Butter Chicken Pasta Recipe

If you love the rich, creamy flavors of Indian butter chicken and crave the comfort of Italian pasta, get ready for your new obsession: Butter Chicken Pasta! This fusion dish is all about tender chicken simmered in a silky spiced tomato sauce, then tossed with perfectly cooked noodles for the ultimate weeknight dinner mashup.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Butter Chicken Pasta is that you probably have most of what you need already! Each ingredient plays a starring role—bringing depth, creaminess, and bold flavor to every single bite. Don’t skip any, and feel free to read my tips below for the best results.

• Short pasta (10.5 oz / 300 g): Rigatoni, penne, or fusilli are all great, as they soak up plenty of that dreamy sauce.
• Olive oil & butter: This combo gives a lush base for searing and adds a mellow richness to the dish.
• Chicken breast (1 lb / 450 g): Cutting into bite-sized pieces ensures even cooking and maximum flavor in every forkful.
• Onion, garlic & fresh ginger: The aromatic trio that builds the backbone of authentic butter chicken flavor.
• Garam masala, cumin, coriander, chili powder, turmeric, red chili flakes: Warm layers of spice that bring the iconic Indian taste we love.
• Tomato paste & tomato sauce (passata): These guarantee a deep, tangy, velvety tomato base.
• Almond butter: Adds creaminess and a faint nutty note—think of it as the shortcut to an ultra-silky sauce.
• Half and half (single cream): Makes the sauce indulgently rich without being too heavy.
• Fresh cilantro (coriander): Finishes the dish with a burst of color and brightness.
• Salt & freshly ground black pepper: The all-important final touch to bring every flavor to life.

Variations

The beauty of Butter Chicken Pasta is how easy it is to tweak for your tastes, dietary lifestyle, or what’s hiding in your pantry. Here are some flavor-packed ideas to inspire your own twist:

• Dairy-Free Dream: Swap the butter for vegan butter, and use coconut cream in place of half and half for a lush, dairy-free experience.
• Extra Veggie Boost: Add sautéed spinach, peas, or roasted red peppers for bursts of color and nutrition.
• Heat Level Up or Down: Play with the amount of chili powder and chili flakes—make it kid-friendly mild or pack it full of spice for the heat lovers.
• Protein Swap: Use boneless chicken thighs for added juiciness, or substitute with paneer or chickpeas for a fabulous vegetarian option.

How to Make Butter Chicken Pasta

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your pasta until just al dente—the noodles will finish absorbing flavor in the sauce later. Don’t forget to reserve a cup or two of pasta water before draining; it’s the secret to a silken, glossy sauce!

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Heat the olive oil and butter together in a big skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces, seasoning lightly with salt and pepper, and cook until they’re golden on all sides—this locks in juiciness and builds flavor right from the start.

Step 3: Build the Aromatics

Add your diced onion, minced garlic, and chopped ginger to the chicken. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring, until everything softens and releases the most amazing aroma (this is when your kitchen starts to smell irresistible).

Step 4: Toast the Spices

Next, sprinkle in the garam masala, ground cumin, coriander, chili powder, turmeric, and red chili flakes. Stir constantly and let the spices bloom for about a minute—it brings out deeper flavors and beautiful color in your Butter Chicken Pasta sauce.

Step 5: Add the Tomatoes & Simmer

Stir in the tomato paste and pour in the tomato sauce (passata). If the mixture looks too thick, splash in some of your reserved pasta water. Let it bubble together for a few minutes so all those spices infuse the tomatoes.

Step 6: Make It Creamy

Mix in the almond butter—it melts quickly and makes the sauce extra velvety. Pour in the half and half, then bring everything to a gentle boil before turning down the heat to let it thicken for another 4 to 5 minutes. The transformation is truly magical!

Step 7: Toss & Serve

Add your cooked pasta directly to the pan and toss until every piece is coated in creamy sauce. Scatter over lots of fresh chopped cilantro, season to taste, and serve right away while everything is piping hot and ultra-flavorful.

How to Serve Butter Chicken Pasta

Garnishes

I always recommend finishing your Butter Chicken Pasta with a shower of freshly chopped cilantro, but don’t stop there—a swirl of extra cream, a sprinkle of chili flakes, or even some toasted slivered almonds can instantly elevate both the look and taste of every bowl.

Side Dishes

Serve this pasta alongside a simple cucumber raita, crisp green salad, or warm garlic naan for scooping up any extra sauce. Trust me, you’ll want that sauce in every bite!

Creative Ways to Present

Try layering Butter Chicken Pasta in shallow bowls and topping each with an extra dollop of cream and a dramatic scatter of cilantro leaves. For parties, serve it in mini ramekins for an unexpected appetizer twist, or swirl the pasta high for restaurant-worthy presentation!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Butter Chicken Pasta keeps beautifully for up to 3 days in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors actually deepen after a night in the fridge—hello, next-day lunch goals!

Freezing

If you’d like to freeze, let the pasta cool completely first. Store in freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating for best texture.

Reheating

Reheat gently in a pan over low to medium heat, adding a splash of water, cream, or milk to restore that creamy, glossy finish. For individual portions, the microwave works, but always stir halfway through for even heating.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a meal that’s bold, comforting, and guaranteed to spark joy at the dinner table, give Butter Chicken Pasta a spin. Every forkful is creamy, spiced just right, and totally irresistible—so grab your favorite pasta and let’s make magic happen in your kitchen tonight!

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