Delicious Butter Chicken Linguine Recipe for Cozy Dinners

I still remember the exact moment the idea for Butter Chicken Linguine blasted into my flavor-loving brain. It was during one of my late-night recipe testing sessions in my kitchen, where I was chasing bold, unforgettable combinations. I’d been craving that creamy, spiced butter chicken sauce but wanted to toss it with something unexpected—like linguine instead of the usual rice. The first bite was a total game-changer. The rich, velvety Indian-inspired sauce clung to each silky strand of pasta, delivering a flavor bomb that screamed celebration in every mouthful.

Butter Chicken Linguine is the kind of dish Cuba Queen stands for: unapologetically bold, an insane flavor mash-up that excites your taste buds and makes your kitchen feel like a carnival of spice and cream. It’s not your average pasta night—it’s a season of fireworks in your mouth where Italian and Indian flavors dance together. Once I nailed the perfect balance between the creamy butter chicken pasta sauce and the tender, spiced chicken, there was no turning back. Every taste-testing crew I invited was floored by the fusion butter chicken linguine magic.

This isn’t just dinner; it’s a flavor adventure begging to happen in your kitchen. I’m so pumped to share this recipe with you because Butter Chicken Linguine will transform your weeknight dinners into fiesta moments. Ready to make your taste buds explode? Let’s dive into the details. From that luscious butter chicken sauce recipe to the perfectly al dente linguine, you’re about to conquer the ultimate spiced chicken pasta journey. If this recipe rocks your world, you NEED to try the Butter Chicken Pasta (Indian Style Pasta) Recipe for another spin on creamy Indian-inspired pasta goodness.


Ingredients You Need for This:

This Butter Chicken Linguine ingredient list is SHORT but mighty! Here’s what you’ll need for a truly epic fusion butter chicken linguine experience:

  • 12 oz linguine pasta (don’t skimp on good quality—your pasta choice sets the stage)
  • 1 lb boneless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces (dark meat keeps the spiced chicken pasta juicy)
  • 3 tbsp butter (the unsung hero of your butter chicken sauce recipe—splurge on grass-fed if you can)
  • 1 cup heavy cream (for that creamy butter chicken pasta texture)
  • 1 cup tomato puree (fresh or good-quality canned makes all the difference here)
  • 2 tbsp garam masala (the Indian-inspired linguine dish’s main flavor pep)
  • 1 tbsp smoked paprika (adds smoky depth to your spiced chicken pasta)
  • 1 tsp cumin powder
  • 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
  • 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (more if you love heat)
  • 1 tbsp minced garlic (fresh, obviously)
  • 1 tbsp grated ginger
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Fresh cilantro for garnish (the bright pop that finishes the fusion butter chicken linguine perfectly)
Ingredients for Butter Chicken Linguine laid out on a table

Here’s the Butter Chicken Linguine game-changer that will blow your mind: swapping out heavy cream for cashew cream for a dairy-free twist that keeps the sauce super creamy without losing depth. You’ll find the best ingredients for this Butter Chicken Linguine at your local international market or specialty store. Pro power tip: invest in fresh ginger and garlic—their flavors will shine through the creamy butter chicken pasta like nothing else.

If you’re on a budget, canned tomato puree works just fine, and frozen chicken thighs can step in without sacrificing flavor. Store your garlic and ginger minced ahead in the fridge in olive oil for quick meal prep wins, so this Butter Chicken Linguine dish is always ready for you. Don’t forget to check out my Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet for another bold take on classic butter chicken flavor!


Step-by-Step Instructions:

  1. Cook the linguine pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente (that’s about 8-9 minutes depending on your brand). Drain and set aside but save a cup of pasta water—you’ll thank me later for the sauce magic.
  2. Sauté the spiced chicken: Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken thighs and season with salt, black pepper, and half the garam masala. Cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove the chicken and set aside. Don’t stress—your Butter Chicken Linguine is going to be incredible.
  3. Create the butter chicken sauce: Lower heat to medium and add another tablespoon of butter. Toss in garlic and ginger, sautéing until fragrant, about 1 minute. Then stir in the tomato puree, smoked paprika, cumin, turmeric, cayenne, and the remaining garam masala. Stir well and let it simmer for 5 minutes to marry the flavors.
  4. Make it creamy: Pour in the heavy cream and stir continuously to create that luscious creamy butter chicken pasta sauce. Pro tip for Butter Chicken Linguine perfection—slowly add reserved pasta water to adjust thickness; it helps the sauce cling perfectly without being too heavy.
  5. Marry pasta and sauce: Add the cooked linguine and spiced chicken back to the skillet. Toss everything gently but thoroughly to coat every linguine strand in that beautiful butter chicken sauce. This is where your Butter Chicken Linguine transforms into pure magic.
  6. Final seasoning: Taste and season with salt or extra cayenne if you want a bolder kick.
  7. Serve piping hot with fresh cilantro garnish and a side of crusty bread for mopping up that leftover sauce. While your Butter Chicken Linguine is working its magic, grab your camera—this is Instagram gold!

If you want to experiment with variations, give the Cowboy Chicken Linguine a whirl for another twisted pasta flavor blast.


Presentation:

People absolutely lose their minds when I serve this Butter Chicken Linguine at dinner parties. The creamy sauce glistens over the perfectly cooked linguine strands, dotted with juicy spiced chicken bites and topped with fresh cilantro. To wow your guests, plate it on a wide, shallow bowl—let those vibrant reds and creams really pop against the white. A sprinkle of crushed chili flakes and a quick drizzle of melted butter right before serving take it to the next level.

Big flavors call for bold sides, so pair your Butter Chicken Linguine with a simple cucumber raita or a crisp side salad with zesty lemon dressing. Feeling fancy? Serve with garlic naan wedges on the side for a nod to the Indian inspiration. The combo of buttery pasta and crisp naan? Pure celebration!

I promise this Butter Chicken Linguine absolutely slays at birthdays, date nights, or any time you want your meal to feel like a flavor event. Leftovers? Oh, yes. I love turning this into a creamy baked pasta the next day—just add extra cheese on top and broil to golden perfection. Yum!

For seasonal spins, try swapping in pumpkin puree in the sauce during fall for an indulgently creamy twist or toss in some fresh spinach during spring for a pop of color and nutrition. If you want some more bold flavor adventures, check out Butter Chicken Pasta – Golden Grace Kitchen for exciting ideas to keep your fusion butter chicken linguine game fresh.

Served Butter Chicken Linguine with fresh cilantro and crusty bread

FAQs:

1. Can I make this Butter Chicken Linguine spicier?

Absolutely! Dial up the cayenne or add chopped green chilies while cooking your sauce. Butter Chicken Linguine handles heat like a champ and gets better with every kick of spice.

2. What if I don’t have heavy cream for my Butter Chicken Linguine?

No sweat. Use coconut milk or cashew cream for a dairy-free creamy butter chicken pasta alternative. Both bring richness while keeping that lush texture intact.

3. How do I know when my Butter Chicken Linguine is perfectly done?

Your chicken should be juicy and tender, with no pink inside, and your linguine al dente—soft but with a slight bite. The sauce should coat the pasta strands thoroughly without pooling watery.

4. Can I prep Butter Chicken Linguine ingredients ahead?

Definitely! Marinade your chicken with spices a few hours before, and chop garlic and ginger the night before. This cuts down on cook time and gets your dinner on the table faster.

5. Any suggestions for Butter Chicken Linguine protein swaps?

Try shrimp or paneer for the vegetarian fusion butter chicken linguine twist. Each version brings its own delicious vibe.

6. Can I freeze Butter Chicken Linguine?

The sauce freezes well, but pasta can get mushy. Freeze components separately and toss freshly cooked linguine with reheated sauce for best results.

7. What’s a budget-friendly way to nail Butter Chicken Linguine flavor?

Use store-bought garam masala and canned tomato puree—they’re pantry staples with big flavor impact. Just add fresh garlic and ginger for an instant upgrade.

Community feedback consistently calls this recipe a “wow” moment for dinner! Bold flavor adventurers love how easy it is to knock out a creamy butter chicken pasta dish that feels anything but basic. You’re going to ace it too, I promise!


Conclusion:

This Butter Chicken Linguine represents everything Cuba Queen stands for—bold flavors, fearless fusion, and meals that turn ordinary nights into celebrations. It’s creamy, spicy, and incredibly satisfying. You’ve got the power now with my Butter Chicken Linguine Power Tips:

  • Use fresh ginger and garlic for unbeatable flavor depth
  • Save pasta water to perfect your creamy butter chicken sauce texture
  • Don’t skip garam masala—it’s the soul of your Indian-inspired linguine dish

I’ve created versions with shrimp, paneer, and even loaded with extra veggies, but the classic spiced chicken pasta Butter Chicken Linguine steals the show every time. The biggest reactions come from guests who never expected pasta and butter chicken to be an epic duo.

Make this Butter Chicken Linguine your signature dish and watch your kitchen transform into a place where wild flavor adventures happen. I believe in your skills to whip up this creamy butter chicken pasta masterpiece.

Now, turn up the music, gather your ingredients, and create some unforgettable Butter Chicken Linguine memories. Don’t forget to share your flavor bombs and pics with me—I LIVE for seeing your successes!

If you’re hungry for more, check out my posts on classic Butter Chicken and the Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet for even more bold flavor thrills.

Get cooking, flavor adventurer! Your Butter Chicken Linguine awaits.

Print

Butter Chicken Linguine

Butter Chicken Linguine combines creamy, spiced butter chicken with tender linguine for a flavorful fusion of Indian and Italian cuisines in one easy-to-make dish.

  • Author: Quinn
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Skillet
  • Cuisine: Fusion

Ingredients

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

Instructions

  1. Cook linguine according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil and 1 tbsp butter over medium heat.
  3. Add chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
  4. Add garlic and ginger; cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  5. Add chicken pieces and cook until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes.
  6. Stir in garam masala, cumin, paprika, turmeric, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper; cook for 2 minutes to toast the spices.
  7. Pour in tomato puree, mix well, and simmer for 5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
  8. Lower heat and stir in heavy cream, yogurt, and remaining 1 tbsp butter. Simmer gently for 3-4 minutes until sauce is creamy and smooth.
  9. Toss the cooked linguine into the butter chicken sauce until well coated.
  10. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve topped with Parmesan cheese if desired.

Notes

For a lighter option, substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or reduce the butter. Serve with a side of naan or garlic bread to complete the meal.

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