Creamy Chicken Tikka Masala Pasta (Print)

Tender chicken tikka in a rich cream sauce served with pasta in a flavorful fusion dish.

# Ingredients:

→ Chicken Marinade

01 - 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
02 - ½ cup plain Greek yogurt
03 - 1 tbsp lemon juice
04 - 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
05 - 1 tsp ground cumin
06 - 1 tsp ground coriander
07 - 1 tsp paprika
08 - ½ tsp turmeric
09 - 1 tsp garam masala
10 - ¾ tsp salt

→ Pasta

11 - 10 oz penne or rigatoni pasta
12 - Water, enough for boiling
13 - 1 tsp salt

→ Sauce

14 - 2 tbsp unsalted butter
15 - 1 tbsp vegetable oil
16 - 1 medium onion, finely chopped
17 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
18 - 1 tbsp grated ginger
19 - 2 tsp ground cumin
20 - 1 tsp paprika
21 - 1 tsp ground coriander
22 - ½ tsp chili powder (optional)
23 - 14 oz canned crushed tomatoes
24 - ¾ cup + 2 tbsp heavy cream
25 - ¼ cup chicken broth or water
26 - 1 tsp sugar
27 - Salt, to taste
28 - 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped

# Directions:

01 - Combine chicken with all marinade ingredients in a bowl. Mix thoroughly, cover, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 4 hours.
02 - Boil pasta in salted water according to package instructions until tender. Drain and set aside.
03 - Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add marinated chicken, shaking off excess marinade, and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5 to 6 minutes. Remove and set aside.
04 - In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté for 4 to 5 minutes until soft and golden.
05 - Stir in garlic and ginger; cook for 1 minute. Mix in cumin, paprika, coriander, and chili powder, cooking for 30 seconds until fragrant.
06 - Add crushed tomatoes, sugar, and a pinch of salt. Simmer, stirring occasionally, for 8 to 10 minutes until sauce thickens.
07 - Reduce heat to low. Stir in heavy cream and chicken broth. Return cooked chicken to the sauce and simmer for 3 minutes.
08 - Add pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat evenly. Warm through for 2 to 3 minutes.
09 - Adjust seasoning as needed. Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro before serving.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • A perfect blend of Indian spices and Italian pasta creates a unique, flavorful fusion dish.
  • Rich and creamy sauce offers a comforting yet bold taste experience.
  • Relatively quick to prepare with just 50 minutes total time.
  • Customizable heat level through optional chili powder.
  • Great for weeknight dinners or casual entertaining.
02 -
  • Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes and up to 4 hours to maximize flavor.
  • Shake off excess marinade before cooking to prevent burning.
  • Simmer the tomato sauce gently to develop depth and avoid splitting the cream.
  • Use fresh ginger and garlic for the best aromatic results.
  • Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency if needed.
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