Creamy Chicken Tikka Masala Pasta (Printable version)

Tender chicken tikka and pasta unite in a rich, aromatic creamy sauce with bold spices.

# What you need:

→ 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, 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

# How to Make It:

01 - Combine chicken with yogurt, lemon juice, ginger-garlic paste, cumin, coriander, paprika, turmeric, garam masala, and salt. Mix thoroughly, cover, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 4 hours.
02 - Boil pasta in salted water following package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
03 - Heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat in a large skillet. Remove excess marinade from chicken and cook for 5 to 6 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
04 - Melt butter in the same skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until soft and golden, about 4 to 5 minutes.
05 - Add minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for 1 minute. Stir in cumin, paprika, coriander, and chili powder, cooking for 30 seconds until fragrant.
06 - Add crushed tomatoes, sugar, and a pinch of salt. Reduce heat and simmer for 8 to 10 minutes until sauce thickens, stirring occasionally.
07 - Lower heat to low. Stir in heavy cream and chicken broth until combined. Return cooked chicken to the sauce and simmer for 3 minutes to meld flavors.
08 - Add cooked pasta to the skillet and toss gently to coat evenly in the sauce. Warm through for 2 to 3 minutes.
09 - Taste and adjust salt or spice levels as needed. Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro before serving.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The perfect blend of Indian spices and creamy Italian-style pasta sauce.
  • Quick to prepare with only 50 minutes total time.
  • Rich, comforting, and packed with protein and flavor.
  • Great for meal prep or serving to guests for something different.
02 -
  • Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes but up to 4 hours for deeper flavor infusion.
  • Shake off excess marinade before cooking to avoid steaming the chicken.
  • Simmer the sauce slowly to develop richness and thickness.
  • Stir frequently to prevent the sauce from sticking or burning.
  • Use fresh cilantro for garnish to enhance aroma and presentation.
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