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### **Step-by-Step Guide to Making Mediterranean Grilled Chicken Spaghetti with Burrata**
Now that you’re familiar with the ingredients, let’s dive into the process of making this delectable Mediterranean grilled chicken spaghetti with burrata. While the dish might seem like it has several components, each step is simple and easy to follow. In about 45 minutes, you can have a beautifully balanced, flavorful meal on the table.
#### **Step 1: Marinate and Grill the Chicken**
To start, you’ll want to marinate the chicken breasts to infuse them with flavor. Here’s how:
1. **Marinate the Chicken**: In a bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, fresh oregano, thyme, or rosemary, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Whisk everything together to create the marinade.
2. **Coat the Chicken**: Place the chicken breasts into the marinade and coat them evenly. Let them marinate in the fridge for at least 20-30 minutes to absorb the flavors. If you have more time, marinating for a few hours will give the chicken even more flavor.
3. **Grill the Chicken**: Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Grill the chicken for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Once done, remove from the grill and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing it into thin strips or bite-sized pieces.
#### **Step 2: Prepare the Pasta**
While the chicken is marinating or grilling, you can cook the spaghetti:
1. **Boil the Water**: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions until al dente (usually about 9-11 minutes).
2. **Drain the Pasta**: Once the pasta is cooked, drain it and set it aside. Be sure to save about a cup of pasta water to use later for the sauce if needed.
#### **Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables**
Next, you’ll sauté the vegetables that will make up the sauce:
1. **Sauté Garlic and Onions**: In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the garlic and red onion slices, and sauté for about 2-3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
2. **Add Tomatoes and Bell Peppers**: Add the cherry tomatoes and sliced bell peppers to the skillet. Cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes start to soften and release their juices.
3. **Add Kalamata Olives**: Stir in the chopped Kalamata olives and cook for another minute, allowing the flavors to meld together.
#### **Step 4: Assemble the Salad**
Now that the chicken and pasta are ready, it’s time to bring everything together:
1. **Combine Pasta and Sauce**: Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet with the sautéed vegetables. Toss to combine, allowing the pasta to soak up the flavorful juices from the vegetables. If the mixture seems dry, you can add a splash of the reserved pasta water to help bring everything together.
2. **Add Chicken**: Add the sliced grilled chicken on top of the pasta and toss everything together gently.
#### **Step 5: Add the Burrata and Garnish**
The final touch is the burrata cheese, which will be added just before serving:
1. **Plate the Pasta**: Divide the pasta into serving bowls or plates.
2. **Add Burrata**: Tear the burrata into large chunks and place it on top of each serving of pasta. The burrata should be soft and creamy, providing a luxurious contrast to the savory pasta and vegetables.
3. **Garnish**: Finish the dish with a drizzle of olive oil, a sprinkle of fresh basil leaves, a few cracks of black pepper, and a small drizzle of balsamic vinegar or lemon zest for an added burst of flavor.
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### **Customization and Variations**
While the basic version of this Mediterranean grilled chicken spaghetti with burrata is amazing on its own, there are many ways to customize it based on your preferences. Here are a few ideas:
1. **Use Different Proteins**: Instead of chicken, you could use grilled lamb, shrimp, or even a plant-based protein like chickpeas or tofu.
2. **Add More Vegetables**: You can include additional vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, or spinach to make the dish even more colorful and nutritious.
3. **Spicy Kick**: If you prefer a bit of heat, you can add red pepper flakes to the sauce or sprinkle some spicy chili oil on top.
4. **Change the Cheese**: If burrata isn’t available, you could substitute with fresh mozzarella, feta, or goat cheese.
5. **Add a Crunchy Element**: For added texture, consider topping the dish with roasted pine nuts, slivered almonds, or crumbled feta for an extra Mediterranean flair.
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### **Conclusion: A Perfect Balance of Flavors**
**Mediterranean Grilled Chicken Spaghetti with Burrata** is a dish that beautifully balances savory, fresh, and creamy elements in every bite. With the smoky grilled chicken, fresh vegetables, and the indulgent burrata cheese, this pasta is both satisfying and indulgent. Whether you’re craving a hearty dinner or preparing a special meal for friends or family, this dish offers the perfect blend of Mediterranean flavors and comforting pasta.
The versatility of this recipe means you can easily adjust it to suit your preferences, making it a dish that’s sure to please everyone. So, the next time you want a flavorful, fresh, and easy-to-make meal, give this Mediterranean grilled chicken spaghetti with burrata a try. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!
