Butter Chicken Pasta

Butter Chicken Pasta has all the flavours of creamy luxurious Butter Chicken with Pasta. It is the most dreamy pasta and so easy to make!

butter chicken pasta

There is nothing as satisfying and comforting as a bowl of Pasta and in this version the pasta is combined with the most delicious sauce too.

In this recipe, onions and garlic are sautéed in oil, then tomatoes and spices are added to create an aromatic and delicious sauce to which pre grilled chicken and cooked pasta are added.

what kind of pasta is best?

My favourite pasta to use in Butter Chicken Pasta is Farfelle or Fusilli but you can use any small or medium pasta shape. Other good options are penne, rigatoni, macaroni or spaghetti.

what chicken goes in masala pasta?

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

ingredients in the sauce

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

• Chicken Marinade: Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs cubed, Plain Yoghurt, Lemon Juice, Ginger, Garlic, Green Chilli, Coriander Powder, Cumin Powder, Turmeric Powder, Chilli Powder, Smoked Paprika, Garam Masala, Cinnamon, Cardamom, Dry Fenugreek, Gram Flour.
• Onion base: Onion or cooked in Ghee or Oil.
• 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 Indian Spices.
• Tomato paste: I always add a squeeze of this for concentrated tomato flavour. 
• Double Cream – Adds luxurious, creaminess. 
• Honey – To balance out the acidic flavours.
• Kasuri Methi/Dry Fenugreek – Adds an earthiness. Can be skipped.

Can I add cheese?

I like to add a sprinkling of cheese at the end but it isn’t essential. My preference is grated strong cheddar or mozzarella.

how to make butter chicken pasta

FULL INSTRUCTIONS ARE AT THE BOTTOM OF THE PAGE:

Make Butter Chicken Marinade and marinate chicken for 30 minutes – overnight, or grill immediately if in a hurry.

Make Curry base by heating Ghee or Oil. 

Add Onions to Ghee or Oil. Once golden brown add Ginger, Garlic and Green Chilli.

Add Tomato Puree and Ground Spices plus Salt. Add Water if needed.

Add Honey, Dry Fenugreek, Cream and Butter.

Stir Butter Chicken into Pasta and add some of the Pasta water.

tips for butter chicken pasta recipe

Grate Cheese yourself: If you are adding cheese, grate it yourself. Pre grated cheese has a coating that prevents it from clumping together but I think it also prevents it from melting properly.

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.  

Chicken – You can sear the Chicken in a pan with a little oil/ghee if you prefer not to grill.

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, Cardamom Powder etc, just leave them out.

Cashew Paste – You can add Cashew Paste with the tomato puree by soaking 1/4 cup cashews in 1/4 cup water and blending before adding to the pot.

Honey – You can use 1 tsp Sugar in place of the Honey.

Chicken Thighs – You can use Chicken Breast instead of Chicken Thighs. If you use Chicken breast, grill for 4 – 5 min

butter chicken pasta variations

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

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. 

can it be 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

• Storage: 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. 

how to freeze

Butter Chicken Pasta is best eaten fresh, but it can be frozen:

• Let it cool to room temperature and transfer to a freezer safe container.
• Freeze for up to 3 months.
• Allow to thaw completely in the fridge overnight. Reheat as per instructions above.

what to serve with butter chicken pasta

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

Roast Vegetables with Feta and Pine Nuts

Roast Cauliflower Salad with Zingy dressing

Chopped Feta Salad

Rocket and Fennel Salad with Sumac

Korean Garlic 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

Mac and Cheese with Chicken

One Pot Mushroom Orzo Bake

One Pot Lemon Chicken and Thyme Orzo