Easy Butter Chicken Linguine Recipe To Try Tonight

If you love rich, creamy dishes loaded with warm, comforting flavors, you’re going to adore this Butter Chicken Linguine recipe. It’s an exciting fusion that brings the vibrant spices of classic butter chicken together with the pleasing texture of tender linguine pasta, making for a quick and delicious dinner that you can whip up any night of the week. This Butter Chicken Linguine combines the best of two worlds to create a meal that’s both exotic and familiar, comforting and vibrant all at once.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Comfort food at its best: This dish combines creamy, buttery sauce with perfectly cooked pasta for a satisfying meal that warms the soul.
• Quick and easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, this recipe fits perfectly into busy weeknights without compromising on flavor.
• Bold, familiar flavors: Enjoy the beloved taste of butter chicken in a new way that’s fun and family-friendly.
• Customizable: Adapt it easily with different proteins or vegetables to suit your cravings or dietary needs.
• Perfect creamy texture: The silky sauce clings perfectly to every strand of linguine for an unforgettable dining experience.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering simple, fresh ingredients is the key to making this Butter Chicken Linguine truly shine. Each component plays a vital role in building the bold, silky sauce and perfectly al dente pasta that’s bursting with flavor and beautiful color.

• Chicken breasts or thighs: Choose sautéed, bite-sized pieces for tender, juicy bites.
• Linguine pasta: Holds the sauce beautifully thanks to its flat shape and perfect thickness.
• Butter and cream: Create that iconic rich, silky sauce that coats every bite.
• Tomato puree: Adds tangy depth and vibrant color to the sauce.
• Garlic and ginger: Essential aromatics that bring warmth and bite to every mouthful.
• Spices (garam masala, cumin, turmeric): The heart of the recipe, delivering that familiar, delicious butter chicken flavor.
• Fresh cilantro: For a fresh, herbaceous finish that brightens the dish.
• Onion: Adds sweetness and foundation to the sauce base.

Variations for Butter Chicken Linguine

If you want to switch things up or cater this recipe to your lifestyle, Butter Chicken Linguine is incredibly versatile. Experiment with different ingredients or adjust the heat to make it your own.

• A vegetarian option: Swap chicken for paneer or roasted vegetables like bell peppers and mushrooms.
• Spice it up: Add fresh chili or cayenne powder to increase the heat to your preference.
• Dairy-free twist: Use coconut cream and vegan butter for a luscious but dairy-free sauce.
• Extra protein: Toss in shrimp or cooked chickpeas for added texture and nutrition.
• Whole wheat linguine: For a heartier, fiber-rich alternative.

How to Make Butter Chicken Linguine

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start by cutting the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Sauté them in a skillet with butter until golden and cooked through. This forms the flavorful base of your dish.

Step 2: Cook the Aromatics

In the same pan, melt more butter and gently cook finely chopped onion, garlic, and ginger until fragrant and translucent. This creates a rich flavor foundation for your sauce.

Step 3: Add the Spices

Sprinkle in garam masala, cumin, and turmeric. Stir these spices well with the aromatics to release their essential oils, building that iconic butter chicken flavor.

Step 4: Create the Sauce

Pour in tomato puree and cream, stirring gently. Let the sauce simmer and thicken, turning it into a creamy, velvety coating for the chicken and pasta.

Step 5: Cook the Linguine

While the sauce simmers, boil linguine in salted water until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving a little pasta water for adjusting sauce consistency if needed.

Step 6: Combine and Serve

Toss the cooked linguine into the sauce and chicken, mixing everything together so every strand is lovingly coated. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve immediately.

Pro Tips for Making Butter Chicken Linguine

• Use fresh spices: Freshly ground garam masala makes a noticeable difference in flavor intensity.
• Don’t overcook the chicken: Sear quickly and remove from heat to keep it tender and juicy.
• Simmer gently: Low heat preserves the creamy texture of the sauce without curdling the cream.
• Reserve pasta water: Use a splash to loosen the sauce if it gets too thick when mixing.
• Garnish last: Fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lemon add brightness right before serving.

How to Serve Butter Chicken Linguine

Garnishes

Sprinkle freshly chopped cilantro or parsley on top for a fresh, vibrant touch. A dollop of Greek yogurt or a squeeze of lemon juice adds a tangy contrast that wakes up your taste buds.

Side Dishes

Pair this Butter Chicken Linguine with a simple side salad, garlic naan, or steamed basmati rice for a more filling meal that balances flavors and textures beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve in shallow pasta bowls for an elegant look, drizzle extra sauce around the edges, or add a colorful sprinkle of toasted nuts or seeds for crunch and contrast.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Butter Chicken Linguine in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to keep its flavors fresh and vibrant.

Freezing

This dish freezes well. Portion it out in freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.

Reheating

Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of cream or water to loosen the sauce and prevent drying out, stirring often to heat evenly.

FAQs

Can I use other types of pasta for Butter Chicken Linguine?

Absolutely! While linguine works beautifully with the creamy sauce, you can easily substitute with fettuccine, penne, or even spaghetti without losing that delicious texture.

Is Butter Chicken Linguine spicy?

The dish has just a mild to medium heat level thanks to aromatic spices, making it suitable for most tastes. You can always adjust spice levels by adding more chili or pepper to suit your preference.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes, simply replace the chicken with paneer, tofu, or a mix of roasted vegetables for a flavorful, meat-free version that’s just as delicious.

How long does it take to prepare Butter Chicken Linguine?

This entire dish is quick and straightforward, usually ready within 25-30 minutes from start to finish, perfect for weeknight dinners.

What can I serve with Butter Chicken Linguine?

Popular sides include a fresh green salad, roasted vegetables, garlic naan bread, or even a side of steamed rice to soak up the luscious sauce.

Final Thoughts

Butter Chicken Linguine is an absolute delight that brings together creamy, comforting butter chicken flavors with the satisfying chew of pasta. It’s a perfect meal to brighten up any evening with minimal effort but maximum deliciousness. Give this recipe a try tonight—you might just find your new favorite dinner!

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