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Creamy Butter Chicken Pasta

Creamy Butter Chicken Pasta
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Creamy Butter Chicken Pasta is a quick and comforting dinner recipe combining the rich, spiced flavors of classic butter chicken with creamy pasta sauce. Ready in under 30 minutes, this one-pot meal is perfect for busy weeknights and is loved by the whole family. It offers a smooth buttery sauce enriched with cream, aromatic garlic and ginger, and a blend of traditional Indian spices, all tossed with perfectly cooked pasta for an indulgent yet effortless supper.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

  • 400g chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized chunks

Sauce Base

  • 3 tbsp butter
  • 3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
  • 1 tbsp fresh ginger, finely chopped
  • 200g tomato puree or crushed tomatoes
  • 1 tsp garam masala
  • 1 tsp cumin powder
  • 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
  • 1/4 to 1 tsp chili powder (optional, adjust for spice level)
  • 150ml heavy cream

Pasta

  • 250g penne or fusilli pasta

Finishing Touches

  • Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish
  • 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Season with salt and a pinch of your chosen spices. Heat 1.5 tbsp butter in a pan over medium heat and sauté the chicken until golden and cooked through. Remove from pan and set aside to keep warm.
  2. Build the Sauce Base: In the same pan, melt the remaining 1.5 tbsp butter. Add finely chopped garlic and ginger and sauté until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes. Stir in tomato puree and spices (garam masala, cumin, turmeric, and chili powder if using). Simmer gently for 5-7 minutes to develop rich flavors.
  3. Cook the Pasta: Meanwhile, cook pasta in salted boiling water until just al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
  4. Combine and Creamify: Return the cooked chicken to the sauce pan. Slowly stir in the cream and simmer briefly until the sauce thickens slightly and becomes velvety smooth. Add the cooked pasta and toss well, making sure every piece is thoroughly coated in the creamy butter chicken sauce.
  5. Final Touches: Remove from heat and squeeze fresh lemon juice over the pasta. Sprinkle generously with chopped cilantro before serving to add brightness and fresh aroma.

Notes

  • Use fresh garlic, ginger, and cilantro for the most authentic flavors.
  • Do not overcook the pasta; aim for al dente texture to maintain bite when mixed with the sauce.
  • Gradually add cream to the sauce to prevent curdling and keep it silky smooth.
  • Adjust seasoning at the end by tasting and tweaking salt and spices for balanced flavors.
  • Use high-quality butter for a richer and smoother mouthfeel.

Nutrition

Keywords: butter chicken pasta, creamy chicken pasta, Indian pasta recipe, quick dinner, one-pot meal, creamy butter chicken

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