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Butter Chicken Pasta

Butter Chicken Pasta
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Butter Chicken Pasta is a heartwarming fusion dish that blends the creamy, spicy flavors of traditional Indian butter chicken with the comforting texture of perfectly cooked pasta. This recipe features tender boneless chicken thighs cooked in a rich tomato and cream-based sauce infused with aromatic spices, tossed with pasta to create an indulgent yet easy-to-make meal perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining guests.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken & Protein

  • 500g boneless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces

Sauce Base

  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup tomato puree
  • 1 cup heavy cream

Spices

  • 1 teaspoon garam masala, plus a pinch for seasoning chicken
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Optional: chili powder or fresh green chilies to adjust spice level

Pasta

  • 300g pasta (penne or fusilli recommended)

Garnish

  • Fresh cilantro, chopped

Instructions

  1. Prepare the chicken: Cut boneless chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces. Season lightly with salt, pepper, and a pinch of garam masala to infuse flavor before cooking.
  2. Sauté aromatics: In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat, then add finely chopped onions and minced garlic. Cook until translucent and fragrant, creating the aromatic base of the sauce.
  3. Cook the chicken: Add the seasoned chicken pieces to the skillet and cook until golden brown on all sides, making sure they are sealed and juicy.
  4. Build the sauce: Stir in tomato puree along with ground cumin, ground coriander, additional garam masala, and salt. Allow the sauce to thicken and the flavors to intensify over a few minutes.
  5. Add cream and simmer: Pour in the heavy cream and gently stir to combine. Let the sauce simmer until luxuriously creamy and coats the chicken beautifully.
  6. Cook and combine pasta: Meanwhile, cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and add the pasta directly to the skillet. Toss everything together so every bite is smothered in the creamy butter chicken sauce.
  7. Finish with fresh herbs: Sprinkle chopped fresh cilantro over the top to add a vibrant freshness before serving.

Notes

  • Marinate chicken with yogurt and spices for at least 30 minutes to enhance flavor and tenderness.
  • Use boneless chicken thighs for juicier texture and better spice absorption.
  • Simmer the sauce gently to develop richer flavor and creaminess.
  • Reserve some pasta water and add a splash when combining pasta and sauce to loosen the sauce if needed.
  • Add cream gradually to control sauce consistency without overpowering the spices.
  • For a dairy-free version, replace heavy cream with coconut cream or milk alternatives.
  • Swap chicken for paneer, mushrooms, turkey breast, or tofu to customize protein.
  • Adjust spice levels by adding chili powder or green chilies as preferred.
  • Use alternative pasta shapes like farfalle, rigatoni, or spaghetti if desired.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of water or cream.
  • Freeze portions and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for convenience.

Nutrition

Keywords: Butter Chicken Pasta, Indian Pasta Recipe, Creamy Chicken Pasta, Butter Chicken Fusion, Easy Weeknight Dinner, Indian Spices Pasta

Find it online: https://emillycooks.com/butter-chicken-pasta/