Save Creamy Chicken Tikka Masala Pasta is a delightful fusion that brings together the rich, aromatic spices of Indian tikka masala with the comforting texture of Italian pasta. This dish marries tender chunks of marinated chicken with a luscious, creamy tomato sauce, coating perfectly cooked penne or rigatoni for a dinner experience that feels both familiar and adventurous. Whether you're looking to spice up your weeknight meals or impress guests, this recipe delivers bold flavors in a satisfying, creamy form.
Save This recipe turns a classic Indian favorite into a pasta dish that’s both comforting and vibrant. The marinade infuses the chicken with deep flavors, while the sauce balances spice and creaminess, creating a dish that’s anything but ordinary.
Ingredients
- Chicken Marinade: 500 g (1 lb) boneless, skinless chicken breast (bite-sized), 120 g (½ cup) plain Greek yogurt, 1 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp ground coriander, 1 tsp paprika, ½ tsp turmeric, 1 tsp garam masala, ¾ tsp salt
- Pasta: 300 g (10 oz) penne or rigatoni pasta, water for boiling, 1 tsp salt
- Sauce: 2 tbsp unsalted butter, 1 tbsp vegetable oil, 1 medium onion (finely chopped), 2 cloves garlic (minced), 1 tbsp ginger (grated), 2 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp paprika, 1 tsp ground coriander, ½ tsp chili powder (optional), 400 g (14 oz) canned crushed tomatoes, 200 ml (¾ cup + 2 tbsp) heavy cream, 60 ml (¼ cup) chicken broth or water, 1 tsp sugar, salt to taste, 2 tbsp fresh cilantro (chopped)
Instructions
- 1. Marinate Chicken
- In a bowl, combine all marinade ingredients with the chicken. Mix well, cover, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (up to 4 hours for best flavor).
- 2. Cook Pasta
- Cook the pasta in salted boiling water according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- 3. Cook Chicken
- Heat 1 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add marinated chicken (shake off excess marinade) and cook for 5–6 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove chicken and set aside.
- 4. Sauté Onion
- In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add onion and sauté for 4–5 minutes until soft and golden.
- 5. Add Aromatics and Spices
- Add garlic and ginger; cook for 1 minute. Stir in cumin, paprika, coriander, and chili powder; cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- 6. Simmer Sauce
- Add crushed tomatoes, sugar, and a pinch of salt. Simmer for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened.
- 7. Finish Sauce
- Reduce heat to low. Stir in heavy cream and chicken broth, mixing well. Return cooked chicken to the sauce and simmer for 3 minutes.
- 8. Combine Pasta and Sauce
- Add cooked pasta and toss to coat in the sauce. Warm through for 2–3 minutes.
- 9. Serve
- Adjust seasoning if needed. Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
Use fresh ginger and garlic paste to deepen the flavor. Marinate the chicken longer for even more tender and flavorful meat. Keep the chili powder optional or adjust based on your heat preference. Adding butter at the end can add a luxurious richness.
Varianten und Anpassungen
For a vegetarian twist, substitute chicken with paneer or tofu. Customize the chili powder amount to match your desired spice level. To make this gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta instead of traditional penne or rigatoni.
Serviervorschläge
Serve this fusion dish with a side of crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a chilled lager to complement the creamy and spicy notes. Garnish generously with fresh cilantro for a burst of color and fresh flavor.
Save This Creamy Chicken Tikka Masala Pasta is a wonderful way to explore fusion cooking at home, bringing together two beloved cuisines in a single, satisfying dish. With its creamy sauce, perfectly spiced chicken, and tender pasta, it’s sure to become a new favorite for weeknight dinners and special occasions alike.
Recipe FAQs
- → How should the chicken be marinated?
Combine yogurt, lemon juice, ginger-garlic paste, and a blend of spices including cumin, coriander, paprika, turmeric, and garam masala. Mix well with chicken pieces and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to infuse flavor.
- → What type of pasta works best for this dish?
Penne or rigatoni pasta is ideal as their shapes hold the creamy sauce well, enhancing each bite with flavor.
- → Can the heat level be adjusted?
Yes, chili powder is optional and can be decreased or increased according to your preferred spice level for a milder or spicier outcome.
- → Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely, substitute the chicken with paneer or tofu to enjoy a similar texture and richness in the dish without meat.
- → What garnishes complement this dish?
Fresh chopped cilantro adds a bright, herbal note that contrasts well with the creamy, spiced sauce.
- → Which cooking tools are essential?
A large skillet or sauté pan for cooking, a pot for boiling pasta, and basic kitchen tools like mixing bowls, knives, and measuring utensils are needed.