If you’re craving a dish that perfectly marries the rich, creamy flavors of Indian butter chicken with the comforting twirl of pasta, then you’re in for a real treat. This Butter Chicken Pasta Recipe is everything you want in a meal—hearty, aromatic, and utterly soul-satisfying. Creamy tomato sauce infused with warming spices hugs tender chicken pieces and al dente pasta in a way that will make you want to dive back in for seconds. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a weekend indulgence, this recipe brings a delicious fusion of two cuisines right to your plate.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right is key to nailing this Butter Chicken Pasta Recipe. These simple yet thoughtfully chosen components combine to deliver layers of flavor, beautiful color, and that luxurious texture that makes every bite memorable.
- Short pasta (10.5 oz, 300 g): Choose your favorite shapes like penne or rigatoni to catch every bit of sauce perfectly.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Adds a fruity base for cooking the chicken and aromatics.
- Butter (1 tablespoon, 20 g): Gives a velvety richness that’s essential to butter chicken’s signature taste.
- Chicken breast (1 lb, 450 g): Cut into bite-sized pieces; lean and tender, it absorbs the spices beautifully.
- Medium onion (1, diced): Adds sweetness and depth when sautéed.
- Garlic cloves (2, finely chopped): Infuses each morsel with aromatic punch.
- Fresh ginger (1 tablespoon, finely chopped): Brings a zesty warmth that’s characteristic of Indian flavors.
- Garam masala (1 teaspoon): A fragrant spice blend essential for authentic taste.
- Ground cumin (1 teaspoon): Offers earthiness and mild heat.
- Ground coriander (1 teaspoon): Adds a light citrus undertone.
- Chili powder (1 teaspoon): Lends just the right kick without overpowering.
- Turmeric (1/2 teaspoon): For subtle warmth and that lovely golden color.
- Red chili flakes (1/4 teaspoon): To add a touch of extra heat, customize as you like.
- Tomato paste (1 tablespoon): Concentrates the tomato flavor for a rich sauce.
- Tomato sauce / passata (2 cups, 400 ml): The luscious base of the sauce with vibrant color.
- Almond butter (2 tablespoons): A creamy, nutty ingredient that thickens and enriches the sauce uniquely.
- Half and half / single cream (1 cup, 200 ml): Brings smooth creaminess to the sauce, balancing the spices beautifully.
- Fresh cilantro (a handful): Adds a bright, fresh finish to the dish.
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper: To season perfectly to your taste.
How to Make Butter Chicken Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by cooking the pasta just until al dente according to the package instructions. It’s important to keep the pasta slightly firm to maintain a great texture once tossed with the sauce. Before you drain the pasta, save 1 to 2 cups of the pasta water—you’ll use this later to loosen the sauce if needed, giving it that perfect silky consistency.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
In a large pan, heat the olive oil and butter over medium-high heat until the butter melts and sizzles. Add the chicken pieces and cook them until they’re golden brown on all sides but not fully cooked through. This step seals in the juices and adds gorgeous flavor that’s essential to our Butter Chicken Pasta Recipe.
Step 3: Sauté Aromatics
Lower the heat to medium, then add the diced onion, garlic, and fresh ginger to the pan. Cook gently until the onion becomes translucent and soft. This fragrant base builds the foundation for all the complex spices that follow.
Step 4: Spice It Up
Sprinkle in the garam masala, ground cumin, coriander, chili powder, turmeric, and red chili flakes. Stir everything together and cook for just a minute or two to toast the spices lightly—this step really releases their aroma and deepens the flavor.
Step 5: Add the Sauce Ingredients
Mix in the tomato paste and pour in the tomato sauce (passata). If the sauce looks too thick, gradually stir in some reserved pasta water until it reaches a luscious, slightly saucy consistency. Then let the blend simmer gently to marry all the vibrant flavors.
Step 6: Thicken the Sauce
Stir in the almond butter and half and half cream. These ingredients make your sauce irresistibly creamy with a hint of nuttiness that sets this Butter Chicken Pasta Recipe apart from any other pasta dish you’ve tried. Let it simmer until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
Step 7: Combine and Serve
Now toss the cooked pasta directly into the sauce, stirring well to ensure every piece is generously coated. Add the fresh cilantro for brightness and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Your Butter Chicken Pasta is ready to be enjoyed!
How to Serve Butter Chicken Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh cilantro or chopped parsley on top adds a burst of herbal freshness that complements the creamy, spicy sauce beautifully. If you love some crunch, toasted almond slivers or a little flaky cheese like Parmesan can be fantastic creative toppings.
Side Dishes
This hearty pasta pairs wonderfully with light sides such as a crisp cucumber salad or a lemony green salad. Warm, buttery garlic naan or crusty bread on the side is perfect for mopping up every bit of the luscious sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the Butter Chicken Pasta Recipe in individual ovenproof bowls topped with a sprinkle of cheese, then broil until golden and bubbly for a cheesy crust. You could also try layering pasta and sauce in a baking dish and finishing it as a baked pasta casserole for an impressive family-style dish.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place leftover Butter Chicken Pasta in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually develop and deepen after sitting, so leftovers can taste just as good or better.
Freezing
While pasta dishes with cream don’t always freeze perfectly, you can freeze the sauce and cooked chicken mixture separately without the pasta. Store in a sealed freezer container for up to 2 months, then thaw thoroughly before reheating and combining with freshly cooked pasta.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm your pasta and sauce in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of water or cream if the sauce feels too thick. Stir frequently to prevent sticking and ensure the dish is heated evenly without drying out.
FAQs
Can I use other types of pasta?
Absolutely! While short pasta like penne or rigatoni works best to hold the sauce, you can experiment with fusilli, farfalle, or even spaghetti if that’s what you have on hand. Just be sure to cook it al dente.
Is this recipe very spicy?
The spices create a warm, mildly spicy flavor, but it’s not overpowering. You can tweak the amount of chili powder and red chili flakes depending on your heat preference. It’s easy to make it milder or more intense.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Definitely! Substitute the chicken for paneer cubes, tofu, or your favorite vegetables like mushrooms and bell peppers for a delicious vegetarian version of this fusion dish.
Why use almond butter in the sauce?
Almond butter adds creamy texture and subtle nuttiness that enriches the sauce without overpowering the other flavors. It’s a wonderful alternative to traditional cream or cashew-based sauces.
Can I prepare parts of this recipe ahead of time?
You can chop the aromatics and marinate the chicken in advance. The sauce can also be made a day ahead and gently reheated, making this a great option for meal prep or entertaining.
Final Thoughts
This Butter Chicken Pasta Recipe isn’t just a meal; it’s a celebration of bold spices and creamy comfort all rolled into one irresistible dish. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, this recipe is easy to follow and guaranteed to impress. So, grab your ingredients and get cooking—delight is waiting on the other side of that pan!
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Butter Chicken Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Indian Fusion
Description
This Butter Chicken Pasta recipe combines the rich and creamy flavors of classic Indian butter chicken with tender short pasta for a comforting and flavorful dish. It features a perfectly seared chicken breast cooked with aromatic spices, tomato sauce, almond butter, and cream, tossed with pasta to create a delicious fusion meal ready in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 10.5 oz (300 g) short pasta
- Salt for pasta water, to taste
Chicken and Sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon (20 g) butter
- 1 lb (450 g) chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
- 1/4 teaspoon red chili flakes
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 2 cups (400 ml) tomato sauce (passata)
- 2 tablespoons almond butter
- 1 cup (200 ml) half and half (single cream)
- A handful fresh cilantro (coriander), chopped
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the short pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Before draining, reserve 1-2 cups of the pasta cooking water for later use.
- Sear the chicken: While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil and butter in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add the bite-sized chicken pieces and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
- Sauté aromatics: In the same pan, add the diced onion, finely chopped garlic, and fresh ginger. Cook over medium heat until the onion softens and becomes translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Spice it up: Add the garam masala, ground cumin, ground coriander, chili powder, turmeric, and red chili flakes to the pan. Stir well and cook the spices for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add sauce: Stir in the tomato paste and then add the tomato sauce (passata). If the sauce is too thick, add some of the reserved pasta water to loosen it. Bring to a gentle simmer.
- Thicken the sauce: Add the almond butter and half and half to the pan, stirring continuously until the sauce is creamy and slightly thickened, about 3-5 minutes. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Combine and serve: Return the cooked chicken to the sauce and mix well. Toss in the drained pasta and gently combine to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve immediately while warm.
Notes
- Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency as needed; it helps the sauce stick well to the pasta.
- You can substitute almond butter with cashew butter or peanut butter if preferred.
- For a richer taste, use heavy cream instead of half and half.
- This dish can be spiced up or toned down by adjusting the chili powder and red chili flakes amounts.
- Use gluten-free pasta if you want a gluten-free version.
