If you’re craving a dish that beautifully marries the creamy, spiced warmth of Indian butter chicken with the comforting familiarity of pasta, the Butter Chicken Pasta Recipe is your answer. This delightful fusion brings together tender chicken pieces simmered in a dreamy, fragrant sauce, perfectly coating each bite of al dente pasta. It’s a vibrant, soul-satisfying meal that’s surprisingly simple, making it an ideal weeknight dinner or a special treat to impress friends and family. Let me walk you through why this recipe quickly became one of my absolute favorites.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting ready to make the Butter Chicken Pasta Recipe means gathering a handful of simple, everyday ingredients that each play a vital role in creating its luxurious taste and vibrant color. From spices that infuse warmth to creamy elements that envelop the pasta, every ingredient has a delicious purpose.
- 10.5 oz (300 g) short pasta: Choose penne, fusilli, or any short pasta to catch the sauce beautifully.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Adds a subtle fruitiness and helps sear the chicken to golden perfection.
- 1 tablespoon (20 g) butter: Brings the signature richness essential to butter chicken flavors.
- 1 lb (450 g) chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces: Tender chicken is the star protein that soaks up all the spicy sauce.
- 1 medium onion, diced: Provides a sweet and savory base when softened.
- 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped: Infuses a lovely aromatic depth.
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, finely chopped: Adds a warm zing and fresh brightness.
- 1 teaspoon garam masala: A quintessential Indian spice blend that delivers complex warmth.
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin: Earthy undertones that balance the spices beautifully.
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander: Adds a citrusy, floral note to the sauce.
- 1 teaspoon chili powder: Brings a gentle heat that thrills the palate.
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric: Gives the sauce a gorgeous golden color and subtle earthy hints.
- 1/4 teaspoon red chili flakes: For those who want a bit of extra kick without overpowering the dish.
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste: Concentrated tomato flavor that deepens the sauce’s richness.
- 2 cups (400 ml) tomato sauce (passata): The smooth, fresh base for the saucy goodness.
- 2 tablespoons almond butter: A fantastic alternative to cream alone, adding nuttiness and body.
- 1 cup (200 ml) half and half (single cream): Creates that indulgently silky texture.
- A handful fresh cilantro (coriander): Finishing fresh herbaceous lift that brightens every bite.
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste: Seasoning is the key to balancing all the flavors.
How to Make Butter Chicken Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by cooking your choice of short pasta until just al dente according to package instructions. The perfect bite is essential here because you don’t want mushy noodles in this saucy dish. Before draining, scoop out 1 to 2 cups of the pasta cooking water – this starchy liquid will help loosen and marry the sauce with the pasta later on.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Heat olive oil and butter together in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add the bite-sized chicken pieces and cook them until they’re golden brown on all sides. This step is crucial because those caramelized bits boost the flavor and texture dramatically.
Step 3: Sauté Aromatics
Once the chicken looks beautifully seared, toss in diced onion, garlic, and ginger. Sauté these until they become soft and fragrant. This trio builds a flavorful foundation for your sauce, with sweet notes from the onion and pungent warmth from the garlic and ginger.
Step 4: Spice It Up
Now for the magic! Sprinkle in garam masala, cumin, ground coriander, chili powder, turmeric, and red chili flakes. Stir constantly and let the spices toast slightly – this releases their essential oils and deepens their impact, turning the sauce vibrant and aromatic.
Step 5: Add Sauce Ingredients
Incorporate the tomato paste and passata, stirring well so everything combines. If the sauce seems too thick at this stage, use a splash of your reserved pasta water to loosen it up. Let everything simmer gently so the flavors meld beautifully, and the sauce reduces slightly.
Step 6: Thicken the Sauce
Stir in almond butter and half and half, raising the heat just enough for the sauce to thicken to a luscious, creamy consistency. This step is what makes the Butter Chicken Pasta Recipe so unforgettable; the sauce is rich and velvety without being overly heavy.
Step 7: Combine and Serve
Finally, toss the cooked pasta into your gorgeous butter chicken sauce. Add fresh cilantro and adjust salt and pepper to taste. Give everything a gentle toss until every morsel is coated in that savory, creamy, spiced goodness.
How to Serve Butter Chicken Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh cilantro is a must for that vibrant green pop and herbal brightness. You can also add a dollop of yogurt or a few toasted almond slivers for texture contrast and extra creaminess.
Side Dishes
This Butter Chicken Pasta Recipe locks in so much flavor on its own, but pairing it with a simple cucumber salad or a cooling raita can balance the spices nicely. Warm naan bread also makes a delightful accompaniment if you want that classic butter chicken experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this dish in shallow bowls with a drizzle of extra cream or melted butter over the top for a restaurant-worthy look. You could also plate it with a wedge of lime on the side to squeeze fresh citrus that amps up the flavors right before eating.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
The Butter Chicken Pasta Recipe keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making the leftovers even better in some ways. Just give it a good stir before storing.
Freezing
If you want to make this ahead for busy nights, freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. When freezing, slightly undercook the pasta to avoid it becoming mushy later. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or cream to loosen the sauce if it has thickened too much. Microwave reheating works too but stir halfway through to distribute heat evenly.
FAQs
Can I use other types of pasta?
Absolutely! Short pasta like penne or rotini works best as it holds the sauce well, but feel free to experiment with shells or even spaghetti if you’re in a pinch.
Is the Butter Chicken Pasta Recipe spicy?
It has a mild to moderate heat level thanks to the chili powder and flakes, but you can adjust these spices to suit your taste perfectly by adding more or less.
Can I substitute the almond butter?
Yes! Peanut butter or cashew butter can work as alternatives to almond butter and provide a similar creamy, nutty texture and flavor.
Can this be made dairy-free?
To make it dairy-free, swap the butter for a plant-based alternative and use coconut cream instead of half and half. The dish will still be rich and tasty!
What’s the best way to freshen leftovers?
Adding a squeeze of fresh lemon or lime juice and a handful of chopped fresh cilantro before serving really brightens up leftover Butter Chicken Pasta nicely.
Final Thoughts
This Butter Chicken Pasta Recipe is such a comforting and exciting dish to make and share, blending the best of two culinary worlds in one delicious plate. Trust me, once you try it, it’ll become a beloved staple in your kitchen, perfect for any day when you want something creamy, spicy, and unforgettable. Give it a go, and enjoy every flavorful bite!
Print
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: Fusion/Indian-Italian
Description
This Butter Chicken Pasta recipe is a delicious fusion of classic Indian flavors with the comfort of creamy pasta. Tender chicken breast pieces are cooked with a blend of aromatic spices, simmered in a rich tomato and almond butter sauce, then tossed with al dente pasta and fresh cilantro for a flavorful and comforting meal ready in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 10.5 oz (300 g) short pasta
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)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Prepare the pasta al dente following the package instructions. Be sure to reserve 1-2 cups of the pasta cooking water before draining the pasta to use later in the sauce.
- Sear the chicken: Heat olive oil and butter in a pan over medium heat. Add the bite-sized chicken pieces and cook until golden brown on all sides, ensuring they are nearly cooked through.
- Sauté aromatics: Add the diced onion, finely chopped garlic, and fresh ginger to the pan with the chicken. Cook until the onion softens and becomes translucent, releasing fragrant aromas.
- Spice it up: Sprinkle in the garam masala, ground cumin, ground coriander, chili powder, turmeric, and red chili flakes. Stir and cook briefly to toast the spices and intensify their flavors.
- Add sauce: Stir in the tomato paste and pour in the tomato sauce (passata). If the sauce seems too thick, add some reserved pasta water a little at a time. Allow the sauce to come to a gentle simmer.
- Thicken the sauce: Mix in the almond butter and half and half (single cream). Continue to simmer the sauce until it thickens slightly, creating a creamy, rich texture that coats the chicken.
- Combine and serve: Toss the cooked pasta into the skillet with the sauce, mixing well to evenly coat all the pasta. Add fresh cilantro, adjust the salt and pepper to taste, and serve immediately while warm.
Notes
- Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency as needed.
- Adjust chili powder and red chili flakes for preferred spice level.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute half and half and butter with plant-based alternatives.
- Fresh cilantro adds a bright flavor; omit if allergic or substitute with fresh parsley.
- Serve with a side of naan bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
