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I absolutely adore this Butter Chicken Pasta Recipe because it perfectly marries the rich, creamy warmth of butter chicken with the comforting twist of pasta, creating something totally irresistible and unexpected. Whenever I make it, I feel like I’m treating myself and my loved ones to a restaurant-quality dish right at home. The lovely blend of spices, tender chicken, and luscious sauce tossed with al dente pasta is simply unforgettable, and it never fails to impress everyone around the table.

Why You’ll Love This Butter Chicken Pasta Recipe

What makes this Butter Chicken Pasta Recipe so special to me is its incredible flavor profile that hits every note I crave. The buttery, spiced tomato sauce layered with the subtle sweetness of honey and the earthiness of kasoori methi creates a depth of taste that keeps me coming back for more. Each bite offers a comforting warmth with just enough kick to keep things lively but never overwhelming. It’s like the best of classic butter chicken met the perfect pasta dish and they became lifelong friends.

I also love how surprisingly easy this recipe is to prepare, despite its complex flavor. The process feels intuitive and enjoyable, from marinating the chicken in yogurt and spices to simmering everything together in a creamy, fragrant sauce before tossing it with pasta. It’s a fantastic option for a weekend dinner when I want something a bit decadent without spending all day in the kitchen. Plus, it’s perfect for family meals, casual dinner parties, or even when I’m simply craving a vibrant, satisfying dish that feels like a hug on a plate.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Inside a black speckled pot with wooden handles, there are two visible layers: the bottom layer is a thick, rich red tomato sauce with small chunks and a slightly textured appearance, while the top layer features a large pile of light yellow rotini pasta with a smooth, spiraled texture, not yet mixed with the sauce. The pot rests on a white marbled surface with a soft pink cloth slightly visible in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The ingredients for this Butter Chicken Pasta Recipe are wonderfully simple yet essential for building its rich flavor and inviting texture. Each component plays a role in creating that perfect balance between creamy, tangy, and spicy elements that make this dish so memorable.

Boneless skinless chicken breast: Bite-sized cubes cook quickly and absorb the marinade beautifully.
Plain yogurt: Tenderizes the chicken while adding tanginess to the marinade.
Lemon juice: Adds brightness and helps balance the creamy richness.
Spices (garlic powder, coriander, turmeric, cumin, garam masala, cayenne pepper): Deliver the signature aromatic, warm, and mildly spicy flavors.
Kosher salt and crushed pepper: Enhance all the flavors with just the perfect seasoning.
Grated fresh ginger and minced garlic: Freshness that adds an extra zing and depth.
Olive oil and butter: The butter is essential for authentic richness, while olive oil helps sear the chicken.
Onion: Creates a sweet, caramelized base.
Kasoori methi (fenugreek leaves): Imparts an earthy, slightly bitter undertone that’s authentic to butter chicken.
Ready-made tomato pasta sauce or passata: Saves time and adds a silky tomato base with vibrant color.
Heavy cream: Brings everything together with its luscious, velvety quality.
Honey: Balances the spices with subtle, natural sweetness.
Fusilli pasta: Its spiral shape holds onto the sauce beautifully, making each bite saucy and satisfying.
Fresh cilantro: A bright garnish that adds and uplifting herbal freshness.

Directions

Step 1: Start by marinating the chicken. Combine the chicken cubes with plain yogurt, lemon juice, garlic powder, coriander powder, kosher salt, crushed pepper, turmeric powder, and grated fresh ginger. Mix well and let it sit for at least 30 minutes so the flavors really soak in and the chicken becomes tender.

Step 2: While the chicken marinates, cook your fusilli pasta according to the package instructions until it’s just al dente. Drain and set aside, but reserve a little pasta water in case you want to loosen the sauce later.

Step 3: Heat a heavy-bottomed pan over medium-high heat. Pour in the olive oil and once it’s hot, add the marinated chicken cubes in a single layer. Cook for about 2 minutes on one side until lightly golden, then flip and cook another 2 to 3 minutes. The chicken should be mostly cooked through but not dry. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.

Step 4: In the same pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add ground cumin, garam masala, and turmeric powder. Stir constantly until the spices are fragrant, about 30 seconds to 1 minute—this step really wakes up those flavors.

Step 5: Add chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until the onion turns translucent and soft, about 5 minutes. This gives the sauce its sweet, savory foundation.

Step 6: Sprinkle in kosher salt, ground pepper, kasoori methi, coriander powder, and cayenne pepper. Stir everything thoroughly to combine so the spices coat the onion and garlic evenly.

Step 7: Return the cooked chicken to the pan and pour in the tomato pasta sauce or passata. Stir to combine all the ingredients smoothly, then cover the pan and reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer gently for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent burning and allow the chicken to absorb the sauce flavors deeply.

Step 8: Stir in the heavy cream and honey. Mix well until the sauce becomes glossy and creamy. Taste and adjust with salt and pepper as needed. Now gently fold in the cooked fusilli, ensuring every piece is coated in that luscious, spiced butter chicken sauce.

Serve immediately while hot, garnished with freshly chopped cilantro. The aroma alone will make your kitchen feel like a cozy cafe, and the flavors will have everyone at the table asking for seconds!

Servings and Timing

This Butter Chicken Pasta Recipe serves about 4 hearty portions, making it perfect for family dinners or small gatherings. Preparation time clocks in around 15 minutes, thanks to the simple marinade and chopping. Cooking time takes about 30 minutes, including simmering and pasta cooking. Altogether, you’re looking at roughly 45 to 50 minutes from start to finish, with no additional resting time required—ready to enjoy as soon as it’s plated!

How to Serve This Butter Chicken Pasta Recipe

A close-up view of a white bowl filled with a bright orange dish made of small, textured pieces mixed with small green herbs. A fork is lifting a portion from the bowl, showing chunks and small curly strands coated in the same orange sauce with herbs visible. The background is a soft blur with a white marbled surface below the bowl. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

When it comes to serving this Butter Chicken Pasta Recipe, I love keeping it simple but elegant. For a well-rounded meal, I often pair it with a crisp green salad dressed lightly with lemon juice and olive oil to balance the richness. Warm naan bread or garlic bread on the side also makes a fantastic accompaniment, perfect for mopping up any leftover sauce—don’t let it go to waste!

Garnishing with fresh cilantro adds a pop of color and freshness that brightens each bite. I sometimes also sprinkle a little extra garam masala or red chili flakes on top if I want to amp up the aroma and a bit more heat. For presentation, serving it in shallow bowls helps keep the pasta and sauce cozy, while also making it easy to scoop up with each forkful.

As for drinks, I find a chilled glass of medium-bodied white wine like a Sauvignon Blanc or a light Indian beer complements the spices beautifully. If you prefer non-alcoholic options, a cooling mango lassi or sparkling water with fresh lime juice works wonderfully. This dish shines hot and fresh from the pan, making it ideal for weeknight dinners, casual dinner parties, or special occasions when you want to wow guests without fuss.

Variations

One of the things I love most about this Butter Chicken Pasta Recipe is how adaptable it is. For a gluten-free version, you can easily swap the fusilli for gluten-free pasta or even spiralized vegetables like zucchini noodles for a lighter twist. If you’re vegetarian or vegan, try substituting the chicken with firm tofu or paneer, and use a plant-based cream or coconut milk to replicate that creamy texture.

If you want to experiment with flavor, playing with the spice levels is always a hit. I sometimes add smoked paprika for a subtle smoky note or increase the cayenne pepper if I’m craving more heat. For cooking methods, using a cast-iron skillet gives a lovely sear on the chicken, while slow-simmering the sauce a bit longer deepens the flavors even further. I’ve even tried this in a slow cooker by layering the ingredients for a hands-off method that’s perfect for busy days.

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Butter Chicken Pasta keeps beautifully in an airtight container stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. I recommend using glass or BPA-free plastic containers to preserve the flavors and prevent any spills. Before refrigerating, let the dish cool down slightly but don’t leave it out for more than two hours to keep it safe.

Freezing

This dish freezes reasonably well, although I prefer freezing the sauce and chicken separately from the pasta if possible, since the pasta can become mushy when thawed. Use freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags to avoid freezer burn, and label with the date. It will keep in the freezer for about 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.

Reheating

To reheat the Butter Chicken Pasta Recipe, gently warm it on the stovetop over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or cream to loosen the sauce if needed. Avoid microwaving at high power as it can make the pasta rubbery and the sauce separate. Reheating slowly ensures the flavors stay vibrant and the texture stays creamy and inviting, just like freshly made.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast in this recipe?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a great substitute and tend to stay juicier and more tender, especially if you prefer a bit richer meat. Just cut them into bite-sized pieces and adjust your cooking time slightly, as thighs may take a few minutes longer to cook through.

Is there a way to make this dish less spicy?

Definitely. You can reduce or omit the cayenne pepper to tone down the heat, and be mindful of the garam masala blend, which can sometimes be spicy. Adding additional honey or cream also mellows the spices and balances the heat without sacrificing flavor.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes! Simply replace the butter with a dairy-free margarine or oil, and swap heavy cream for coconut cream or a plant-based heavy cream alternative. The sauce might have a slightly different nuance, but it will still be delicious and creamy.

What pasta shapes work best in this Butter Chicken Pasta Recipe?

I recommend fusilli for its ability to hold onto the sauce, but penne, rigatoni, or rotini also work beautifully. Choose ridged or twisted pasta types to capture that luscious sauce in every bite.

Can I prepare parts of this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, marinating the chicken the night before enhances flavor and tenderizes the meat. You can also make the sauce ahead and refrigerate it separately, then combine and warm with freshly cooked pasta just before serving to save time on busy days.

Conclusion

I’m so excited for you to try this Butter Chicken Pasta Recipe because it truly brings together such wonderful flavors and textures that feel both comforting and a little adventurous. It’s one of those dishes I find myself returning to—whether to impress guests or simply enjoy a hearty, satisfying meal. Give it a go, and I promise you’ll love the cozy, spiced creaminess that makes this dish an unforgettable favorite!

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