Description
This One-Pot Butter Chicken and Noodle Bake combines the creamy, spiced flavors of traditional butter chicken with the comfort of a baked pasta dish. The rich tomato-cream sauce clings to the noodles, while a golden cheese topping adds the perfect finishing touch. Best of all, it’s made in one pot, so there’s minimal cleanup. Whether you’re cooking for family or meal-prepping leftovers, this dish is an easy and satisfying meal you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp garam masala
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- 1/2 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 1/2 cups tomato purée
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream (or coconut milk)
- 8 oz pasta (penne, rigatoni, or rotini)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan
Instructions
- Heat butter in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Sear the chicken on both sides until golden, about 4-5 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
- Add more butter if needed, then sauté the onions and garlic until soft. Stir in the spices and cook for 30 seconds.
- Pour in the tomato purée and chicken broth. Simmer for 10 minutes to develop flavors.
- Stir in the cream, then add the pasta directly into the sauce.
- Slice the chicken and return it to the pan. Simmer for another 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Sprinkle the mozzarella and parmesan over the top. Transfer to a 375°F (190°C) oven and bake for 15 minutes until bubbly.
- Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- For extra spice, add a pinch of cayenne.
- Swap the chicken for shrimp or tofu for a different protein.
- If the sauce thickens too much, add a splash of chicken broth when reheating.
- Nutrition (per serving):
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: One-Pot, Baked
- Cuisine: Indian-Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4-6
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 820mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 0mg