Creamy Chicken Tikka Masala (Print Version)

Tender chicken tikka masala blends with pasta in a luscious, aromatic creamy sauce.

# What You'll Need:

→ Chicken Marinade

01 - 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
02 - ½ cup plain Greek yogurt
03 - 1 tablespoon lemon juice
04 - 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
05 - 1 teaspoon ground cumin
06 - 1 teaspoon ground coriander
07 - 1 teaspoon paprika
08 - ½ teaspoon turmeric
09 - 1 teaspoon garam masala
10 - ¾ teaspoon salt

→ Pasta

11 - 10 oz penne or rigatoni pasta
12 - Water, for boiling
13 - 1 teaspoon salt

→ Sauce

14 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
15 - 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
16 - 1 medium onion, finely chopped
17 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
18 - 1 tablespoon grated ginger
19 - 2 teaspoons ground cumin
20 - 1 teaspoon paprika
21 - 1 teaspoon ground coriander
22 - ½ teaspoon chili powder (optional)
23 - 14 oz canned crushed tomatoes
24 - ¾ cup + 2 tablespoons heavy cream
25 - ¼ cup chicken broth or water
26 - 1 teaspoon sugar
27 - Salt, to taste
28 - 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped

# Step-by-Step Guide:

01 - Combine chicken with yogurt, lemon juice, ginger-garlic paste, ground cumin, ground coriander, paprika, turmeric, garam masala, and salt in a bowl. Mix thoroughly, cover, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes up to 4 hours for optimal flavor.
02 - Boil pasta in salted water according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
03 - Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add marinated chicken, shaking off excess marinade, and cook for 5 to 6 minutes until browned and fully cooked. Remove chicken and set aside.
04 - In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook for 4 to 5 minutes until soft and golden.
05 - Stir in garlic and grated ginger; cook for 1 minute. Add ground cumin, paprika, ground coriander, and chili powder if using; cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
06 - Pour in crushed tomatoes, add sugar and a pinch of salt. Simmer on medium-low for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally until sauce thickens.
07 - Reduce heat to low. Stir in heavy cream and chicken broth, mixing well. Return cooked chicken to the skillet and simmer for 3 minutes to meld flavors.
08 - Add cooked pasta to the sauce, tossing gently to coat thoroughly. Warm through for 2 to 3 minutes.
09 - Adjust seasoning as needed. Sprinkle fresh cilantro over the top before serving.

# Top Tips:

01 -
  • A unique blend of Indian spices and Italian pasta creates a flavorful fusion.
  • Rich, creamy sauce that perfectly coats tender chicken and pasta.
  • Relatively quick to prepare with bold, comforting flavors.
  • Customizable spice level to suit your taste.
02 -
  • Make sure to shake off excess marinade before cooking the chicken to prevent sogginess.
  • Simmer the tomato sauce slowly to thicken and deepen the flavor.
  • Use fresh cilantro as a garnish for a burst of herbal brightness.
  • For extra richness, add a tablespoon of butter at the end of cooking.
  • Cook pasta just until al dente to prevent it from becoming mushy when tossed with sauce.
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