays.
- Restaurant-level flavor: With no special skills required!
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 8 oz spaghetti
- 1 whole head garlic
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (plus more for drizzling)
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- Zest and juice of 1 lemon
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 8 oz burrata cheese
- Grated Parmesan for garnish (optional)
Tools You’ll Need
- Medium saucepan for boiling pasta
- Large skillet or sauté pan
- Foil for roasting garlic
- Baking sheet
- Microplane or zester
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Tongs for tossing pasta
- Chef’s knife and cutting board
Additions and Substitutions
Easy Additions
- Sautéed spinach or arugula for a leafy green element
- Cherry tomatoes: Halved and added at the end for juicy bursts
- Toasted pine nuts or walnuts for crunch
Substitution Ideas
- Pasta: Swap spaghetti with fettuccine, linguine, or even gluten-free pasta
- Butter: Use all olive oil for a dairy-free version (though burrata is dairy-based)
- Herbs: Substitute or mix in dill, tarragon, or mint for variety
- Burrata: Can’t find it? Try fresh mozzarella or a dollop of ricotta
How to Make Lemon Herb Burrata Spaghetti with Roasted Garlic
Step 1: Roast the Garlic
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Cut off the top of the garlic bulb to reveal the tops of the cloves inside. Coat with a good amount of olive oil, then seal it securely in foil. Arrange on a baking sheet and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until tender and golden brown. Let it cool slightly before squeezing the cloves out.
Step 2: Cook the Spaghetti
As the garlic roasts, start heating a large pot of salted water until it reaches a rolling boil. Boil the spaghetti following the package instructions until it’s firm to the bite. Set aside approximately 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water before draining.
Step 3: Make the Lemon Garlic Sauce
In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil with the butter over medium heat. Add the roasted garlic cloves and mash them gently with the back of a spoon until they become a fragrant paste.
Step 4: Combine and Toss
Add the lemon zest, lemon juice, red pepper flakes (if using), and the drained spaghetti. Gently combine all the ingredients, gradually mixing in the reserved pasta water until the sauce becomes smooth and evenly coats the pasta.
Step 5: Finish with Herbs and Cheese
Stir in the chopped parsley and basil. Taste and season with salt and black pepper as needed. Transfer to a serving platter or individual bowls.
Step 6: Add Burrata and Serve
Place the burrata on top of the warm pasta, drizzle with olive oil, and sprinkle with Parmesan if desired. Serve immediately—make sure to break open the burrata so the creamy center melts into the dish!
What to Serve with It
- Crispy roasted vegetables like zucchini, asparagus, or bell peppers
- Simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette
- Warm, crusty bread to mop up all that garlic-lemon-burrata goodness
- Sparkling water with citrus slices for a bright and bubbly refreshment
Tips for Making Lemon Herb Burrata Spaghetti
- Roast your garlic ahead of time to save prep on busy nights
- Don’t skip the pasta water—it’s liquid gold for your sauce!
- Use fresh herbs for the best flavor and brightness
- Serve the burrata whole for presentation, then break it at the table
- If prepping ahead, make everything but the burrata and add it fresh
Storage Instructions
This pasta is best enjoyed fresh, but you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The burrata will firm up, so when reheating, add a splash of water or broth to loosen things. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat.
Note: Burrata doesn’t freeze well and may separate if frozen.
General Information
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Servings: 4 generous servings
- Cuisine: Mediterranean-inspired comfort food
- Skill Level: Beginner-friendly, but restaurant-worthy results
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I make this with gluten-free pasta?
Absolutely! Just cook according to the package and reserve that starchy water as you would with regular pasta.
What’s the best way to roast garlic if I’m short on time?
If you’re in a rush, you can sauté chopped garlic in olive oil instead—but you’ll miss that sweet, mellow flavor. Or roast a few heads in advance and store them in the fridge for the week!
Is burrata the same as mozzarella?
Not quite! Burrata is mozzarella on the outside, but it has a creamy, rich center of stracciatella and cream. It’s more indulgent and softer than mozzarella.
Can I serve this cold as a pasta salad?
This dish is best warm due to the melting burrata, but leftovers eaten cold the next day are still quite delicious!
What proteins can I add?
To make it more filling, try adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas on top. It’s also wonderful as-is for a light, meatless option.
Conclusion
Lemon Herb Burrata Spaghetti with Roasted Garlic is the kind of dish that brings you back to your senses. It’s fresh, cozy, and full of character—the kind of meal that’s as satisfying on a Tuesday night as it is for special occasions. The burrata takes it over the top, the lemon keeps it light, and the roasted garlic… well, it’s irresistible.
If you loved this one, you’ll want to check out these other dreamy recipes:
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Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 460 kcal
- Protein: 14g
- Fat: 21g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 2g
- Calcium: 150mg
- Iron: 2mg
Lemon Herb Burrata Spaghetti with Roasted Garlic
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A cozy-meets-fresh spaghetti dish infused with sweet roasted garlic, bright lemon, and tender herbs—topped with a dreamy ball of burrata that melts right into the pasta. This one-pan wonder is pure joy in a bowl: elegant, unfussy, and anything but boring!!
Ingredients
- 8 oz spaghetti
1 whole head garlic
1 tbsp olive oil (plus more for drizzling)
1 tbsp unsalted butter
Zest and juice of 1 lemon
½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt and black pepper to taste
¼ cup chopped fresh basil
¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
8 oz burrata cheese
Grated Parmesan for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Roast the garlic: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Slice the top off the garlic bulb to expose the cloves, drizzle with olive oil, wrap in foil, and roast for 35–40 minutes until soft and golden.
Cook pasta: Meanwhile, bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Cook spaghetti until al dente, then reserve ½ cup of pasta water and drain.
Start the sauce: In a large skillet, melt butter with 1 tbsp olive oil over medium heat. Squeeze roasted garlic into the pan and mash into a paste.
Flavor and toss: Add lemon zest, lemon juice, red pepper flakes (if using), and cooked pasta. Toss, gradually adding pasta water to loosen the sauce.
Finish it off: Stir in basil and parsley. Season with salt and pepper.
Serve: Transfer to a serving dish, top with burrata, drizzle with olive oil, and sprinkle Parmesan if using. Break open the burrata and serve immediately!
Notes
You can roast garlic in advance and store it in the fridge for up to a week.
Burrata is best added just before serving—it melts beautifully into warm pasta.
For extra texture, top with toasted pine nuts or walnuts.
Want it lighter? Swap butter for more olive oil and skip the Parmesan.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Main Course
- Method: Stovetop, Roasting
- Cuisine: Mediterranean-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (about ¼ of total)
- Calories: 460 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 280 mg
- Fat: 21 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 52 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 35 mg
Keywords: lemon garlic spaghetti, burrata pasta, lemon herb pasta, roasted garlic pasta, creamy burrata spaghetti