Description
This Butter Chicken Pasta recipe is a delightful fusion of classic Indian flavors and comforting Italian pasta, cooked in just 30 minutes. Tender chicken breast pieces are simmered with aromatic spices, tomatoes, and yogurt, combined with cauliflower for added nutrition, and tossed with pasta to create a creamy, flavorful dish perfect for a quick and satisfying weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Proteins and Dairy
- 700 g Chicken Breast Fillets, diced (25 oz)
- 250 g Yogurt (1 cup)
- 20 g Butter (1.5 tbsp)
Vegetables
- 400 g Cauliflower, chopped (2 cups)
- 100 g Tomato Puree (⅓ cup)
- 400 g Tinned Chopped Tomatoes (1 ⅓ cups)
Spices and Seasonings
- 1 tbsp Garam Masala
- 1 tbsp Ground Cumin
- 1 tbsp Curry Powder
- 1 tbsp Salt
- 1 tbsp Minced Garlic
- 1 tbsp Minced Ginger
Other Ingredients
- 1½ cups Chicken Stock
- 250 g Uncooked Pasta (2 cups)
Instructions
- Heat Butter: Heat a large pot over medium-high heat and add the butter. Allow it to melt completely before proceeding to ensure even cooking.
- Cook Chicken and Cauliflower: Add the diced chicken breast and chopped cauliflower to the pot. Cook together for about 5 minutes until the chicken starts to brown and the cauliflower begins to soften.
- Add Spices and Tomato Puree: Stir in the garam masala, ground cumin, curry powder, salt, minced garlic, minced ginger, and tomato puree. Cook this mixture for an additional 3 minutes to allow the spices to release their aromas and blend.
- Add Tomatoes and Yogurt: Incorporate the tinned chopped tomatoes and yogurt into the pot. Continue cooking for 3 minutes, stirring occasionally to combine the ingredients well and develop a creamy sauce.
- Add Pasta and Chicken Stock: Pour in the uncooked pasta and chicken stock. Reduce the heat to a low simmer and cook for 15 minutes, stirring regularly to prevent the pasta from sticking to the pot. Make sure the pasta remains covered with liquid during cooking to ensure it cooks evenly.
- Finish and Serve: Once the pasta is cooked al dente and the sauce has thickened, remove the pot from heat. Serve the butter chicken pasta hot, optionally garnished with fresh cilantro and a side of yogurt for added freshness.
Notes
- Stir frequently during the simmering step to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
- If the liquid reduces too quickly and pasta is not yet cooked, add a little more chicken stock or water to keep it covered.
- For a richer flavor, use full-fat yogurt.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro and extra yogurt to balance the spices and add creaminess if desired.
- This recipe can be adjusted for spice level by modifying the amount of garam masala and curry powder.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Fusion (Indian-Italian)
