How to Make Creamy Butter Chicken Pasta Fast

Get ready to dive into a dish that’s both indulgent and incredibly easy to whip up: Creamy Butter Chicken Pasta. This recipe combines tender chicken cooked in a luscious buttery sauce with perfectly cooked pasta for a meal that’s bursting with flavor and comfort. It’s a true weeknight winner when you want something quick, satisfying, and impressive without spending hours in the kitchen. Whether you’re a butter chicken fan or looking for a new pasta twist, this dish brings creamy, savory goodness to your plate fast!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Speedy preparation: Ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy evenings or last-minute dinners.
• Rich and comforting flavors: The creamy butter sauce perfectly coats the chicken and pasta for a comforting, indulgent meal.
• Simple ingredients: Uses common kitchen staples that you can easily find, keeping it budget-friendly and accessible.
• Customizable to your taste: Whether you like it spicier or milder, this recipe adapts to your cravings effortlessly.
• One-pan efficiency: Minimal dishes mean more time enjoying your meal and less clean-up.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Creamy Butter Chicken Pasta recipe plays a vital role to create a harmonious blend of flavors, textures, and colors. From the tender chicken to the rich butter and the creamy sauce, every element is simple but essential.

• Chicken breasts or thighs: Choose boneless, skinless pieces for tender and juicy bites that cook evenly.
• Butter: The key ingredient for that rich, silky sauce base that pampers the palate.
• Heavy cream or half-and-half: Ensures the sauce is luxuriously creamy and smooth.
• Garlic cloves: Adds aromatic depth and a subtle kick to balance the richness.
• Tomato paste: Brings a subtle tang and beautiful color to the sauce.
• Spices (garam masala, paprika, chili powder): Layer warm, vibrant flavors reminiscent of classic butter chicken.
• Pasta (penne or fettuccine): The perfect partners to soak up that creamy sauce.
• Fresh parsley or cilantro: Adds a fresh, herbal brightness on top when serving.

Variations for Creamy Butter Chicken Pasta

Feel free to tweak this dish to your liking or dietary needs. This recipe is wonderfully flexible and allows you to get creative without losing its signature creamy, savory essence.

• Vegetarian option: Substitute chicken with sautéed mushrooms or paneer for a meat-free twist that still satisfies.
• Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or use hotter chili powder to give it an extra kick.
• Dairy-free swap: Use coconut cream and vegan butter to keep it creamy but suitable for lactose intolerance.
• Whole wheat or gluten-free pasta: Choose your preferred pasta type to suit health preferences or dietary restrictions.
• Extra veggies: Toss in bell peppers, spinach, or peas to add color, nutrition, and texture.

How to Make Creamy Butter Chicken Pasta

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients

Start by cutting the chicken into bite-sized cubes and mincing the garlic. This prep makes cooking flow smoothly and helps everything cook evenly in the pan.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving a little pasta water for later.

Step 3: Sauté the Chicken

In a large skillet, melt butter over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook until golden and almost cooked through, about 5 to 7 minutes. Remove chicken and set aside to keep tender.

Step 4: Build the Sauce

In the same skillet, add a bit more butter if needed and sauté the minced garlic until fragrant. Stir in tomato paste and spices, letting them toast slightly to deepen the flavors. Slowly add the cream while stirring to create a smooth, creamy base.

Step 5: Combine and Simmer

Return the chicken to the skillet, lowering the heat to a gentle simmer. Add the cooked pasta and toss everything together, coating pasta and chicken thoroughly with the creamy butter sauce. Add reserved pasta water a little at a time if the sauce feels too thick.

Step 6: Final Touches

Season with salt and pepper to taste, then sprinkle fresh parsley or cilantro on top before serving for a pop of color and fresh flavor.

Pro Tips for Making Creamy Butter Chicken Pasta

• Use room temperature chicken: It cooks more evenly and stays juicier.
• Keep pasta water handy: Adding a splash helps loosen the sauce for the perfect creamy consistency.
• Fresh garlic over powder: It brings a brighter, fresher flavor that elevates the sauce.
• Don’t overcook the chicken: Remove it from heat as soon as it’s cooked through to avoid dryness.
• Let the sauce simmer gently: Slow simmering melds flavors and thickens the sauce beautifully.

How to Serve Creamy Butter Chicken Pasta

Garnishes

Fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro add a burst of color and freshness that cuts through the richness. A sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese and a drizzle of olive oil also complement the creamy sauce beautifully.

Side Dishes

Pair this creamy butter chicken pasta with a simple green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables to add some crunch and balance out the meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve it in shallow bowls or on rustic plates to showcase the velvety sauce and tender chicken pieces. For a special touch, add a lemon wedge on the side to brighten each bite when squeezed over.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Allow the creamy butter chicken pasta to cool completely before transferring to airtight containers. Refrigerate and consume within 3 days for best flavor and freshness.

Freezing

This dish can be frozen, but cream-based sauces may separate when thawed. Freeze in portions in airtight containers, and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently to maintain texture.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in a skillet over low heat with a splash of cream or milk to revive the sauce’s creaminess. Microwave at medium power in short intervals, stirring in between to heat evenly without curdling.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs add extra juiciness and flavor and work wonderfully in this creamy butter chicken pasta.

Is this recipe spicy?

The default spice level is mild, but you can easily adjust the heat by adding more chili powder or cayenne to suit your taste preferences.

What pasta works best with creamy butter chicken pasta?

Short pastas like penne or rigatoni hold the sauce well, but feel free to use your favorite pasta shapes that soak up the sauce nicely.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, swap butter for vegan margarine and heavy cream for coconut cream or almond milk cream alternatives to keep it creamy without dairy.

How do I store leftover creamy butter chicken pasta?

Keep leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Freeze for longer storage but be mindful of sauce texture changes after thawing.

Final Thoughts

Once you try this Creamy Butter Chicken Pasta, it quickly becomes a go-to comfort meal that’s both quick to make and deeply satisfying. Perfect for busy nights or cozy weekends, it combines familiar flavors with a creamy twist that’s sure to impress friends and family alike. So, don’t wait—grab your ingredients and savor the rich, buttery goodness of this effortless dish tonight!

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