Pin It Discover the magic when Indian spices meet Italian comfort in this Creamy Chicken Tikka Masala Pasta. Tender chicken marinated in fragrant spices blends effortlessly with perfectly cooked pasta, all enveloped in a luscious, creamy sauce that brings a rich and aromatic twist to your dinner table. This fusion dish offers a satisfying meal that’s both exotic and familiar, perfect for those craving bold flavor and hearty comfort food.
Pin It This dish is an effortless way to elevate weeknight dinners, combining pantry staples with fresh ingredients for an impressive and satisfying meal. The marinade tenderizes the chicken while infusing it with classic tikka masala flavors, and the sauce brings everything together with a silky richness that’s simply irresistible.
Ingredients
- Chicken Marinade: 500 g (1 lb) boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces; 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, for heat); 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 the 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 Tomato Sauce
- Add crushed tomatoes, sugar, and a pinch of salt. Simmer for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened.
- 7. Finish Sauce and Combine
- 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. Toss Pasta
- Add cooked pasta and toss to coat in the sauce. Warm through for 2–3 minutes.
- 9. Garnish and Serve
- Adjust seasoning if needed. Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
To maximize flavor, allow the chicken to marinate longer if time permits. Use fresh ginger and garlic to enhance the aromatic profile. When cooking the sauce, simmer gently to develop depth without burning the spices. For an extra creamy finish, stir in a tablespoon of butter just before serving.
Varianten und Anpassungen
For a vegetarian alternative, substitute chicken with paneer or firm tofu. Adjust the chili powder to control the heat level based on preference. Use gluten-free pasta options to accommodate dietary needs while maintaining the rich flavors of the sauce.
Serviervorschläge
This fusion pasta pairs wonderfully with a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a chilled lager to balance the creamy and spicy notes. Complement the dish with a simple green salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
Pin It Enjoy this Creamy Chicken Tikka Masala Pasta as a novel yet comforting meal that will impress both fans of Indian spices and pasta lovers alike. Its rich sauce and vibrant flavors make it an ideal dish for sharing with family and friends, turning any night into a flavorful celebration.
Recipe FAQs
- → How do I marinate the chicken for this dish?
Combine yogurt, lemon juice, ginger-garlic paste, and spices like cumin, coriander, paprika, turmeric, and garam masala. Coat the chicken pieces well and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to develop.
- → What type of pasta works best?
Penne or rigatoni are ideal for holding the creamy sauce, but any short pasta with ridges can work well in this fusion dish.
- → Can I adjust the heat level in this dish?
Yes, you can add or reduce chili powder in the sauce to suit your preferred spice tolerance.
- → Is there a vegetarian option?
Paneer or tofu can be substituted for chicken, marinated and cooked similarly, for a vegetarian variation.
- → How can I make the sauce richer?
Adding an extra tablespoon of butter at the end enhances the creaminess and depth of the sauce.
- → What pairs well with this creamy fusion dish?
A crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a chilled lager complements the rich and aromatic flavors beautifully.