Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta is a mouthwatering fusion of rich Indian flavors and classic Italian comfort. Juicy, spice-marinated chicken bites are cooked to perfection and paired with a luscious, garlicky parmesan pasta sauce. This dish is perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions when you want something indulgent yet easy to prepare.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Combines bold, aromatic butter chicken flavors with creamy pasta
- A satisfying and comforting meal that’s restaurant-quality
- Quick and easy to make in under an hour
- Perfect for meal prep and leftovers
- Customizable with different pasta types or spice levels
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Butter Chicken Bites:
- Boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs
- Yogurt
- Garlic
- Ginger
- Garam masala
- Cumin
- Coriander
- Turmeric
- Chili powder
- Salt
- Butter
- Tomato paste
- Heavy cream
For the Creamy Parmesan Pasta:
- Pasta (fettuccine, penne, or spaghetti)
- Butter
- Garlic
- Heavy cream
- Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper
- Fresh parsley (for garnish)
Directions
-
Marinate the Chicken – In a bowl, mix yogurt, garlic, ginger, garam masala, cumin, coriander, turmeric, chili powder, and salt. Add the chicken pieces and coat well. Let marinate for at least 30 minutes.
-
Cook the Chicken – Heat butter in a pan and cook the marinated chicken bites until golden brown and fully cooked. Stir in tomato paste and heavy cream, simmering until the sauce thickens. Set aside.
-
Cook the Pasta – Boil the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
-
Make the Parmesan Sauce – In a pan, melt butter and sauté garlic. Pour in heavy cream and let it simmer. Stir in grated parmesan cheese and mix until smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
-
Combine Everything – Toss the cooked pasta in the parmesan sauce, ensuring it’s well-coated. Plate the pasta and top with the butter chicken bites. Garnish with fresh parsley.
-
Serve and Enjoy!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
Variations
- Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or extra chili powder for more heat.
- Low-Carb Option: Swap the pasta for zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice.
- Different Proteins: Try shrimp, paneer, or tofu instead of chicken.
- Lighter Version: Use Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream for the sauce.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Warm on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce. Microwave in short intervals, stirring in between.
- Freezing: Freeze the butter chicken bites separately for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
FAQs
How spicy is this dish?
The heat level depends on the chili powder used. You can adjust the spice level to your preference.
Can I use store-bought butter chicken sauce?
Yes, but homemade gives a fresher and more authentic flavor.
What’s the best pasta for this recipe?
Fettuccine, penne, or spaghetti work best for holding the creamy sauce.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! Use paneer, tofu, or mushrooms instead of chicken.
How do I prevent my sauce from curdling?
Make sure to simmer the cream on low heat and stir continuously when adding acidic ingredients like tomato paste.
Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?
Yes, but the sauce will be less rich. You can thicken it with a little butter and parmesan.
How do I make it dairy-free?
Use coconut milk instead of heavy cream and nutritional yeast instead of parmesan.
What sides pair well with this dish?
Garlic bread, a side salad, or roasted vegetables complement the meal well.
Can I cook the chicken in an air fryer?
Yes! Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can cook the chicken and sauce in advance and store them separately. Reheat and combine before serving.
Conclusion
Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta is the perfect blend of Indian and Italian flavors, creating a comforting and indulgent meal. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or meal prep, this dish is sure to impress with its bold taste and creamy texture. Try it today and enjoy a restaurant-quality meal at home!
Print
Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner, Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Fusion (Indian-Italian)
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta is a fusion of bold Indian spices and creamy Italian comfort. Juicy, marinated butter chicken bites are cooked to perfection and paired with a rich, garlicky parmesan pasta sauce. This easy, restaurant-quality dish is perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
For the Butter Chicken Bites:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs (cubed)
- ½ cup yogurt
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tsp ginger (grated)
- 1 tsp garam masala
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp coriander
- ½ tsp turmeric
- ½ tsp chili powder (adjust to taste)
- ½ tsp salt
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- ½ cup heavy cream
For the Creamy Parmesan Pasta:
- 8 oz pasta (fettuccine, penne, or spaghetti)
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ¾ cup parmesan cheese (grated)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- Fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
-
Marinate the Chicken:
- In a bowl, mix yogurt, garlic, ginger, garam masala, cumin, coriander, turmeric, chili powder, and salt.
- Add the cubed chicken, coat well, and marinate for at least 30 minutes.
-
Cook the Chicken:
- Heat butter in a pan over medium heat.
- Cook the marinated chicken until golden brown and fully cooked.
- Stir in tomato paste and heavy cream, simmering until the sauce thickens. Set aside.
-
Cook the Pasta:
- Boil the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
-
Prepare the Parmesan Sauce:
- In a pan, melt butter and sauté garlic.
- Pour in heavy cream and let it simmer.
- Stir in grated parmesan cheese, mixing until smooth.
- Season with salt and pepper.
-
Combine Everything:
- Toss the cooked pasta in the parmesan sauce, ensuring it’s well coated.
- Plate the pasta and top with butter chicken bites.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve!
Notes
- Adjust the spice level by increasing or reducing chili powder.
- Substitute heavy cream with Greek yogurt for a lighter version.
- Try different pasta shapes like rigatoni or linguine for variety.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
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