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.
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. Saute for a minute.
Add Salt, Coriander Powder, Cumin Powder, Red Chilli Powder, Smoked Paprika, Garam Masala. Add a splash of Water. Cook for 3 - 4 minutes on medium heat.
Add Tomato Puree and Tandoori Powder with a splash of water, then cook for 2 minutes.
Add Pasta Water. Cook for 1-2 minutes to reduce a little.
Add Pasta.
Stir in cooked Chicken.
Pour in Cream and mix in. Cook for 1 minute over low heat and serve!
Notes
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.