Name: Creamy Butter Chicken Pasta
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Ingredients: 500 g 1.1 lb boneless chicken thighs, cubed; ½ cup plain yogurt (full-fat preferred); 2 tbsp lemon juice; 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste; 1 tsp ground cumin; 1 tsp ground coriander; ½ tsp turmeric powder; ½ tsp Kashmiri red chili powder (or paprika); ½ tsp garam masala; Salt (to taste); 3 tbsp unsalted butter; 1 medium yellow onion (finely diced); 3 cloves garlic (minced); 1 tsp grated fresh ginger; 1 green chili (chopped (optional)); 1 tsp ground coriander; ½ tsp ground cumin; ½ tsp paprika; ½ tsp garam masala; ¼ tsp red chili flakes (optional); 400 g 14 oz tomato puree (passata); ½ cup heavy cream; ¼ cup plain yogurt; 1 tsp sugar; Salt & black pepper (to taste); Fresh cilantro (chopped (for garnish)); 300 g 10 oz penne, rigatoni, or fusilli; Salt (for boiling water); 1 tbsp olive oil

Welcome to my kitchen! Today, I’m thrilled to share a decadent fusion recipe that marries the rich, aromatic flavors of classic Indian butter chicken with the comforting allure of al dente pasta. This Creamy Butter Chicken Pasta is the ultimate weeknight indulgence—effortless to prepare yet bursting with complex spices, velvety tomato-cream sauce, and tender chicken pieces. Whether you’re entertaining friends, cooking for family, or simply craving a cozy meal that impresses, this recipe has you covered.

In this post, we’ll dive deep into every element: from selecting the finest ingredients to mastering the silky sauce, plus pro tips, clever variations, and elegant serving suggestions. By the end, you’ll have all the know-how to elevate your home cooking and craft a restaurant-worthy Creamy Butter Chicken Pasta that shines on any dinner table.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Butter Chicken Pasta

Flavor Explosion: Silky tomato-cream sauce enriched with butter, garlic, and signature Indian spices.

Comfort Meets Exotic: Merges familiar Italian pasta with the exotic allure of butter chicken.
One-Pan Simplicity: Though it sounds gourmet, much of the magic happens in a single skillet.

Customizable: Easily adaptable for vegetarians, spice-lovers, or lighter variations.

Crowd-Pleaser: Appealing to both kids and adventurous eaters alike.

This Creamy Butter Chicken Pasta truly delivers in taste, texture, and presentation—perfect for date nights, dinner parties, or weeknight feasts.

Ingredients

For the Chicken Marinade

Yields 4 servings

500g (1.1 lb) boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch cubes

½ cup plain yogurt, preferably full-fat

2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste (or equal parts freshly minced ginger and garlic)

1 teaspoon ground cumin

1 teaspoon ground coriander
½ teaspoon turmeric powder

½ teaspoon Kashmiri red chili powder (or sweet paprika for milder heat)

½ teaspoon garam masala
Salt, to taste

Marinating the chicken ensures tender, flavorful bites throughout your Creamy Butter Chicken Pasta.

For the Sauce

3 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 medium yellow onion, finely diced

2–3 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon ginger, finely grated
1 green chili, finely chopped (optional, for extra heat)

1 teaspoon ground coriander

½ teaspoon ground cumin
½ teaspoon paprika

½ teaspoon garam masala

¼ teaspoon red chili flakes (adjust to taste)
400g (14 oz) tomato puree (passata)

½ cup heavy cream

¼ cup plain yogurt
1 teaspoon sugar (balances tomato acidity)

Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Fresh cilantro, roughly chopped, for garnish

For the Pasta

300g (10 oz) penne, fusilli, or rigatoni (choose shapes that hold sauce well)

Salt, for pasta water

1 tablespoon olive oil (to prevent sticking)

Equipment and Prep

Large mixing bowl – for marinating chicken

Large pot – for boiling pasta

Large skillet or sauté pan (preferably nonstick or well-seasoned cast iron)
Wooden spoon or silicone spatula – for gentle stirring

Measuring cups and spoons – for accuracy

Chef’s knife and cutting board – for prep
Colander – to drain pasta

Prep Ahead:
Chop onion, garlic, ginger, and cilantro in advance.
Marinade can be made up to 8 hours ahead (refrigerated).
Measure out spices into a small bowl (“mise en place”) for streamlined cooking.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Marinate the Chicken

In a large bowl, whisk together yogurt, lemon juice, ginger-garlic paste, and all marinade spices.

Add chicken cubes, tossing until each piece is fully coated.
Cover bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, ideally 2–8 hours.

Why thighs?
Chicken thighs stay succulent and absorb marinade beautifully. If you prefer chicken breast, note it may cook faster and can be slightly less forgiving if overcooked.

2. Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil.

Add a generous pinch of salt (about 1 tablespoon per 4 cups water).
Stir in pasta and cook 1–2 minutes less than package instructions for al dente (it will finish cooking in the sauce).

Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain pasta and drizzle with olive oil to prevent clumping.

Pro Tip: Reserve pasta water is starchy and helps bind the sauce to the pasta.

3. Sauté Aromatics & Spices

In your skillet over medium heat, melt butter.
Add diced onion and sauté until translucent and soft, about 4–5 minutes.

Stir in garlic, ginger, and green chili; cook another 1 minute until fragrant.

Add ground coriander, cumin, paprika, garam masala, and red chili flakes. Toast spices for 30 seconds—this step “blooms” their oils for deeper flavor.

4. Prepare the Butter Chicken Sauce

Pour in tomato puree, stirring to combine with aromatics and spices.

Add sugar, season with salt & pepper, and bring to a gentle simmer.

Add heavy cream and yogurt, stirring constantly to avoid splitting.
Simmer on low heat for 6–8 minutes until sauce thickens to a creamy consistency.

Troubleshooting: If sauce appears grainy or separated, lower heat and whisk in a splash of pasta water until smooth.

5. Combine Chicken, Sauce, and Pasta

In a separate small pan (or the same skillet if large enough), heat a drizzle of oil over medium-high heat.

Add marinated chicken pieces in a single layer (shake off excess marinade) and sear until golden and cooked through, about 3–4 minutes per side.
Transfer chicken to the simmering butter chicken sauce; stir to coat evenly.

Gently fold in cooked pasta and reserved pasta water, tossing until every noodle is luxuriously coated.

Taste and adjust seasoning—add more salt, pepper, or chili flakes as desired.

Texture Check: Sauce should cling to the pasta without being overly soupy. Add extra pasta water for looser consistency.

Chef’s Tips & Troubleshooting

Balanced Heat: Adjust chili powder and flakes to match your spice tolerance. Kashmiri chili offers vibrant color with mild heat.

Creamy Perfection: Use full-fat dairy—low-fat creams may curdle.

No Yogurt? Substitute with additional cream plus a teaspoon of lemon juice for tang.
Dairy-Free Twist: Swap heavy cream for full-fat coconut milk and yogurt for coconut yogurt; finish with a squeeze of lime.

Gluten-Free Option: Use your favorite gluten-free pasta or spiralized veggies like zucchini ribbons.

Single Pan Hack: Cook chicken first, set aside, then sauté aromatics and prepare sauce in same pan. Reduces washing up!

Creative Variations

Seafood Fusion: Swap chicken for jumbo shrimp—quickly sautéed until just opaque—and finish with fresh dill garnish.

Vegetarian Delight: Replace chicken with roasted cauliflower florets or pan-seared tofu cubes for a plant-based spin.

Cheesy Indulgence: Stir in ½ cup grated Parmesan or paneer cubes just before serving for extra richness.
Green Goddess: Add handfuls of fresh spinach or kale into the sauce for color, texture, and nutrition.

Smoky Depth: Incorporate a teaspoon of smoked paprika or char tomatoes under the broiler before pureeing for a hint of smoke.

Serving Suggestions & Pairings

Garnish: Fresh cilantro, a drizzle of cream, and a sprinkle of red chili flakes.
Accompaniments: Garlic naan, crusty baguette slices, or warm pita for scooping every last drop of sauce.

Salad Pairing: A crisp cucumber-tomato-mint salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast.

Beverage Pairing:
- Wine: A fruity Riesling or off-dry Gewürztraminer balances the spice and cream.
- Beer: A light lager or wheat beer complements the creamy sauce without overpowering.

Presentation: Serve in shallow bowls with pasta piled high, sprinkled with microgreens or edible flowers for an elegant touch.

Make-Ahead & Storage

Marinade: Chicken can marinate up to 8 hours ahead.

Sauce: Prepare sauce up to 2 days in advance; reheat gently and whisk before adding pasta.

Leftovers: Store assembled pasta in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the fridge. Gently reheat on the stovetop with a splash of cream or water.
Freezing: Freeze the sauce (without pasta) for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
A: Absolutely—just slice into slightly thicker pieces to prevent overcooking. Breast cooks faster, so watch closely and remove once opaque throughout.

Q: How do I prevent the cream sauce from splitting?
A: Keep the heat moderate when adding cream and yogurt. Stir continuously and avoid rapid boiling. If it looks grainy, whisk in a little warm pasta water to bring it back together.

Q: Is this recipe spicy?
A: In its base form, it’s mildly spiced. Increase chili powder or add chopped green chilies to amp up the heat. For a kid-friendly version, reduce the spices by half.

Q: What’s the difference between butter chicken and tikka masala?
A: They’re very similar but butter chicken typically features a creamier, buttery sauce with milder spices, while chicken tikka masala may be tangier and sometimes smokier, often including yogurt-based marinade and charred bits.

Conclusion

Congratulations—you’ve unlocked the secrets to the ultimate Creamy Butter Chicken Pasta! This recipe strikes the perfect balance between indulgent comfort and exotic flair, showcasing tender marinated chicken, a lusciously spiced tomato-cream sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta. With detailed guidance on technique, timing, and flavor adjustments, you’re ready to wow family and friends or simply treat yourself to an elevated home-cooked meal.