How to Make Butter Chicken Pasta Fast

If you’re craving a mouthwatering fusion dish that combines the creamy richness of Indian butter chicken with the comforting familiarity of pasta, then Butter Chicken Pasta is your new go-to meal. This recipe brings together tender chicken simmered in a velvety tomato cream sauce tossed with perfectly cooked pasta, delivering incredible flavor and satisfaction in record time. Whether you’re juggling a busy schedule or simply want a deliciously easy dinner that impresses, learning how to make Butter Chicken Pasta quickly will become a game changer in your kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights without compromising flavor.
• Flavor Explosion: The creamy tomato gravy infused with aromatic spices makes every bite irresistible.
• Comfort Food with a Twist: Combines Indian classics with Italian pasta, giving you the best of both worlds.
• Customizable: Easily adaptable to suit your spice preferences or dietary needs.
• Family-Friendly: A crowd-pleaser for kids and adults alike, even picky eaters will ask for seconds.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Butter Chicken Pasta is how simple but essential the ingredients are—each playing a crucial role in balancing taste, texture, and color to deliver that signature silky sauce and tender chicken bites mingling with al dente pasta.

• Chicken breasts or thighs: Use boneless for quick cooking and juicy tenderness.
• Pasta of choice: Penne or fusilli work great to catch the sauce in every nook.
• Butter: Provides richness and smoothness that defines the sauce.
• Tomato puree: Adds vibrant tang and depth to the dish’s creamy base.
• Heavy cream or cashew cream: Creates that lush texture essential to butter chicken.
• Garlic and ginger paste: Fresh aromatics that awaken the sauce with warmth.
• Spices (garam masala, chili powder, turmeric): Bring authentic Indian flavors and subtle heat.
• Onion: Sautéed to golden perfection to add sweetness and body.
• Fresh cilantro: Brightens the dish with a fresh herbal finish.

Variations for Butter Chicken Pasta

Don’t be afraid to tweak this recipe to your liking! Butter Chicken Pasta is incredibly flexible, allowing you to substitute ingredients or adjust flavors to make it your own or meet dietary requirements.

• Vegetarian option: Swap chicken for paneer cubes or roasted vegetables to maintain texture.
• Spice it up: Add extra red chili flakes or green chili for a fiery kick.
• Dairy-free version: Use coconut cream and vegan butter for a creamy, plant-based meal.
• Whole wheat or gluten-free pasta: Choose alternatives to suit your nutritional preferences.
• Extra protein: Toss in cooked shrimp or chickpeas for variety and added nutrition.

How to Make Butter Chicken Pasta

Step 1: Prepare the chicken

Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and season lightly with salt, chili powder, and garam masala. Sauté in butter over medium heat until golden and cooked through, then set aside to rest.

Step 2: Cook the pasta

Boil salted water and cook your pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and reserve a little pasta water before setting the pasta aside.

Step 3: Make the sauce

In the same pan, add more butter and sauté finely chopped onions until translucent. Stir in garlic and ginger paste and cook until fragrant. Pour in the tomato puree and let it simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

Step 4: Add spices and cream

Add garam masala, turmeric, chili powder, and salt, then stir well. Slowly mix in the heavy cream, reducing the heat to avoid curdling. Simmer gently until the sauce thickens to a luscious texture.

Step 5: Combine and finish

Toss the cooked chicken back into the sauce, adding reserved pasta water if needed for consistency. Mix in the cooked pasta, coat everything evenly, and heat through for a couple of minutes. Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.

Pro Tips for Making Butter Chicken Pasta

• Use room temperature chicken: It cooks more evenly and stays tender.
• Don’t skip the reserved pasta water: It helps bind the sauce and pasta without thinning the flavor.
• Sauté onions low and slow: Ensures sweetness and depth instead of bitterness.
• Adjust spice gradually: Taste as you go to hit your perfect heat level without overpowering.
• Fresh cream over canned: For a richer, creamier sauce that doesn’t separate.

How to Serve Butter Chicken Pasta

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh cilantro leaves adds a burst of brightness, while a drizzle of cream or a few toasted cashews on top can amp up the richness and visual appeal beautifully.

Side Dishes

Serve with a simple side salad of mixed greens for freshness or warm garlic naan to scoop up every bit of the delicious sauce for an indulgent twist.

Creative Ways to Present

Plate your Butter Chicken Pasta in individual shallow bowls with a zigzag of cream and a pinch of smoked paprika on top to impress guests visually and gastronomically.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover Butter Chicken Pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making it a great option for quick reheats during the week.

Freezing

This dish freezes well if you keep the pasta and sauce separate to avoid mushiness; freeze the sauce in portions and the pasta on its own for up to 2 months.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of water or cream to revive the sauce’s creamy texture without drying it out.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought butter chicken sauce?

Yes, you can use pre-made sauce for convenience—just enhance it with fresh cream and spices to boost flavor and creaminess.

What type of pasta works best with Butter Chicken Pasta?

Short, ridged pasta like penne or fusilli holds the sauce well and offers a pleasant texture contrast to the tender chicken.

Is this recipe spicy?

The spice level can be adjusted easily by increasing or decreasing chili powder and garam masala, making it suitable for all taste buds.

Can I make Butter Chicken Pasta vegetarian?

Absolutely! Replace chicken with paneer, tofu, or hearty vegetables to keep the dish delicious and satisfyingly creamy.

How do I make this recipe dairy-free?

Swap butter for vegan margarine and heavy cream for coconut cream or cashew cream to enjoy a luscious dairy-free version.

Final Thoughts

Butter Chicken Pasta combines the best of two comforting cuisines into one fast, flavorful meal everyone will love. It’s a perfect solution for busy evenings when you crave something homemade yet fuss-free, packed with rich, creamy sauce, tender chicken, and satisfying pasta. Give this recipe a try and watch it quickly become a new favorite in your regular dinner rotation!

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