Easy Butter Chicken Linguine: Creamy Comfort in Every Bite

Introduction

Creamy, flavorful, and ready in 30 minutes, this Butter Chicken Linguine combines Indian spice with Italian comfort. Perfect for weeknight dinners or impressing guests!

Craving something creamy, comforting, and bursting with flavor—but tired of the usual spaghetti or stir-fry? Meet your new weeknight hero: Butter Chicken Linguine. This fusion dish marries the richness of Indian butter chicken with the silky smoothness of Italian linguine, giving you a creamy pasta recipe that’s quick, flavorful, and family-approved.

If you’ve ever wanted to spice up pasta night while still keeping it easy, this is the one. With tender chicken in a buttery, spiced tomato cream sauce wrapped around perfectly cooked linguine, it’s bold, balanced, and irresistibly good.

Get ready to fall in love with the best of both worlds: Indian spices and Italian soul.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✅ Ready in under 30 minutes – perfect for busy nights
✅ Simple ingredients – no hard-to-find spices or fancy tools
✅ Fusion flavor – comforting, creamy, and delightfully different
✅ Customizable – go meatless, spice it up, or make it dairy-free
✅ Kid-friendly – mild but flavorful, great for picky eaters

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Chicken & Marinade:

• 1 lb boneless chicken breast or thighs, diced
• ½ cup plain yogurt
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp garam masala
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp salt

📝 Substitution tip: Use tofu for a vegetarian version or pre-cooked rotisserie chicken for speed.

For the Sauce:

• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 small onion, finely diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp grated ginger
• 1 cup tomato puree
• 1 tsp sugar
• 1 cup heavy cream (or coconut milk for dairy-free)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan (optional but adds an Italian twist!)

🧀 Pro Tip: Freshly grated Parmesan melts better and adds a nuttier flavor than pre-shredded.

For the Pasta:

• 8 oz linguine
• Salt for boiling
• Reserved ½ cup of pasta water

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, mix yogurt, lemon juice, and spices. Add chicken, coat well, and marinate for at least 15 minutes (or up to overnight in the fridge).
2. Cook the Pasta: Boil linguine in salted water until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining.
3. Cook the Chicken: In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add chicken and cook until browned and cooked through (about 6–8 minutes). Remove and set aside.
4. Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, sauté onion until soft (3–4 minutes), then add garlic and ginger. Cook until fragrant (30 seconds). Add tomato puree, sugar, and simmer for 5–7 minutes.
5. Add Cream & Cheese: Stir in the cream and Parmesan. Simmer until smooth. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet.
6. Toss with Pasta: Add cooked linguine and a splash of pasta water. Toss everything to coat the pasta evenly in the sauce.
7. Serve Warm: Garnish with chopped cilantro or parsley. Optional: sprinkle with chili flakes for extra heat.

Recipe Notes & Tips

💡 Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
🔥 Reheating: Gently warm on the stovetop with a splash of milk or cream to revive the sauce.
🎨 Variations:

• Add sautéed spinach or bell peppers for a veggie boost.
• Swap linguine for penne or gluten-free pasta.
• Top with crispy bacon or a dollop of yogurt for contrast.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

Calories	Protein	Carbs	Fat
450	15g	50g	22g

Note: Nutrition values are estimates based on standard portions.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

❓ Can I use gluten-free pasta?
✅ Yes! Just cook according to package instructions and check for doneness early.

❓ Why is my sauce clumpy or grainy?
❌ You may have skipped the pasta water—this helps emulsify the sauce and keep it creamy.

❓ Can I make it vegetarian?
✅ Absolutely! Swap the chicken for chickpeas, paneer, or tofu.

❓ Is this recipe spicy?
❌ Not very! It’s mildly spiced. Add chili powder or cayenne if you prefer more heat.

❓ Can I make it dairy-free?
✅ Yes! Use coconut cream and vegan butter, and skip the Parmesan or use a plant-based alternative.

Conclusion

If you’re looking to shake up your pasta routine with bold flavors and creamy comfort, this Butter Chicken Linguine delivers in every bite. It’s easy, exciting, and weeknight-friendly—what more could you ask for?

✨ Try it tonight and share your dish with us @Infinity Recipes on Pinterest!

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