Get ready to embark on a culinary adventure that combines the best of two worlds - the bold, creamy flavors of Indian tikka masala and the comforting embrace of Italian pasta! This mind-blowing Chicken Tikka Masala Pasta is not just a recipe; it's a gastronomic revolution that will transform your dinner routine from ordinary to extraordinary. Imagine tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and a rich, aromatic sauce that dances on your taste buds - all in just 30 minutes!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Indian-Italian Fusion
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta
- 1 lb chicken breast, cubed
- 1 cup tikka masala sauce
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup spinach
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/4 cup of pasta water.
- Season the cubed chicken breast with salt and pepper. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat with a tablespoon of oil.
- Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and fully cooked through. Remove chicken and set aside.
- In the same skillet, sauté chopped onions for 2-3 minutes until translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour the tikka masala sauce into the skillet. Stir to combine with onions and garlic, scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and add spinach. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until spinach wilts and sauce is heated through.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat evenly with sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, add reserved pasta water to reach desired consistency.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro or a dollop of yogurt if desired.
Tips
- For maximum flavor, use high-quality tikka masala sauce or make your own from scratch.
- Ensure chicken is cut into uniform cubes for even cooking.
- Don't overcook the pasta - aim for al dente to maintain the perfect texture.
- Reserve pasta water before draining; it's a secret weapon for adjusting sauce consistency.
- Use a non-stick skillet for easier cooking and cleanup.
- Fresh spinach adds nutrition and a pop of color, but you can substitute with other greens.
- For extra creaminess, add a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of yogurt at the end.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro or a sprinkle of garam masala for an authentic touch.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 95mg
