Discover the rich and creamy Butter Chicken Linguine recipe that brings a flavorful twist to your pasta nights. This delightful fusion blends the comforting warmth of traditional Indian butter chicken with the satisfying texture of linguine, creating a dish that bursts with aromatic spices, silky tomato sauce, and tender chicken. Easy and delicious, Butter Chicken Linguine is the perfect way to elevate your dinner routine with a unique and irresistible meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Bold fusion flavor: Combines creamy Indian spices with classic Italian pasta for a truly unique taste experience.
Simple to prepare: Uses everyday ingredients with straightforward steps, perfect for cooks of all skill levels.
Comfort food upgrade: Takes your usual pasta night to the next level with rich, savory sauce and tender chicken.
Customizable: Easily adaptable to suit dietary preferences, spice levels, or available ingredients.
Perfect for leftovers: Tastes great reheated, making it ideal for meal prep or busy weeknights.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Butter Chicken Linguine recipe calls for a handful of simple yet flavor-packed ingredients. Each plays an important role, contributing layers of taste, creamy texture, or vibrant color that make the dish come alive on your plate.

Chicken breast or thighs: Choose boneless pieces for quick cooking and tender bites.
Linguine pasta: The long, flat strands soak up the creamy sauce beautifully.
Butter and cream: Essential for the rich, smooth sauce foundation that defines butter chicken.
Tomato puree: Adds a bright tangy base balancing the creamy elements perfectly.
Garlic and ginger: Aromatics that bring warmth and depth to the sauce.
Garam masala and spices: A blend of fragrant Indian spices providing that unmistakable butter chicken flavor.
Fresh cilantro: Adds a fresh, herbal finish for color and vibrancy.
Lemon juice: A splash to brighten and enhance all the flavors.

Variations for Butter Chicken Linguine

Feeling adventurous or have specific tastes? This recipe is wonderfully versatile, letting you customize flavors, ingredients, or adapt it for dietary needs without losing that signature butter chicken linguine charm.

Vegetarian version: Swap chicken for paneer or roasted vegetables to keep it hearty and satisfying.
Spice level adjustment: Increase chili powder or add fresh chilies for extra heat, or reduce for a milder taste.
Dairy-free option: Use coconut milk instead of cream and vegan butter for a dairy-free creamy sauce.
Protein alternatives: Try shrimp or tofu for a different protein twist while keeping the same delicious sauce.
Whole wheat or gluten-free pasta: Easily make the dish gluten-free or fiber-rich by choosing your favorite pasta type.

How to Make Butter Chicken Linguine

Step 1: Prepare the chicken

Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces, season lightly with salt, and set aside. This simple prep ensures every bite is juicy and flavorful once cooked.

Step 2: Cook the linguine

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook linguine al dente according to package instructions, then drain and lightly toss with a little olive oil to prevent sticking.

Step 3: Make the sauce base

In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat, then sauté finely chopped garlic and grated ginger until fragrant. Stir in tomato puree, garam masala, chili powder, and a pinch of salt, cooking until the sauce thickens slightly and the spices bloom.

Step 4: Cook the chicken in the sauce

Add the chicken pieces to the skillet, stirring well to coat them with the sauce. Cover and simmer for about 10-12 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.

Step 5: Finish with cream and pasta

Reduce heat to low and stir in heavy cream, mixing thoroughly to create the lush, creamy butter chicken sauce. Add the drained linguine to the skillet, tossing everything together to evenly coat the noodles.

Step 6: Garnish and serve

Remove from heat, sprinkle freshly chopped cilantro and a squeeze of lemon juice over the top, and serve immediately for maximum flavor.

Pro Tips for Making Butter Chicken Linguine

Use fresh spices: Freshly ground garam masala releases more aroma and gives more depth to your sauce.
Don’t overcook the chicken: Keep the chicken tender by simmering gently and checking doneness early.
Reserve pasta water: Add a splash of starchy pasta water if your sauce feels too thick to help it cling smoothly.
Low and slow simmer: Let the sauce simmer slowly to fully develop flavors and rich creaminess.
Use heavy cream: For a true butter chicken taste, heavy cream is key rather than lighter milk alternatives.

How to Serve Butter Chicken Linguine

Garnishes

Fresh chopped cilantro and a squeeze of lemon juice brighten the dish and add fresh herbaceous notes, perfectly balancing the rich, creamy sauce.

Side Dishes

Serve with warm garlic naan or a crisp side salad with cucumber and tomatoes to complement the saucy pasta and add refreshing textures.

Creative Ways to Present

For an elevated presentation, plate the linguine in shallow bowls, drizzle extra cream over the top, and scatter toasted nuts like cashews for crunch and extra richness.

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 maintain freshness and flavor.

Freezing

This dish can be frozen, but it’s best to freeze the sauce separately from the pasta to prevent texture changes; thaw and combine before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water or cream to loosen the sauce and avoid drying out the chicken and pasta.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes! While linguine is ideal for holding the creamy sauce, you can also use fettuccine, penne, or even spaghetti based on your preference.

Is Butter Chicken Linguine spicy?

The spice level can be easily adjusted by varying the amount of chili powder or fresh chilies to suit your taste, from mild to moderately spicy.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Absolutely! Substitute chicken with paneer, tofu, or your favorite vegetables for a vegetarian version that retains the creamy, spiced flavor.

What’s the secret to creamy sauce?

The combination of butter, cream, and slow cooking to incorporate tomato and spices creates that signature velvety texture essential to butter chicken sauce.

How long does it take to prepare this recipe?

From start to finish, Butter Chicken Linguine typically takes about 30 to 40 minutes, making it a great choice for a flavorful weeknight dinner.

Final Thoughts

This Butter Chicken Linguine recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a comforting hug on a plate. It’s effortlessly delicious, wonderfully creamy, and makes for a perfect fusion meal that will impress family and friends alike. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite pasta dinner!

Butter Chicken Linguine

Print Recipe

Butter Chicken Linguine is a rich and creamy fusion dish combining the warm, aromatic spices of traditional Indian butter chicken with the comforting texture of Italian linguine pasta. This easy-to-make meal features tender chicken simmered in a buttery, tomato-based sauce infused with garlic, ginger, and garam masala, finished with cream, fresh cilantro, and a squeeze of lemon for brightness. Perfect for elevating weeknight dinners with bold flavor and satisfying comfort.

Author: Lina
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Fusion (Indian-Italian)
Diet: Can be adapted for Gluten Free (with gluten-free pasta) or dairy-free (with coconut milk and vegan butter)

Ingredients

Protein

Chicken breast or thighs, boneless – 500g (about 1 lb)

Pasta

Linguine pasta – 300g (about 10.5 oz)

Sauce Ingredients

Butter – 3 tablespoons
Heavy cream – 200ml (about ¾ cup)
Tomato puree – 200g (about ¾ cup)
Garlic – 3 cloves, finely chopped
Fresh ginger – 1 tablespoon, grated
Garam masala – 2 teaspoons
Chili powder – 1 teaspoon (adjust to taste)
Salt – to taste

Finishing Ingredients

Fresh cilantro (coriander) – 2 tablespoons, chopped
Lemon juice – 1 tablespoon (freshly squeezed)
Olive oil – 1 tablespoon (for tossing pasta)

Instructions

Prepare the chicken: Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces, season lightly with salt, and set aside. This preparation ensures the chicken cooks evenly and remains juicy.
Cook the linguine: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the linguine al dente according to package instructions. Drain and toss lightly with olive oil to prevent sticking.
Make the sauce base: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add finely chopped garlic and grated ginger, sautéing until fragrant. Stir in tomato puree, garam masala, chili powder, and a pinch of salt. Cook until the sauce thickens slightly and the spices bloom, about 3-5 minutes.
Cook the chicken in the sauce: Add the prepared chicken pieces to the skillet, stirring well to coat them in the sauce. Cover and simmer gently for 10-12 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
Finish with cream and pasta: Reduce heat to low and stir in the heavy cream to create a smooth, creamy sauce. Add the drained linguine to the skillet and toss thoroughly to evenly coat the pasta with the sauce.
Garnish and serve: Remove from heat. Sprinkle freshly chopped cilantro over the top and add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. Serve immediately for maximum flavor and freshness.

Notes

Use freshly ground garam masala for the best aroma and flavor depth.
Simmer the chicken gently to keep it tender and juicy.
If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a splash at a time to loosen.
Use heavy cream for authentic rich butter chicken sauce rather than lighter creams or milk.
Serve with warm garlic naan or a crisp cucumber-tomato salad for complementary textures.
Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or freeze the sauce separately to maintain texture.
Reheat gently over low heat with a splash of cream or water to prevent drying out.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 1/4 of recipe)
Calories: 550 kcal
Sugar: 5 g
Sodium: 450 mg
Fat: 28 g
Saturated Fat: 15 g
Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 45 g
Fiber: 3 g
Protein: 35 g
Cholesterol: 110 mg

Keywords: Butter Chicken Linguine, Indian fusion pasta, creamy butter chicken, garam masala pasta, easy pasta dinner, Indian-Italian fusion recipe