Indian Butter Chicken Pasta

Indian Butter Chicken Pasta - (aka Murgh Makhani Pasta) has all the flavours of creamy luxurious Butter Chicken just with added Pasta which becomes a vehicle for the luscious, creamy, delicious sauce. This is an Easy recipe for a deliciously creamy Pasta that will be loved by all. If you like the idea of fusion Pasta dishes, why not try Masala Pasta with Chicken and Cheese?

 

Indian butter chicken pasta

This recipe make the most delicious fusion meal of Italian and Indian Cuisine.

Pasta is made using unleavened dough usually with what flour and water or eggs. It is formed into sheets or shapes and is a staple food of Italian cuisine. Butter Chicken is a staple of Indian cuisine. Indian Butter Chicken Pasta has a silky luscious sauce made with plenty of cream and spices and surprisingly the sauce works really well with Pasta!

If you have tried my Butter Chicken recipe then you may have read in that post that Murgh Makhani was originally made with the intention of using up leftover Tandoori Chicken.

There is nothing as satisfying and comforting as a bowl of Pasta and in this version really amps up the comfort factor!

what kind of pasta is best for this recipe?

My favourite pasta to use in Butter Chicken Pasta is:

Farfelle, Fusilli or Conchiglie Pasta but you can use any small or medium pasta shape.

Other good options are penne, rigatoni, macaroni or spaghetti.

what chicken goes in butter chicken pasta?

I use boneless, skinless chicken breast, but boneless chicken thighs or chicken tender also work as well as leftover shredded chicken. 

ingredients you will need

This Butter Chicken Pasta is divine! There is a long ingredient list but the recipe itself is easy. Here is what you need:

Marinade - Yoghurt, Garlic, Ginger and Ground Spices.

Onion base - Diced red or white Onions cooked in Oil and Butter.

Ginger, Garlic and Green Chilli - These are usually added to the base of most indian foods and they add another layer of delicious flavour. 

Dry Spices - Bolster the sauce with a mixture of Ground Indian Spices.

Tomato paste - I always add a squeeze of this for concentrated tomato flavour. 

Tandoori Powder - 1 ½ tablespoon adds a distinctive smoky flavour.

Double Cream - Makes the dish creamy and comforting. You can add some butter for part of the cream if you like. 

Kasuri Methi/Dry Fenugreek - Adds an earthiness but can be skipped.

Garam Masala or Curry Powder - Adding a little bit adds alot of flavour.

How to make butter chicken pasta

Full instructions and ingredient measurements can be found in the recipe card at the bottom of the page. Here is an overview:

Marinade Chicken in a large bowl with Plain Yoghurt, Lemon and Ground Spices. Set aside to marinade in the fridge for 20 minutes.

Heat a pan over medium-high heat. Add Oil to the pan and once hot, add the marinated chicken cook for 2 minutes per side. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.

 

Boil the Pasta according to pack instructions minus 2 minutes. It should be al dente. Drain in a large bowl set over a colander so you can reserve the pasta water. Drizzle a little oil over the Pasta.

Make Curry base by heating Oil and a knob of butter.

Add Onions. Once light golden brown (5 minutes) add Ginger, Garlic and Green Chilli.

Add Ground Spices plus Salt. Add a splash of Water. Cook for 1 - 2 minutes.

Add Tomato Puree and Tandoori Powder with a splash of water, then cook for 2 minutes.

Add Pasta Water. Cook for 1-3 minutes to reduce a little.

Add Pasta.

Stir in cooked Chicken.

Pour in Cream and mix in.

Cook for for 1 minute and serve.

tips for butter chicken pasta recipe

Keep Chicken pieces large

If you cut them too small, they can overcook and become rubbery.

Cook Pasta for 2 minutes less then the package says

The Pasta continues to cook when it is added to the sauce so I always undercook to begin with.

Add Pasta water

For a silky smooth sauce that clings to the pasta, add some of the pasta water.  

Garam Masala 

Store brought Garam Masala varies a lot between brands in strength and flavour. So use a little and taste before adding more.

Kasuri Methi/Dry Fenugreek 

This recipe is easily adaptable so if you don’t have some of the more difficult to find ingredients such as Kasuri Methi just leave them out.

butter chicken pasta variations

Swap Meat:  Swap the chicken for prawns, ground chicken, ground beef, shredded rotisserie chicken or sausage.  

Make it Veggie - Use Paneer instead of Chicken.

Add Veg: Add your favourite veg such as sweetcorn, mushrooms, courgette, peppers or spinach to the sauce. 

Use a store brought sauce: Such as Dolmio Bolognese. If you do that, taste and adjust seasoning and sugar if needed. 

Make gluten-free.  Use your favorite gluten free pasta to make it GF.

Crunchy topping.  Add panko breadcrumbs on top with some cheese and stick underer the grill for a crunchy topped pasta bake. 

Cheese - Add a grating of Mature Cheddar or Mozzarella.

Can Butter Chicken Pasta made ahead of time?

This Butter Chicken Pasta can be prepped ahead and kept in an airtight container for up to a day ahead. To reheat, place in the microwave or reheat on the stove with a couple of tablespoons of water.

Storage for Butter Chicken Pasta

Fridge

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. 

Reheat - Microwave in a bowl in 30 second intervals until warmed through. To reheat on the stove, reheat gently, stirring occasionally. 

I would not recommend freezing Butter Chicken Pasta.

what to serve with butter chicken pasta

Pasta is always best served with a big Green Salad and Garlic Bread.

you can try it with:

Korean Garlic Bread

Butter Garlic Naan Bread

looking for more easy pasta recipes?

Masala Pasta

Cheese and Broccoli Pasta

Simple Mushroom Pasta

Marks and Spencer Copycat Spinach, Pesto and Pine Nut Pasta

Chicken Orzo

One Pot Lemon Chicken and Thyme Orzo