Name: Butter Chicken Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Indian
Ingredients: Penne, rigatoni, or fusilli pasta; Boneless, skinless chicken breast or chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces; Butter; Olive oil; Onion, finely chopped; Garlic, minced; Fresh ginger, grated; Tomato sauce or tomato puree; Heavy cream; Plain Greek yogurt; Garam masala; Ground cumin; Ground coriander; Paprika; Turmeric; Chili powder or cayenne pepper; Salt; Black pepper; Fresh cilantro, chopped; Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

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Why I’ll Love This Recipe

I love how this recipe blends two comfort food favorites into one easy meal. The creamy butter chicken sauce coats every piece of pasta, while the tender chicken adds plenty of protein and flavor. I also appreciate that I can prepare it in under an hour, making it perfect for busy weeknights or casual entertaining.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

penne, rigatoni, or fusilli pasta
boneless, skinless chicken breast or chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
butter
olive oil
onion, finely chopped
garlic, minced
fresh ginger, grated
tomato sauce or tomato puree
heavy cream
plain Greek yogurt
garam masala
ground cumin
ground coriander
paprika
turmeric
chili powder or cayenne pepper
salt
black pepper
fresh cilantro, chopped
grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Directions

I bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta until al dente.
I reserve a small amount of the pasta cooking water before draining the pasta.
I season the chicken with salt, pepper, garam masala, cumin, coriander, paprika, turmeric, and chili powder.
I heat the butter and olive oil in a large skillet and cook the chicken until browned and fully cooked, then transfer it to a plate.
I cook the onion until softened before adding the garlic and grated ginger.
I stir in the tomato sauce and let it simmer for several minutes.
I add the heavy cream and yogurt, stirring until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
I return the cooked chicken to the skillet and simmer until everything is well combined.
I toss the cooked pasta with the sauce, adding a splash of the reserved pasta water if needed to create a silky consistency.
I garnish the dish with fresh cilantro and grated Parmesan if desired before serving.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 6
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes

Variations

I sometimes replace the chicken with shrimp or paneer for a different twist. I enjoy adding spinach, peas, or roasted bell peppers for extra vegetables. When I want a lighter version, I substitute half of the heavy cream with evaporated milk or additional Greek yogurt. I also like increasing the chili powder when I prefer a spicier sauce.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftover Butter Chicken Pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, I freeze portions for up to 2 months, although the creamy sauce may require gentle stirring after thawing. I reheat the pasta on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of cream, milk, or water to restore its smooth texture.

FAQs

Which pasta works best for Butter Chicken Pasta?

I enjoy using penne, rigatoni, or fusilli because they hold the creamy sauce exceptionally well.

Can I make this recipe less spicy?

Yes. I simply reduce or omit the chili powder or cayenne pepper while keeping the other spices for plenty of flavor.

Can I use leftover cooked chicken?

Yes. I often use leftover grilled or roasted chicken and simply stir it into the sauce until heated through.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes. I prepare the sauce in advance and refrigerate it for up to 2 days before cooking fresh pasta and combining everything when I am ready to serve.

What should I serve with Butter Chicken Pasta?

I enjoy serving it with garlic bread, naan, roasted vegetables, or a crisp green salad to balance the richness of the sauce.

Conclusion

I love making Butter Chicken Pasta because it combines the comforting creaminess of butter chicken with the hearty appeal of pasta in one unforgettable dish. The fragrant spices, tender chicken, and rich tomato cream sauce create a meal that is both satisfying and full of flavor. Whether I prepare it for a family dinner or a special weekend meal, this fusion recipe is always a crowd-pleaser.

Butter Chicken Pasta Recipe

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Butter Chicken Pasta is a comforting fusion dish that combines tender pasta with juicy chicken in a rich, creamy tomato sauce infused with warm Indian spices. It’s a hearty and flavorful meal that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or casual entertaining.

Author: Laura
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 6 servings
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Indian
Diet: Halal

Instructions

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta until al dente.
Reserve a small amount of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta.
Season the chicken with salt, black pepper, garam masala, cumin, coriander, paprika, turmeric, and chili powder.
Heat the butter and olive oil in a large skillet and cook the chicken until browned and fully cooked. Transfer to a plate.
Cook the onion until softened, then add the garlic and grated ginger and cook until fragrant.
Stir in the tomato sauce and simmer for several minutes.
Add the heavy cream and Greek yogurt, stirring until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and simmer until heated through.
Toss the cooked pasta with the sauce, adding a splash of the reserved pasta water if needed for a silky consistency.
Garnish with fresh cilantro and grated Parmesan cheese if desired before serving.

Notes

Substitute shrimp or paneer for the chicken for a different variation.
Add spinach, peas, or roasted bell peppers for extra vegetables.
Replace part of the heavy cream with evaporated milk or additional Greek yogurt for a lighter sauce.
Adjust the chili powder or cayenne to suit your preferred spice level.
Prepare the sauce up to 2 days ahead and refrigerate until ready to use.
Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
Reheat gently with a splash of cream, milk, or water to restore the creamy texture.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 610 kcal
Sugar: 7 g
Sodium: 620 mg
Fat: 28 g
Saturated Fat: 13 g
Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 52 g
Fiber: 3 g
Protein: 36 g
Cholesterol: 110 mg