If you ever wondered how to marry the luscious, comforting flavors of Indian butter chicken with the hearty, satisfying embrace of pasta, this Butter Chicken Pasta Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a stunning fusion that brings together tender chicken simmered in a creamy, spiced tomato sauce with perfectly cooked pasta, creating a dish that feels indulgent yet utterly achievable. Whether you’re looking for a weeknight winner or a crowd-pleaser to impress friends, this recipe offers a beautiful balance of bold spices and rich textures that make every bite a celebration.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Butter Chicken Pasta Recipe lies in its straightforward yet thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each component plays a vital role—from the spices that build layers of flavor to the almond butter and cream that add a velvety finish. The ingredients are simple enough to find but come together to create a dish bursting with taste and color.
- Short pasta (10.5 oz/300 g): Use your favorite shape like penne or rigatoni for great sauce-holding power.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Adds a mild fruitiness and helps sear the chicken to perfection.
- Butter (1 tablespoon): Brings richness and enhances the sauce’s creamy texture.
- Chicken breast (1 lb/450 g), bite-sized pieces: Lean protein that cooks quickly and absorbs the sauce beautifully.
- Medium onion, diced: Provides sweetness and depth once sautéed.
- Garlic cloves (2), finely chopped: Offers a pungent warmth that’s essential in Indian cooking.
- Fresh ginger (1 tablespoon), finely chopped: Gives a refreshing zing and aromatic lift.
- Garam masala (1 teaspoon): The signature spice blend that defines the flavor profile.
- Ground cumin (1 teaspoon): Adds earthiness and subtle nuttiness.
- Ground coriander (1 teaspoon): Contributes a citrusy brightness.
- Chili powder (1 teaspoon): For a gentle kick of heat.
- Turmeric (1/2 teaspoon): Earthy color and warm undertones.
- Red chili flakes (1/4 teaspoon): Packs an extra punch if you like it spicy.
- Tomato paste (1 tablespoon): Concentrated tomato flavor to enrich the sauce.
- Tomato sauce/passata (2 cups/400 ml): Forms the luscious base of the sauce.
- Almond butter (2 tablespoons): Adds a subtle nutty sweetness and thickens the sauce beautifully.
- Half and half/single cream (1 cup/200 ml): Creates that irresistible creamy texture.
- Fresh cilantro, a handful: For freshness and a pop of green color at the end.
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper: Essential seasonings to balance and enhance every flavor.
How to Make Butter Chicken Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by preparing your pasta according to the package instructions, aiming for that perfect al dente bite. Don’t forget to save 1 to 2 cups of the starchy pasta water before draining, as we’ll use it to adjust our sauce’s consistency later. This little trick ensures the sauce clings to every piece wonderfully.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Next, heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the bite-sized chicken pieces and cook them until they develop a golden-brown crust, locking in the juices and flavor. This step builds a savory foundation that will make your dish irresistible.
Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics
Throw in the diced onion, garlic, and fresh ginger to the same pan and cook gently until they soften and become fragrant. This aromatic base sets the stage for all those beautiful Indian flavor notes that shine later on.
Step 4: Spice it Up
Now it’s time for the star spices: stir in garam masala, cumin, coriander, chili powder, turmeric, and red chili flakes. Cook the spices for just about a minute to toast them lightly and unleash their fragrant oils—this step is key to getting the authentic taste that makes butter chicken so beloved.
Step 5: Add the Sauce Ingredients
Add the tomato paste and tomato sauce (passata) to the pan, stirring everything together. If the sauce seems too thick, gradually stir in some reserved pasta water to reach a saucy, silky texture. Allow it to simmer gently so the flavors meld beautifully.
Step 6: Thicken the Sauce
Stir in the almond butter and half and half cream, then let everything simmer until the sauce thickens to a luscious, creamy consistency. The almond butter adds the perfect nutty undertone while the cream rounds out the spices with smooth richness.
Step 7: Combine and Serve
Finally, toss your perfectly cooked pasta into the sauce, stirring to coat every piece. Sprinkle fresh cilantro over the top and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to your taste. Your Butter Chicken Pasta Recipe is now ready to dazzle!
How to Serve Butter Chicken Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
A handful of freshly chopped cilantro is an absolute must—it brings a fresh, herbal brightness that contrasts beautifully with the creamy sauce. For a bit of crunch and color, you can also sprinkle roasted cashews or a drizzle of cream on top. These finishing touches elevate the dish and add a restaurant-quality feel.
Side Dishes
Butter chicken pasta is filling on its own but pairs wonderfully with sides that complement its flavors. Consider a crisp cucumber salad or lightly spiced roasted vegetables to add freshness. A side of garlic naan or warm crusty bread works perfectly too, great for mopping up every last bit of the delicious sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For something special, serve the Butter Chicken Pasta Recipe in individual bowls garnished with cilantro and a sprinkle of chili flakes. You could also add a dollop of yogurt or a wedge of lime on the side to brighten each bite. Presentation hints like these make it ideal for dinner parties or cozy family meals alike.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, transfer them to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator. The Butter Chicken Pasta Recipe keeps well for up to 3 days, making it a fantastic option for easy lunches or next-day dinners.
Freezing
This dish freezes nicely if you want to save some for later. Place portions in freezer-safe containers, leaving some room for expansion. For best quality, consume within 2 months and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
When ready to enjoy again, reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or cream to loosen the sauce if it’s thickened too much. Stir frequently to evenly warm the chicken and pasta without drying out the dish.
FAQs
Can I use other types of pasta for this Butter Chicken Pasta Recipe?
Absolutely! While short pasta like penne or rigatoni work best because they hold the sauce well, feel free to experiment with fusilli, shells, or even rotini based on what you have on hand.
Is almond butter essential in this recipe?
Almond butter adds a subtle nutty sweetness and helps thicken the sauce, but if you don’t have it, you can substitute with cashew butter or skip it altogether—just be aware the sauce might be slightly less creamy.
How spicy is this Butter Chicken Pasta Recipe?
The heat level is moderate and customizable; the red chili flakes and chili powder can be adjusted up or down according to your preference. It’s balanced to appeal to most palates while still having that signature warming spice.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
While the sauce is wonderful with chicken, you can swap the chicken for firm tofu or roasted vegetables like cauliflower and bell peppers for a vegetarian twist that’s equally delicious.
What’s the best way to store leftover pasta and sauce?
Store the pasta and sauce together in an airtight container in the fridge to maintain flavor and moisture. If you prefer, keep them separate to prevent the pasta from soaking too much sauce and becoming mushy.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about this Butter Chicken Pasta Recipe that turns an ordinary meal into a comforting celebration of flavors. It’s incredibly satisfying, easy to prepare, and perfect for anyone who loves a little bit of spice and creaminess on their plate. I hope you’ll give this recipe a try and make it a beloved part of your dinner rotation—the delicious results are absolutely worth it!
Print
Butter Chicken Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Fusion (Indian-Italian)
Description
This Butter Chicken Pasta recipe combines the rich, creamy flavors of classic butter chicken with tender pasta for a comforting and flavorful dish. In just 30 minutes, you can prepare a fusion meal featuring perfectly spiced chicken simmered in a tomato-based sauce enriched with almond butter and cream, tossed with al dente pasta and fresh cilantro.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 10.5 oz (300 g) short pasta
Cooking Fats
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon (20 g) butter
Chicken
- 1 lb (450 g) chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
Aromatics
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, finely chopped
Spices
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
- 1/4 teaspoon red chili flakes
Sauce Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 2 cups (400 ml) tomato sauce (passata)
- 2 tablespoons almond butter
- 1 cup (200 ml) half and half (single cream)
Garnish and Seasoning
- A handful fresh cilantro (coriander)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Prepare the pasta al dente according to the package instructions. Before draining, reserve 1-2 cups of the pasta cooking water to adjust the sauce consistency later.
- Sear the chicken: Heat olive oil and butter in a pan over medium heat. Add the bite-sized chicken pieces and cook until they develop a golden-brown crust and are cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté aromatics: Using the same pan, add the diced onion, finely chopped garlic, and ginger. Cook until the onion becomes soft and translucent, releasing their fragrant aroma.
- Spice it up: Stir in garam masala, cumin, coriander, chili powder, turmeric, and red chili flakes. Cook the spices briefly, about 1 minute, to enhance their flavors without burning.
- Add sauce: Mix in the tomato paste and pour in the tomato passata. Stir to combine everything evenly. Add some reserved pasta water if the sauce is too thick. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Thicken the sauce: Stir in almond butter and half and half (single cream). Allow the sauce to simmer gently until it thickens to a creamy consistency, approximately 5-7 minutes. Adjust salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine and serve: Return the cooked chicken to the sauce and toss in the cooked pasta. Mix well to coat the pasta and chicken with the sauce. Finish by adding fresh cilantro and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve hot.
Notes
- Reserve pasta water before draining to adjust the sauce consistency as needed.
- Almond butter adds a unique creamy nuttiness that complements the spices; peanut or cashew butter can be substitutes.
- You can adjust chili powder and red chili flakes to make the dish more or less spicy.
- Use half and half or single cream for a lighter version, or full cream for richer sauce.
- Fresh cilantro garnish adds a refreshing herbal note; parsley can be substituted if unavailable.
