Tender cubes of chicken simmered in a spiced tomato and cream sauce make this butter chicken pasta a standout weeknight option for when you want something a bit different. The aromatic blend of traditional Indian-inspired spices softens into the cream, creating a velvety coating for the penne that feels both indulgent and familiar.
Adding fresh spinach or celery leaves introduces a necessary touch of brightness to cut through the richness of the butter and heavy cream. The final bake under a generous layer of mozzarella turns the pasta golden and bubbly, offering that satisfying pull of melted cheese with every forkful.
Serving this straight from the oven allows the sauce to thicken slightly, resulting in a hearty meal that holds its own as a simple dinner. It is a straightforward way to bridge the gap between classic takeout cravings and a home-cooked pasta night.
Read Full StoryIf you enjoy merging global flavors with familiar comfort food, this fusion dish is a natural next step for your kitchen repertoire. Fans of bold, aromatic sauces might also appreciate trying a fragrant butter chicken biryani to explore how these spices translate to rice dishes, or for those nights when you crave a lighter, velvety finish, my avocado chicken pasta offers a refreshing contrast to the richness of a tomato-cream base.
Key Ingredients
- Chicken fillets: Cubed chicken serves as the primary protein base for this pasta dish.
- Butter chicken spice: This spice blend provides the signature aromatic seasoning for the creamy sauce.
- Tomato puree: Tomato puree builds the rich, savory foundation for the butter chicken-inspired sauce.
- Heavy cream: Cream creates the velvety texture that ties the sauce and pasta together.
- Penne pasta: The pasta acts as the vessel for the flavorful sauce and chicken mixture.
- Mozzarella cheese: A layer of melted mozzarella provides a golden, gooey topping after baking.
- Spinach: Fresh spinach leaves add a touch of color and texture to the sauce.
- Butter: Butter is used to sauté the base and enrich the final sauce consistency.
More Ways to Enjoy Butter Chicken Flavors
- If you have leftovers on hand, a quick butter chicken wrap makes for a perfect, portable lunch that brings all the original sauce elements into a soft pita.
- For a healthier take on the classic comfort dish, try preparing it in the air fryer to achieve crispy edges with significantly less oil.
- If you prefer traditional roasting techniques, a garlic and herb roast chicken is an excellent way to master succulent poultry that pairs just as well with your favorite spice blends.
Fooooods Team curates recipe inspiration from food creators worldwide, focusing on flavor discovery, visual appeal, and accessible home cooking ideas. More about our editorial process →