Delicious Butter Chicken Linguine for Flavorful Dinner

You know, the first time I made Butter Chicken Linguine, I remember rushing into my kitchen after a hectic day with the kids, desperately craving something both comforting and a little exotic. That creamy tomato cream sauce pasta aroma filling the room was like wrapping myself in a cozy, flavorful hug. Butter Chicken Linguine has since become one of those go-to dishes that feels like an Indian fusion pasta delight but without any fuss. The spiced chicken pasta blends just the right balance of creamy richness and a mild spicy kick that my whole family actually loves—even my picky eater surprised me by asking for seconds.

I’ll never forget my initial butter chicken pasta mishap—where I overcooked the linguine while trying to manage the sauce, ending up with a sticky mess instead of a silky plate of goodness. That “aha” moment taught me to multitask better, timing that sauce and pasta perfectly—trust me, your Butter Chicken Linguine should be silky, not mushy! This recipe fits snugly into my busy life because it feels fancy but comes together quickly, making weeknight dinners feel like a treat without the stress.

I actually stumbled upon this butter chicken linguine recipe after perfecting my homemade butter chicken (you might want to check it out here on Delilita for some basics!). Adding linguine was my little twist inspired by an old favorite pasta dish. Since then, it’s become a family favorite for its balance of comfort and flair—offering the richness of a tomato cream sauce pasta combined with the cozy warmth of spiced chicken pasta. If you love the idea of a creamy butter chicken linguine that’s as satisfying as it is simple, I promise you’ll want to stick around for this. Ready to dive into a delicious Indian fusion pasta adventure that feels like a warm hug from the inside out? Let’s get cooking!

(By the way, if you’re curious how different butter chicken pasta takes on flavors, you might enjoy reading about this Butter Chicken Spaghetti & Meatballs over at The Chutney Life or even how some people make butter chicken with spaghetti sauce in this lively InstantPotCommunity discussion!)

What You’ll Need for This Butter Chicken Linguine

Alright, let’s talk ingredients because they really make or break your creamy butter chicken linguine. Here’s my tried-and-true list for this butter chicken linguine recipe that has worked wonders for my family dinners:

  • 12 ounces linguine pasta (I always go for good-quality linguine to hold up well with the tomato cream sauce pasta)
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces (thighs keep the spiced chicken pasta tender and juicy)
  • 1 small onion, finely diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
  • 1 teaspoon garam masala (this is key for that authentic butter chicken flavor)
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder (adjust to your spice preference)
  • 14 ounces canned crushed tomatoes
  • 1 cup heavy cream (for that perfect creamy butter chicken linguine sauce)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish
Top-down view of raw ingredients for Butter Chicken Linguine on a marble surface - modern kitchen organized mise en place

I always recommend using boneless chicken thighs rather than breasts because they stay moist and tender, which really complements this spiced chicken pasta’s richness. When shopping for ingredients, look for fresh spices or try roasting your garam masala for an extra depth of flavor. You’ll typically find ingredients like heavy cream and canned tomatoes in your usual grocery aisle. For things like garam masala, check out the international aisle or your local Indian market—they’re usually well stocked.

Here’s a Butter Chicken Linguine trick I learned after a few tries: prepping all your spices and chicken before starting the pasta really smooths out the cooking process, especially on busy nights. If you’re short on time, feel free to grab pre-minced garlic and ginger—they save minutes without sacrificing flavor.

Also, cost-saving tip: buy your spices in small batches or from bulk bins; they keep well if stored airtight in a cool dark place, and fresh spices make a huge difference in butter chicken pasta taste. Leftover sauce freezes well too, so if you’re making Butter Chicken Linguine for a crowd, double up and save some for a quick dinner later.

Speaking of ingredients, if you’re interested, I’ve shared a similar butter chicken sauce base in my homemade butter chicken recipe on Delilita, which is a wonderful resource for mastering that creamy richness that’s central to this dish.

Let’s Make This Butter Chicken Linguine Together

Ready to roll up your sleeves? Let’s make this Butter Chicken Linguine together—step by step, just as I do in my kitchen when we want a comforting, creamy butter chicken linguine dinner.

  1. Cook the linguine: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the linguine and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Don’t overcook! Remember, your butter chicken linguine should have noodles with just a slight bite to complement the rich sauce. Drain and set aside, reserving a cup of pasta water.
  2. Sauté your aromatics: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Toss in diced onions and cook until translucent. Add garlic and ginger, cooking until fragrant—this step fills the whole kitchen with the essence of that creamy butter chicken linguine.
  3. Spice it up: Sprinkle in the garam masala, cumin, and chili powder. I learned the hard way with butter chicken linguine that toasting spices just briefly before adding liquids releases such incredible aroma and depth—don’t skip this! Stir constantly so nothing burns.
  4. Cook the chicken: Add your chicken pieces to the skillet, seasoning lightly with salt and pepper. Cook for 5-7 minutes until the chicken is no longer pink. Your butter chicken linguine should smell beautifully spiced by now—a real invitation.
  5. Add tomatoes and cream: Pour in the crushed tomatoes and bring to a low simmer, letting the sauce thicken a bit, about 8-10 minutes. Then stir in the heavy cream, letting it warm through to create that luscious creamy butter chicken linguine sauce.
  6. Combine pasta and sauce: Toss your cooked linguine into the sauce, adding some reserved pasta water if it feels too thick. This step is crucial to get that perfect creamy butter chicken linguine consistency, where every strand is coated but not drowning.
  7. Final touches: Taste and adjust salt and pepper. Garnish with fresh cilantro—it adds a pop of color and a fresh finish to the spiced chicken pasta.

In my kitchen, Butter Chicken Linguine usually takes about 30-35 minutes from start to finish—a quick enough weeknight dinner that feels like a small celebration. While the butter chicken linguine is cooking, I love to set the table and pour a glass of wine or cup of chai, whatever fits the vibe.

If you want to switch things up or troubleshoot your butter chicken pasta, check out this vibrant discussion on making butter chicken with spaghetti sauce over in the InstantPotCommunity—lots of clever tips shared! And for more Indian fusion pasta inspiration, The Chutney Life’s butter chicken spaghetti & meatballs post is wonderful.

Remember, don’t worry if your Butter Chicken Linguine looks a little different each time—this spiced chicken pasta is truly forgiving and adaptable, just like any good family recipe worth keeping!

How I Love to Serve This Butter Chicken Linguine

When it comes to serving Butter Chicken Linguine, my family’s enthusiasm never wanes. We often enjoy this creamy butter chicken linguine as a main dish on those nights when we crave something hearty but still a bit special. It’s perfect with a simple side of garlic naan or crusty bread—both work brilliantly to soak up any leftover tomato cream sauce pasta drizzle.

Slight angle close-up of finished comforting Butter Chicken Linguine, rich and inviting, served in an amateur kitchen with iPhone 14

My go-to side dishes that pair wonderfully with this butter chicken linguine often include a fresh cucumber raita or a tangy salad dressed with lemon and fresh herbs. These lighter sides balance the rich, spiced chicken pasta beautifully. Plus, they add a refreshing crunch that my kids always sneak more of!

This butter chicken linguine is an ideal choice for casual family dinners, weekend lunch gatherings, or even small dinner parties when you need that perfect Indian fusion pasta dish that feels unique but approachable. I also love making a lighter version with butternut squash soup as a starter—here’s a cozy recipe on my blog that pairs beautifully.

When plating this butter chicken linguine, a quick sprinkle of chopped cilantro along with a wedge of lime on the side is my little presentation secret to make it look like you’ve really put in the effort. Guests always notice and comment!

If you happen to have leftover butter chicken linguine (which can be rare in our house), I like reheating it gently on the stove with a splash of cream or broth. It’s still just as tasty the next day! Or you can turn it into a warm pasta bake by layering leftovers with cheese and baking until bubbly.

Friends who come over often leave requesting the recipe, especially after a dinner where the creamy butter chicken linguine is the star. One of my favorite moments is sharing the story of how this spiced chicken pasta blend came together—a real crowd-pleaser!

For some additional serving ideas and creative twists on butter chicken pasta, swing by this Facebook group for Comforting Spicy Chicken Pasta with Flaky Croissant—such a fun combo!

Your Butter Chicken Linguine Questions Answered

I get tons of questions from readers and friends eager to master their own Butter Chicken Linguine, so let’s chat through some of the most common ones I hear:

1. Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs for Butter Chicken Linguine?

Sure, you can! But you know what I do when my Butter Chicken Linguine has chicken breasts? I just make sure to slice them thin and be extra gentle so they don’t dry out. Thighs are just more forgiving and juicy for this spicy chicken pasta.

2. How spicy is this Butter Chicken Linguine? Can I make it milder?

Absolutely! This creamy butter chicken linguine is easy to adjust. I usually stick to a teaspoon of chili powder, but you can scale back or omit it for a milder tomato cream sauce pasta. My kids prefer it less spicy, so I sometimes split the sauce and add heat just to the adults’ portions.

3. Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?

Yes, yes! Making the sauce in advance for Butter Chicken Linguine saves so much time. Just reheat gently, add the cream near the end, and toss with freshly cooked linguine. Freezing the sauce without cream also works well—just add cream when warming up.

4. What kind of pasta works best besides linguine?

I love linguine for Butter Chicken Linguine because it holds that creamy butter chicken pasta sauce well. But penne, fettuccine, or even spaghetti work just fine if you want to vary it up. Just keep in mind how thick the tomato cream sauce pasta is when pairing shapes.

5. How do I avoid the butter chicken linguine sauce splitting?

Great question! I learned the hard way that adding cream too quickly over high heat can cause splitting. Warm your sauce slowly, and stir the cream in gradually. Also, don’t let it boil hard once the cream is added—just a gentle simmer does wonders.

6. Can I make a vegetarian version?

You bet! Swap the chicken for paneer, tofu, or hearty mushrooms to create a satisfying vegetarian spiced chicken pasta alternative. Just cook the veggies or paneer in the butter and spices as you would the chicken.

7. Any leftover tips?

Leftover Butter Chicken Linguine heats up beautifully! I add a splash of cream or broth when reheating to keep it luscious. Some readers also love transforming leftovers into a fun pasta bake with cheese.

If you want more ideas on perfecting your butter chicken pasta, swing by my Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet post, which shares some tweaks you will adore. And for a fresh conversation on butter chicken linguine and similar dishes, check out this Facebook InstantPotCommunity post—lots of practical advice for busy cooks.

My Final Thoughts on This Butter Chicken Linguine

This Butter Chicken Linguine recipe holds a special place in my heart because it bridges comfort food with a touch of Indian fusion pasta flair that my family has grown to love through many dinners together. It’s those cozy nights where you need something creamy, spiced, and effortlessly satisfying that it really shines—a true family favorite around our table.

My Butter Chicken Linguine Pro Tips:

  • Always use chicken thighs for juiciness and tender texture
  • Toast the spices in butter before adding the tomato cream sauce pasta ingredients for richer flavor
  • Add cream slowly and avoid boiling after cream addition to prevent sauce breaking

Over the years, we’ve embraced a few variations, such as substituting heavy cream with cashew cream for a dairy-free creamy butter chicken linguine or swapping linguine for penne for added bite. My husband loves the spiced chicken pasta as is, while my daughter adores it milder with extra cream.

If you decide to try this Butter Chicken Linguine, I encourage you to tweak it your way—make it spicier, creamier, or even pair with something unexpected like butternut squash soup for a seasonal touch. You might even enjoy my butternut squash soup recipe as a starter to complement the richness.

For those wanting more butter chicken pasta inspiration, I highly recommend checking out this Butter Chicken Spaghetti & Meatballs recipe at The Chutney Life or diving into this discussion around butter chicken with spaghetti sauce in the InstantPotCommunity.

I truly hope your Butter Chicken Linguine journey is full of joyful cooking, happy gatherings, and plenty of satisfied smiles. Remember, the best kitchen memories happen when we share food made with love—even spiced chicken pasta can feel homemade and heartwarming.

Here’s to your delicious Butter Chicken Linguine adventure—can’t wait to hear how you make it your own!

If you enjoyed this recipe and want to keep the butter chicken goodness going, check out my other favorites like the Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet, the Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe for perfecting your base sauce, and a cozy Butternut Squash Soup for those chilly days when you want to start your meal off right. Happy cooking, friend!

Print

Butter Chicken Linguine

Home Cook, taken with iPhone 14. Close-up slight angle of comforting Butter Chicken Linguine on white plate. Warm appetizing --ar 4:3 --style raw --s 240

Butter Chicken Linguine blends creamy, spiced Indian butter chicken with tender Italian pasta for a comforting fusion dish packed with rich flavors.

  • Author: Liliana
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Skillet
  • Cuisine: Fusion

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 oz linguine pasta
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 1 lb boneless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp ginger, grated
  • 1 tsp garam masala
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1/2 tsp turmeric
  • 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 1 (14 oz) can tomato sauce
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/4 cup plain yogurt
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
  • Grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)

Instructions

  1. Cook linguine according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add onions, garlic, and ginger; sauté until fragrant and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
  3. Add chicken pieces to the skillet and cook until browned on all sides.
  4. Stir in garam masala, cumin, paprika, turmeric, and cayenne pepper; cook for 1 minute to toast the spices.
  5. Pour in tomato sauce, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 10 minutes until chicken is cooked through and sauce thickens slightly.
  6. Stir in heavy cream and yogurt, mixing well; cook for an additional 2-3 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  7. Toss the cooked linguine with the butter chicken sauce until well coated.
  8. Serve garnished with chopped cilantro and, if desired, a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese.

Notes

For an extra kick, add fresh chili flakes or serve with a side of garlic naan bread to soak up the delicious sauce.

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