Butter Chicken Pasta Recipe

If you adore creamy, bold flavors and silky pasta, you’re in for a treat—Butter Chicken Pasta is the ultimate East-meets-West comfort dish you never knew you needed! Think tender chicken breast bathed in a luscious, spiced tomato cream sauce, swirled around perfectly cooked pasta—pure magic in every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Butter Chicken Pasta is all about smart, simple ingredients that team up beautifully for that signature taste. Every component—be it the spices, chicken, or the finishing swirl of cream—plays its part in creating the dish’s vibrant orange hue, silky sauce, and irresistible aroma.

• 10.5 oz (300 g) short pasta: Pasta shapes like penne, fusilli, or rigatoni hold the creamy sauce perfectly—choose a shape that cradles all that goodness.
• 1 tablespoon olive oil: For sautéeing and adding a subtle fruity undertone.
• 1 tablespoon (20 g) butter: Essential for that unmistakably rich, buttery base to the sauce.
• 1 lb (450 g) chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces: Boneless chicken soaks up all the flavor—it cooks quickly and stays juicy.
• 1 medium onion, diced: Adds sweetness and body to the sauce.
• 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped: A must for savory depth and pop.
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, finely chopped: Brings warmth and an aromatic lift to your sauce.
• 1 teaspoon garam masala: The soul of the dish—fragrant spice mix that gives butter chicken its greatness.
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin: Adds earthiness that grounds the sauce.
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander: Lends citrusy notes that brighten the flavor.
• 1 teaspoon chili powder: For gentle heat and that gorgeous brick-red color.
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric: This golden spice adds warmth and a subtle hue.
• 1/4 teaspoon red chili flakes: Feel free to adjust up or down, depending on your spice preference.
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste: Concentrated flavor and color boost that intensifies the sauce.
• 2 cups (400 ml) tomato sauce (passata): Creates that soft, velvety tomato backdrop every butter chicken crave packs.
• 2 tablespoons almond butter: Traditional butter chicken uses cream or cashews—almond butter adds irresistible body and subtle nuttiness.
• 1 cup (200 ml) half and half (single cream): Makes the sauce creamy, dreamy, and totally impossible to resist.
• A handful fresh cilantro (coriander): For a zippy, herbal finish.
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste: Balances and amplifies all the flavors.

Variations

Don’t be afraid to make this Butter Chicken Pasta your own—there are so many fun swaps and twists! Whether you’re craving extra veggies, going dairy-free, or amping up the heat, this recipe is endlessly flexible and just as delicious with a little creativity.

• Go Vegetarian: Swap chicken for roasted cauliflower, chickpeas, or paneer—still creamy, still packed with flavor.
• Make It Dairy-Free: Use coconut cream or a plant-based alternative in place of the half and half, and olive oil only instead of butter.
• Extra Veggies: Stir in spinach, peas, or bell peppers right before serving for a pop of color and nutrition.
• Low-Carb Option: Serve the sauce over zucchini noodles or steamed vegetables instead of pasta.
• Spicy Kick: Add fresh green chili slices or a pinch more red chili flakes for those who like it hot!

How to Make Butter Chicken Pasta

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Fill a large pot with generously salted water, bring to a boil, and cook your chosen pasta until just al dente. Reserve 1-2 cups of the starchy pasta water before draining—this liquid is liquid gold for making the sauce silky later on!

Step 2: Sauté the Chicken

In a large pan or skillet, heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat. Toss in the chicken breast pieces, and cook until golden and just cooked through—don’t overcrowd the pan, so each piece gets a bit of color.

Step 3: Build Flavor with Aromatics

Add the diced onion, garlic, and fresh ginger straight to the pan with the chicken. Cook for another 2–3 minutes, stirring occasionally; when your kitchen starts to smell amazing and the onions look soft, you’re ready for the next step.

Step 4: Toast the Spices

Sprinkle in the garam masala, cumin, coriander, chili powder, turmeric, and red chili flakes. Stir constantly for about a minute—warming the spices in oil unlocks their aroma and deepens their flavor in this Butter Chicken Pasta!

Step 5: Add Tomatoes and Simmer

Stir in the tomato paste and pour in the tomato sauce (passata). If the sauce looks too thick, splash in some reserved pasta water. Let everything bubble gently, so the flavors merge into one silky, orange-hued dream.

Step 6: Creamy Finish

Add the almond butter (for that classic, nutty richness) and drizzle in the half and half. Bring the sauce to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 4–5 minutes, or until perfectly thick and smooth.

Step 7: Toss Pasta & Serve

Add the cooked pasta directly into the sauce, tossing gently to ensure every piece is coated and glossy. Finish with chopped cilantro, season to your liking with salt and pepper, and serve immediately—this is Butter Chicken Pasta at its most irresistible!

How to Serve Butter Chicken Pasta

Garnishes

Freshly chopped cilantro is the classic finish—its bright, lemony notes wake up every bite. For extra flair (and a little indulgence), swirl a drizzle of cream or sprinkle toasted sliced almonds over the top to echo the sauce’s nutty richness.

Side Dishes

This Butter Chicken Pasta shines next to a crisp cucumber-tomato salad or a simple dish of steamed veggies. For a truly decadent touch, serve with warm naan or garlic bread to mop up every drop of that golden sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve Butter Chicken Pasta family-style in a big, rustic bowl, or create individual nests of pasta topped with an extra spoonful of sauce and a pop of green cilantro. For a party, portion into ramekins or mini skillets as a unique appetizer!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Butter Chicken Pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen overnight, making leftovers extra craveable!

Freezing

You can freeze this recipe, though for the absolute silkiest texture, freeze the sauce and chicken separately from the cooked pasta. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating and combining.

Reheating

Reheat gently in a pan over low-medium heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or cream to loosen the sauce if needed. Stir well and avoid overcooking to keep the chicken tender and the sauce lush.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’re longing for something creamy, comforting, and a little out-of-the-box, Butter Chicken Pasta will hit all the right notes. Give it a try—you’ll wow yourself and anyone lucky enough to join you at the table!

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