Description
This Creamy Butter Chicken Pasta is a bold, comforting fusion of Indian and Italian flavors. Succulent chicken is marinated in warm spices, seared to perfection, and tossed in a luscious, buttery tomato-cream sauce. The rich and velvety sauce coats every bite of pasta, making this dish an absolute weeknight favorite. Serve it with naan, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables for a restaurant-quality meal at home.
Ingredients
Scale
1. For the Chicken Marinade:
- 1 lb boneless chicken thighs or breasts
- ½ cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp turmeric powder
- 1 tsp garam masala
- 1 tsp cumin powder
- 1 tsp chili powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tbsp minced garlic
- 1 tbsp minced ginger
2. For the Sauce:
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp garam masala
- 1 tsp cumin powder
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- 1 cup crushed tomatoes
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
3. For the Pasta:
- 8 oz penne, rigatoni, or fettuccine
- Water and salt for boiling
4. For Garnishing:
- Fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped
- Grated Parmesan (optional)
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, combine yogurt, lemon juice, garlic, ginger, and spices. Coat the chicken and marinate for at least 30 minutes.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat butter and olive oil in a pan. Cook the chicken for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
- Make the Sauce: Sauté onions until soft. Add garlic and spices, cooking for 30 seconds. Stir in crushed tomatoes and broth, then simmer for 10 minutes.
- Blend the Sauce: Use an immersion blender to create a smooth consistency. Stir in heavy cream.
- Cook the Pasta: Boil pasta in salted water according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Combine Everything: Add the cooked chicken back into the sauce, followed by the pasta. Toss everything together and simmer for 2-3 minutes.
- Serve and Garnish: Top with fresh cilantro and Parmesan. Serve warm!
Notes
- For a spicier kick, add extra chili powder or crushed red pepper flakes.
- If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of chicken broth or reserved pasta water.
- For a richer taste, melt an extra tablespoon of butter into the sauce before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Fusion (Indian-Italian)
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 95mg