Name: Creamy Butter Chicken Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: Fusion
Ingredients: 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, diced; ½ cup plain Greek yogurt; 1 tbsp minced garlic; 1 tbsp minced ginger; 1 tsp garam masala; 1 tsp turmeric; 1 tsp cumin; 1 tsp smoked paprika; 3 tbsp butter; 1 medium onion, finely chopped; 2 tbsp tomato paste; 1 cup tomato sauce; ½ cup heavy cream; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh cilantro for garnish; 12 oz penne or rigatoni pasta; Water & salt for boiling; ½ cup grated parmesan cheese (optional)

Jump to Recipe

Looking for a heartwarming dish that combines the savory goodness of butter chicken with the comforting embrace of pasta? You’ve come to the right place! This Creamy Butter Chicken Pasta is a fusion masterpiece that brings together two beloved cuisines in one irresistible bowl of joy. Trust me, the rich, velvety sauce will have you coming back for seconds (maybe even thirds!).

Let’s dive into the magic of this dish and get you prepped to make your new favorite dinner.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Butter Chicken Pasta

Bold Flavors: Classic butter chicken spices meet the creamy richness of Italian pasta
Comfort Food Bliss: The perfect meal for cozy family dinners or weekend indulgence
Easy and Versatile: Adjust spices and ingredients to suit your taste preferences
Meal Prep Friendly: Tastes even better the next day!

What Does Creamy Butter Chicken Pasta Taste Like?

Imagine tender, marinated chicken simmered in a rich tomato-based sauce bursting with fragrant spices like garam masala, turmeric, and cumin. Blend that luxurious sauce with al dente pasta, and you have a dish that’s creamy, savory, and just a little bit spicy—a beautiful harmony of flavors.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Creamy Butter Chicken Pasta

For the Butter Chicken Sauce

Chicken: 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, diced
Yogurt: ½ cup plain Greek yogurt (for marination)
Garlic & Ginger: 1 tablespoon each, minced
Spices: 1 teaspoon each of garam masala, turmeric, cumin, and smoked paprika
Butter: 3 tablespoons
Onion: 1 medium, finely chopped
Tomato Paste: 2 tablespoons
Tomato Sauce: 1 cup
Heavy Cream: ½ cup
Salt & Pepper: To taste
Fresh Cilantro: For garnish

For the Pasta

Pasta: 12 oz penne, rigatoni, or your favorite pasta shape
Water & Salt: For boiling
Parmesan Cheese: ½ cup, grated (optional but delicious!)

Tools You’ll Need

Large pot for boiling pasta
Deep skillet or sauté pan for the sauce
Wooden spoon for stirring
Sharp knife and cutting board
Measuring cups and spoons

Ingredient Additions and Substitutions

Protein Alternatives: Swap chicken for shrimp, tofu, or chickpeas for a vegetarian option
Spice Levels: Add red chili flakes or cayenne pepper for more heat, or reduce spices for a milder dish
Cream Substitutes: Use coconut milk for a dairy-free alternative while keeping the sauce creamy
Gluten-Free Pasta: Use your favorite gluten-free pasta to suit dietary preferences

How to Make Creamy Butter Chicken Pasta

1. Marinate the Chicken

In a bowl, combine diced chicken, yogurt, garlic, ginger, garam masala, turmeric, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 24 hours in the fridge for deeper flavor).

2. Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

3. Prepare the Butter Chicken Sauce

Heat butter in a deep skillet over medium heat. Sauté onions until golden and softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for another minute. Add marinated chicken and cook until fully cooked, about 8-10 minutes. Pour in the tomato sauce, reduce heat to low, and let simmer for 10 minutes. Stir in the heavy cream and simmer for another 5 minutes until the sauce thickens.

4. Combine Pasta and Sauce

Toss the cooked pasta in the skillet with the butter chicken sauce until well coated. Sprinkle with fresh cilantro and parmesan cheese if desired.

What to Serve with Creamy Butter Chicken Pasta

Side Salads: A fresh cucumber and tomato salad pairs beautifully
Garlic Bread: Perfect for soaking up every drop of that delicious sauce
Roasted Vegetables: Try roasted cauliflower or carrots for a healthy side

Tips for the Perfect Creamy Butter Chicken Pasta

Marination Matters: The longer you marinate the chicken, the more flavorful it will be
Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Al dente pasta holds up better when mixed with the sauce
Balance the Spices: Taste and adjust seasoning to get the perfect flavor blend

Storage Instructions

Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days
Freezer: Freeze portions for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stove with a splash of cream
Reheating Tip: Add a little milk or cream while reheating to keep the sauce smooth and creamy

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I Make This Dish Dairy-Free?

Yes! Substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative and use coconut milk instead of heavy cream.

What Type of Pasta Works Best?

Penne, rigatoni, or fusilli work well as they hold onto the sauce beautifully.

Can I Make It Spicier?

Absolutely! Add more chili powder or fresh green chilies for an extra kick.

A Final Note on This Delicious Fusion Recipe

This Creamy Butter Chicken Pasta is the perfect blend of spice, creaminess, and comfort. It’s a dish that brings joy to the dinner table, whether you’re entertaining guests or treating yourself to a weeknight indulgence. The aroma, the flavors, and the warmth of this meal will make it a staple in your kitchen.

More Delicious Recipes to Try

Looking for more comforting meals? Check out these crowd-pleasing recipes:

One-Pan Chicken with Garlic Butter Noodles
Black Pepper Chicken with Mushrooms

Don’t forget to share your creations! Snap a photo and tag me on Pinterest. I can’t wait to see your delicious version of this fusion masterpiece!

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Calories: 450
Protein: 28g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Fat: 18g
Fiber: 4g
Sugar: 6g