Print

Butter Chicken Pasta Bake Easy Creamy Recipe for Comfort Food Lovers

Butter Chicken Pasta Bake - featured image
Print Recipe

A creamy, cheesy mash-up of classic Indian butter chicken and pasta bake, this comforting dish features tender chicken, rich tomato sauce, and gooey cheese baked with corkscrew pasta. Perfect for cozy nights, potlucks, or easy entertaining.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 oz rotini, penne, or fusilli pasta
  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 3 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1-inch piece fresh ginger, grated or minced (or 1½ tsp ginger paste)
  • 1 (14 oz) can tomato puree or passata
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup Greek yogurt (plain yogurt also works)
  • 3 oz cream cheese, softened (optional)
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (use part cheddar for more flavor if desired)
  • 2 tsp garam masala
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp chili powder (or more for heat)
  • 1/2 tsp turmeric
  • 1/2 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp sugar
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish, optional)
  • Olive oil (for tossing pasta)
  • Butter or nonstick spray (for greasing baking dish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook until just shy of al dente (about 2 minutes less than package instructions). Drain and toss with a splash of olive oil.
  3. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt 1 tbsp butter. Add chicken, season lightly with salt and pepper, and cook for 4-5 minutes until just cooked through. Remove chicken to a plate.
  4. In the same skillet, melt remaining 2 tbsp butter. Add diced onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until soft and golden.
  5. Stir in garlic and ginger, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
  6. Add garam masala, cumin, paprika, chili powder, turmeric, salt, and black pepper. Stir constantly for 1 minute to bloom spices.
  7. Pour in tomato puree and sugar. Simmer gently for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until sauce thickens slightly.
  8. Lower heat and whisk in heavy cream, Greek yogurt, and cream cheese (if using). Stir until smooth and creamy.
  9. Return cooked chicken and any juices to the skillet. Simmer for 2-3 minutes. Taste and adjust salt, sugar, or chili as desired.
  10. In a large bowl, combine drained pasta with butter chicken sauce. Mix until pasta is well coated.
  11. Pour half of the saucy pasta into prepared baking dish. Sprinkle with 1 cup shredded mozzarella. Add remaining pasta and top with remaining cheese.
  12. Cover dish loosely with foil and bake for 15 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 10-15 minutes, until cheese is melted and golden and sauce is bubbling.
  13. Let bake sit for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped cilantro.

Notes

Slightly undercook pasta for best texture. Bloom spices in butter for maximum flavor. Layer cheese between pasta for gooey pockets. Let bake rest before serving for cleaner slices. For gluten-free, use GF pasta and check spice blends. For dairy-free, use coconut cream and plant-based cheese/yogurt. Add veggies like spinach or peas for extra nutrition.

Nutrition

Keywords: butter chicken pasta bake, creamy pasta bake, comfort food, easy dinner, Indian fusion, cheesy casserole, weeknight meal, chicken pasta, oven bake

Find it online: https://yumnode.com/butter-chicken-pasta-bake-easy-creamy-recipe-for-comfort-food-lovers/