Butter Chicken Pasta
A delightful blend of tender chicken in a creamy, spiced tomato sauce, combined with al dente pasta for a unique comfort food experience.
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tsp fresh ginger grated
- 1 tsp cumin powder
- 1 tsp coriander powder
- 0.5 tsp turmeric powder
- 0.5 tsp garam masala
- 0.25 tsp cayenne pepper optional
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes undrained
- 0.5 cup tomato paste
- 0.5 cup chicken broth
- 0.5 cup heavy cream
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs cut into 1-inch pieces
- 8 oz penne pasta or similar
- 0.25 cup fresh cilantro chopped
- salt to taste
- black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chicken pieces and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
- Add chopped onion to the skillet and cook until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for 1 minute more until fragrant.
- Add cumin, coriander, turmeric, garam masala, and cayenne pepper (if using) to the skillet. Cook for 30 seconds, stirring constantly, until the spices are fragrant.
- Pour in the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and chicken broth. Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce heat to low and let it cook for 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Stir in the heavy cream and butter until the butter is completely melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, ensuring it's coated in the sauce.
- Add the drained cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing gently to combine it evenly with the butter chicken sauce.
- Season the Butter Chicken Pasta with salt and black pepper to taste. Garnish generously with fresh chopped cilantro before serving hot.
Notes
For quicker prep, use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken. Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to control the spice level. Serve with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro and a side of naan bread or crusty Italian bread to scoop up the delicious sauce.