Butter Chicken Linguini

June 6, 2025
Close-up of creamy butter chicken linguini served in a white bowl and garnished with fresh parsley.
Jump to Recipe

This Butter Chicken Linguini recipe is the perfect mashup of two all-time favorites — creamy Indian butter chicken and classic pasta night. It’s rich, cozy, and comforting but still easy enough for a weeknight dinner.

With tender chicken simmered in a creamy tomato butter sauce and tossed with al dente pasta, this recipe delivers big flavor with pantry-friendly ingredients. It’s a one-pan comfort food dinner that’ll win over both curry lovers and picky eaters alike.

Two bowls of creamy butter chicken pasta with rich sauce and chicken pieces garnished with herbs.

Why You’ll Love Butter Chicken Linguini

  • Family-friendly dinner: The spices are mellowed out for comfort-food appeal
  • Weeknight-easy: Done in under 40 minutes, no marinating needed
  • One-pot option: Fewer dishes, less cleanup
  • Perfect for leftovers or meal prep
  • Gluten-free option: Use GF pasta and it’s ready for gluten-sensitive guests

Ingredients You’ll Need

  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cubed
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
  • 1½ teaspoons garam masala
  • ½ teaspoon cumin
  • ½ teaspoon paprika
  • ½ teaspoon turmeric
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
  • ½ cup heavy cream (or coconut cream for dairy-free)
  • ½ lb linguini pasta
Butter chicken linguini cooked in a large skillet, topped with fresh chopped parsley.

How to Make Butter Chicken Pasta

  1. Step 1: Cook the Chicken – Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the cubed chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned and cooked through, about 6–8 minutes. Transfer to a plate.
  2. Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics – In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add butter, onions, garlic, and ginger. Cook until softened and fragrant, about 4 minutes.
  3. Step 3: Add Spices & Tomato Sauce – Stir in garam masala, cumin, paprika, turmeric, and salt. Toast the spices for 30 seconds, then add the tomato sauce. Simmer for 5–6 minutes.
  4. Step 4: Add Cream & Chicken – Stir in the heavy cream. Return the cooked chicken to the pan and simmer for 5 more minutes until the sauce is creamy and thick.
  5. Step 5: Cook the Pasta – Meanwhile, boil the pasta in salted water according to package instructions. Drain and reserve ¼ cup of pasta water.
  6. Step 6: Combine & Finish – Toss the cooked pasta into the sauce. Add a splash of pasta water if needed to loosen. Simmer 1–2 minutes more until fully coated.
Overhead shot of butter chicken linguini with thick creamy sauce and tender chicken chunks.

What to Serve with Butter Chicken Linguini

Butter Chicken Pasta is rich and savory, so pairing it with something light or refreshing helps balance the plate.

Storage & Reheating Tips

  • Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for 3–4 days
  • Freezer: Freeze in meal-prep containers for up to 2 months
  • Reheat: Microwave in 30-second bursts or reheat gently on the stove with a splash of water or cream

Recipe Tips & Variations

  • Make it dairy-free: Use coconut cream or full-fat canned coconut milk
  • Spice level: Increase garam masala or add red chili flakes for heat
  • No pasta? Serve over jasmine rice or cauliflower rice
  • Protein switch: Use shrimp or tofu for variation

FAQs About Butter Chicken Pasta

Can I use leftover butter chicken to make this recipe?

Yes! If you already have butter chicken prepared, simply reheat it and stir it into freshly cooked pasta. You may want to thin the sauce with a splash of cream or pasta water for better coating.

Can I use store-bought butter chicken sauce?

You can, but homemade tastes fresher. If you’re short on time, use 1 cup store-bought sauce and simmer with the cooked chicken and cream.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes — swap the heavy cream for full-fat coconut milk and use a plant-based butter substitute. The flavor will still be rich and satisfying with a subtle coconut twist.

Save This Indian-Inspired Pasta Dinner

Comforting, flavorful, and family-friendly — this Butter Chicken Linguini is the fusion dish you didn’t know you needed.
Pin it now to your Easy Chicken Recipes or Weeknight Dinners board and come back whenever you need a warm and hearty meal.

Yield: 4 servings

Butter Chicken Linguini

Close-up of creamy butter chicken linguini served in a white bowl and garnished with fresh parsley.

This rich and creamy Butter Chicken Pasta is the perfect fusion dinner! Juicy chicken simmered in an Indian-spiced tomato cream sauce and tossed with tender pasta. A cozy, flavor-packed meal ready in under 35 minutes.

Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes

Ingredients

  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cubed
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
  • 1½ teaspoons garam masala
  • ½ teaspoon cumin
  • ½ teaspoon paprika
  • ½ teaspoon turmeric
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
  • ½ cup heavy cream (or coconut cream for dairy-free)
  • ½ lb linguini pasta

Instructions

  1. Boil the Pasta
    Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve ¼ cup pasta water, then drain and set aside.
  2. Sear the Chicken
    In a large skillet over medium heat, melt butter with olive oil. Add cubed chicken and sear until golden brown and cooked through (about 5–7 minutes). Remove and set aside.
  3. Sauté Aromatics
    In the same skillet, add chopped onion and sauté for 3–4 minutes until softened. Add garlic and ginger, cook for another 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Add Spices and Tomato Base
    Stir in garam masala, cumin, paprika, turmeric, chili powder, and salt. Cook for 30 seconds, then add tomato sauce. Stir well and let it simmer for 3–4 minutes.
  5. Add Cream & Chicken
    Pour in the cream (or coconut milk) and stir until the sauce is smooth. Add cooked chicken back to the skillet and simmer for 5 minutes to absorb flavors.
  6. Toss with Pasta
    Add the cooked pasta and reserved pasta water. Toss until evenly coated. Let it simmer on low for 1–2 minutes. Adjust seasoning as needed.
  7. Serve & Garnish
    Plate and garnish with fresh chopped cilantro or parsley. Serve warm with garlic naan or a green salad.

Notes

  • Use coconut milk and gluten-free pasta to make this dairy-free and gluten-free.
  • Adjust spice level by reducing or increasing the chili powder.
  • You can swap canned crushed tomatoes with tomato paste if preferred.

    • Nutrition Information:

    Yield:

    4

    Serving Size:

    1
    Amount Per Serving: Calories: 482Total Fat: 30gSaturated Fat: 14gTrans Fat: 1gUnsaturated Fat: 14gCholesterol: 187mgSodium: 667mgCarbohydrates: 24gFiber: 2gSugar: 3gProtein: 33g
    © Be Centsational
    Cuisine: American / Category: Pasta

    More Easy Chicken Recipes to Try Next

    If you loved this butter chicken pasta, you’re going to want to pin these too. Each one is packed with bold flavor, simple ingredients, and that cozy comfort that keeps everyone asking for seconds.

    Crockpot Marry Me Chicken Thighs

    Fall-apart tender chicken thighs slow-cooked in a creamy sun-dried tomato sauce. This viral recipe is romantic and ridiculously easy — perfect for busy nights or date-night dinners.

    Creamy Mushroom Chicken and Rice Casserole

    Mushroom Chicken and Rice Casserole is a cozy, semi-homemade dinner made with rotisserie chicken, canned soup, and frozen veggies. Easy, comforting, and family-friendly.

    Golden-brown chicken breasts in a rich, creamy garlic sauce, topped with fresh parsley and cooked onions, served in a white pot. Creamy Garlic Chicken, a simple yet flavorful recipe for weeknight dinners.

    Sticky Honey Gochujang Chicken

    Sweet, spicy, and totally addictive. This Korean-inspired dish is perfect for a weeknight craving or a quick dinner with a bold twist.

    A black bowl featuring sticky honey gochujang chicken, where each piece is coated in a thick, shiny sauce. The chicken pieces are sprinkled with sesame seeds and freshly chopped green onions, creating a visually appealing contrast with the dark bowl.

    Grilled Huli Huli Chicken

    Juicy grilled chicken thighs marinated in a sweet pineapple-soy glaze. A tropical favorite and must-make for summer cookouts.

    Overhead shot of grilled Huli Huli chicken thighs glazed with pineapple sauce, served on a white plate.

    Slow Cooker Garlic Herb Chicken with Potatoes

    A full dinner in one pot: tender chicken, baby potatoes, and green beans slow-cooked in a garlic herb blend. Family-friendly and meal prep approved.

    Overhead view of garlic herb chicken thighs with baby potatoes and green beans in a light broth, served in a white oval slow cooker.
    Skip to Recipe