Butter Chicken Pasta Recipe

A Fusion of Comfort and Spice

Butter Chicken Pasta is a delightful fusion of Indian and Italian cuisine, combining the creamy, spiced flavors of butter chicken with the comforting texture of pasta. This dish delivers the rich taste of traditional butter chicken but replaces the usual naan or rice accompaniment with al dente pasta, making it an exciting twist on a classic favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Perfectly balanced flavors – The buttery, spiced tomato sauce pairs beautifully with the pasta.
• Creamy and indulgent – The sauce is velvety smooth, enriched with cream and butter.
• Quick and easy – A fantastic meal that can be ready in under an hour.
• Customizable – Adjust the spice level, swap proteins, or add veggies for a personal touch.

Ingredients

For the Butter Chicken Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 tablespoon oil
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
• 2 teaspoons garam masala
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon coriander powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon turmeric
• ½ teaspoon chili powder (adjust to taste)
• 1 ½ cups tomato purée (or canned crushed tomatoes)
• 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter option)
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon sugar (optional)
• Salt to taste
• 2 tablespoons butter (for finishing)
• Fresh cilantro for garnish

For the Chicken:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 teaspoon garam masala
• ½ teaspoon turmeric
• ½ teaspoon chili powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon yogurt
• 1 tablespoon oil for cooking

For the Pasta:

• 12 ounces pasta (penne, rigatoni, or fettuccine)
• Water for boiling
• 1 teaspoon salt

Instructions

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

1. In a bowl, mix the chicken pieces with garam masala, turmeric, chili powder, salt, lemon juice, and yogurt.
2. Let it marinate for at least 20 minutes (or up to overnight for deeper flavor).

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

1. Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add the marinated chicken and cook until golden brown and fully cooked, about 6–8 minutes.
3. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.

Step 3: Prepare the Butter Chicken Sauce

1. In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter and add the chopped onion. Sauté until translucent.
2. Stir in garlic and ginger, cooking until fragrant.
3. Add garam masala, cumin, coriander, paprika, turmeric, and chili powder. Stir well to toast the spices.
4. Pour in the tomato purée and tomato paste. Simmer for 10–15 minutes until the sauce thickens.
5. Stir in heavy cream and sugar (if using). Season with salt to taste.
6. Add the cooked chicken back into the sauce. Simmer for another 5 minutes.
7. Finish with 2 tablespoons of butter and stir until melted.

Step 4: Cook the Pasta

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
3. Drain the pasta, reserving about ½ cup of pasta water.

Step 5: Combine and Serve

1. Add the cooked pasta to the butter chicken sauce. Toss well to coat.
2. If the sauce is too thick, add some reserved pasta water to loosen it.
3. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot.

Variations

• Vegetarian Option: Substitute chicken with paneer, tofu, or mushrooms.
• Spicier Version: Increase the chili powder or add red pepper flakes.
• Lighter Version: Use Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream.
• Cheesy Twist: Stir in some grated Parmesan or mozzarella for an extra creamy texture.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes

Storage and Reheating

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: The butter chicken sauce (without pasta) can be frozen for up to 2 months. Reheat and mix with freshly cooked pasta.
• Reheating: Warm on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to maintain the creamy consistency.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use store-bought butter chicken sauce?

Yes, but homemade sauce gives a fresher and more authentic taste. If using store-bought sauce, adjust seasoning to your preference.

What type of pasta works best?

Short pasta like penne or rigatoni holds the sauce well, but long pasta like fettuccine also works.

Can I make this dish dairy-free?

Yes! Use coconut milk instead of cream and vegan butter for a dairy-free version.

How can I make it healthier?

Swap heavy cream for Greek yogurt or light cream, and use whole wheat pasta.

Can I make this in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Cook fresh pasta when ready to serve.

What protein substitutes work for chicken?

Paneer, tofu, shrimp, or even chickpeas work well in place of chicken.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Use gluten-free pasta, and ensure all spices and ingredients are gluten-free.

What can I serve with Butter Chicken Pasta?

A side of garlic naan or a fresh cucumber salad pairs well.

Can I make it spicier?

Absolutely! Add extra chili powder or a chopped green chili to the sauce.

How do I prevent the sauce from being too thick?

Use reserved pasta water or a splash of milk to thin it out.

Conclusion

Butter Chicken Pasta is the perfect combination of creamy, spicy, and comforting flavors. Whether you’re a fan of Indian cuisine or just looking for a delicious new pasta dish, this recipe is sure to impress. Try it for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, and enjoy the best of both worlds in every bite!

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