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butter chicken pasta

Butter Chicken Pasta

Made with butter, ground chicken, garlic, tomato sauce, cream, and a blend of aromatic spices.
5 from 1 vote
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Pasta
Servings 4
Calories 510 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 8 oz short-cut pasta penne, rotini, or similar
  • ½ cup reserved pasta water
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 lb ground chicken
  • 1 tablespoon minced garlic
  • 1 cup tomato sauce
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Chopped cilantro for garnish

Spice Mix:

  • 2 teaspoons garam masala
  • 1 teaspoon turmeric
  • ½ teaspoon cumin
  • ½ teaspoon paprika
  • ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
  • Pinch of cinnamon

Instructions
 

  • Cook pasta according to package directions. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
  • In a small bowl, combine all spices for the spice mix and set aside.
  • In a large high-sided frying pan or Dutch oven, melt butter over medium-high heat.
  • Add ground chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 6 minutes, breaking up into crumbles until browned.
  • Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 additional minute.
  • Whisk in tomato sauce, honey, and the prepared spice mix. Cook for 2 minutes.
  • Reduce heat to medium-low and whisk in heavy cream. Bring to a gentle simmer, cover, and cook for 10 minutes.
  • Add the cooked pasta and toss to coat, thinning the sauce with reserved pasta water as needed.
  • Taste and adjust seasoning. Top with chopped cilantro before serving.

Notes

  • Save some pasta water before draining. Adding a bit of pasta water can help loosen and bind the sauce.
  • Don't Skip the Honey. Adding just a touch of sweetness adds balance and depth.
  • Nutrition values are an estimate only. 

Nutrition

Calories: 510kcalCarbohydrates: 34gProtein: 30gFat: 28gSodium: 590mgFiber: 3gSugar: 7g
Keyword butter chicken pasta
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