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Creamy Butter Chicken Pasta

Creamy Butter Chicken Pasta
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Creamy Butter Chicken Pasta is a quick and indulgent one-pan dinner combining tender chicken cooked in a rich, buttery, spiced sauce with perfectly cooked pasta. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s a comforting meal perfect for busy weeknights, featuring a luscious creamy sauce inspired by classic butter chicken flavors and topped with fresh herbs.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized cubes

Dairy & Fat

  • 4 tablespoons butter
  • 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half

Vegetables & Aromatics

  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste

Spices

  • 1 teaspoon garam masala
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili powder (adjust to taste)

Pasta

  • 8 ounces penne or fettuccine pasta

Garnish

  • Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped (for serving)

Instructions

  1. Prep Your Ingredients: Cut the chicken into bite-sized cubes and mince the garlic. Preparing these ingredients ahead ensures smoother, even cooking.
  2. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving a small amount of pasta water for later use.
  3. Sauté the Chicken: In a large skillet, melt butter over medium-high heat. Add chicken pieces and cook until golden and almost cooked through, about 5 to 7 minutes. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside to retain juiciness.
  4. Build the Sauce: In the same skillet, add more butter if needed and sauté minced garlic until fragrant. Stir in tomato paste and spices, toasting them slightly to deepen flavors. Slowly pour in heavy cream while stirring to create a smooth, creamy sauce base.
  5. Combine and Simmer: Return the chicken to the skillet and reduce heat to a gentle simmer. Add cooked pasta and toss thoroughly to coat both chicken and pasta in the creamy butter sauce. Introduce reserved pasta water gradually if the sauce is too thick, adjusting consistency as desired.
  6. Final Touches: Season the dish with salt and pepper to taste. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or cilantro on top before serving to add freshness and color.

Notes

  • Use room temperature chicken to ensure even cooking and juicier results.
  • Keep reserved pasta water handy to loosen the sauce to perfect creaminess.
  • Prefer fresh minced garlic over powder for a brighter, fresher flavor.
  • Avoid overcooking chicken by removing it as soon as it’s cooked through to maintain tenderness.
  • Simmer the sauce gently to meld flavors and thicken the sauce without curdling.

Nutrition

Keywords: butter chicken pasta, creamy pasta, quick chicken dinner, one-pan meal, spicy creamy pasta, easy pasta recipe

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