Welcome to your next favorite weeknight dinner recipe! This creamy chicken curry pasta brings the perfect blend of flavors from both Indian and Italian cuisine, making it an irresistible choice for anyone looking to spice up their usual pasta dishes. Combining tender chicken with curry spices, coconut milk, and your favorite pasta, this dish is ready in just 20 minutes. Perfect for those who love hearty meals but want something quick and easy to prepare.
Introduction
This chicken curry pasta is a fusion of bold and comforting flavors that combine creamy textures with a spicy kick. Originating from the rich culinary traditions of Indian and Jamaican curry, this dish incorporates pasta, making it ideal for fans of Italian cuisine as well. The addition of coconut milk gives it a velvety smooth texture, while the combination of spices like curry powder, cumin, and cayenne brings the dish alive with warmth.
Whether you’re a fan of classic pasta or adventurous curries, this dish is a must-try. Not only is it incredibly simple to make, but it also packs a punch of flavor, making it perfect for busy weeknight dinners. Plus, it’s versatile enough to cater to various dietary preferences by adjusting the ingredients.
For those interested in similar easy-to-make recipes, check out our Ultimate Cowboy Casserole for another quick, hearty meal!
Ingredients for Chicken Curry Pasta
To make this delicious chicken curry pasta, you will need the following ingredients:
- 300g Boneless Chicken Breast or Thighs: Cut into bite-sized cubes. Thighs provide more moisture, while breast offers a leaner option.
- 300g Pasta (Penne, rigatoni, or spaghetti): Choose your favorite type of pasta.
- 1 cup Coconut Milk: Adds creaminess and a subtle sweetness.
- 1 small Onion: Finely chopped.
- 3-4 cloves Garlic: Minced.
- 2 tablespoons Curry Powder: The star spice of the dish, giving it rich flavor and warmth.
- 1 teaspoon Coriander: Adds an earthy citrus note.
- ¼ teaspoon Cumin: To deepen the flavor profile with warm spice.
- 1 teaspoon Fresh Ginger: Minced for a fresh kick.
- 1-2 medium Tomatoes: Chopped.
- ½ teaspoon Cayenne Pepper: Adjust to your heat preference, or substitute with black pepper.
- Salt to taste: Balances the flavors.
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil: For sautéing.
- 1 tablespoon Cornflour: Mixed with 2-3 tablespoons of water to make a slurry for thickening the sauce.
Optional Substitutions:
- Swap chicken for tofu or chickpeas for a vegetarian version.
- Use almond milk instead of coconut milk for a lower-calorie option.
- Choose gluten-free pasta if needed.
How to Make Chicken Curry Pasta – Step by Step
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Boil your pasta in a large pot of salted water until al dente. This should take about 8-10 minutes, depending on the type of pasta you are using. Once cooked, reserve about ⅛ cup of pasta water and drain the rest. Set the pasta aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté until they become translucent and fragrant. This should take around 3 minutes. Next, add the minced garlic and fry for an additional 30 seconds to release the flavor.
Step 3: Add the Spices
Now it’s time to add the spices! Stir in the curry powder, coriander, cumin, cayenne pepper, and ginger. Fry the spices for about a minute to release their aromas and deepen their flavors. Pro Tip: Freshly ground spices will add more flavor to your dish!
Step 4: Cook the Chicken
Add your cubed chicken to the pan. Stir the chicken with the spices until all pieces are well coated. Cook until the chicken is no longer pink on the outside, which should take 3-4 minutes.
Step 5: Create the Sauce
Stir in the chopped tomatoes and cook for about 2 minutes. Once the tomatoes have softened, pour in the coconut milk. Bring the mixture to a simmer, letting the chicken cook through and the flavors meld together. Add the reserved pasta water to thin the sauce slightly, if needed.
Step 6: Thicken the Sauce
To thicken the sauce, add the cornflour slurry. Stir continuously to avoid lumps, and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency.
Step 7: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Finally, add the cooked pasta to the pan. Stir everything together, ensuring the pasta is fully coated in the creamy sauce. Let it simmer for 1-2 minutes so the flavors can blend.
Helpful Tips for Chicken Curry Pasta
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Whenever possible, use fresh garlic, ginger, and spices. These ingredients add a much richer flavor compared to their dried counterparts.
- Adjust the Heat: If you prefer a spicier dish, feel free to increase the amount of cayenne pepper. For a milder version, use black pepper or omit the cayenne entirely.
- Pasta Cooking Tip: Make sure to cook the pasta just until al dente, as it will continue to cook slightly when combined with the sauce.
Cooking Tips for the Best Chicken Curry Pasta
- Best Pasta to Use: Short pasta varieties like penne or rigatoni work best for this dish as they hold the sauce well. However, spaghetti or fettuccine can also be used if you prefer long noodles.
- Equipment: A deep, non-stick frying pan is ideal for making the sauce, as it allows even cooking and prevents sticking.
- Coconut Milk: For a creamier sauce, use full-fat coconut milk. If you prefer a lighter sauce, opt for reduced-fat coconut milk.
Serving Suggestions for Chicken Curry Pasta
This creamy chicken curry pasta pairs wonderfully with a fresh salad or roasted vegetables. To make it even heartier, serve with a side of garlic naan or buttered baguette. As for beverages, a chilled glass of white wine or a refreshing mango lassi makes an excellent pairing.
Nutritional Information
This recipe is not only delicious but also nutritious! Here’s a breakdown of the nutritional information:
- Calories: 564 kcal per serving
- Fats: 23g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Proteins: 30g
- Fiber: 4g
- Vitamin C: 22% DV
- Iron: 18% DV
For those watching their calories, you can reduce the fat content by using light coconut milk and opting for whole wheat pasta.
Storage and Leftovers for Chicken Curry Pasta
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: When reheating, add a splash of water or coconut milk to revive the creaminess of the sauce. Heat in a pan over medium heat or microwave for 2-3 minutes.
- Freezing: This dish freezes well for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Chicken Curry Pasta
1. Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes! Swap out the chicken for tofu or chickpeas for a vegetarian-friendly version of this recipe.
2. Can I use a different type of milk?
While coconut milk adds a unique flavor and creaminess, you can use heavy cream or almond milk as substitutes.
3. How spicy is this dish?
The level of spice can be adjusted based on your preference. If you like it spicy, add more cayenne pepper. For a milder dish, reduce or omit the cayenne.
4. Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can cook the sauce ahead of time and refrigerate it. When ready to eat, simply reheat the sauce and combine it with freshly cooked pasta.
Related Recipes for Chicken Curry Pasta Lovers
Explore more delicious recipes like this creamy chicken curry pasta. Check out our guide to Sausage Balls Recipe for another quick and flavorful meal or dive into the world of desserts with our Peanut Butter Ganache, the perfect sweet treat after a savory dinner.
Conclusion
This chicken curry pasta recipe is the perfect combination of comforting and exotic flavors, ideal for anyone looking to spice up their weeknight meals. With its creamy coconut milk base, tender chicken, and a blend of aromatic spices, it’s bound to become a family favorite. Give it a try and let us know how it turned out! Feel free to share any variations or tips you may have in the comments below.
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Chicken Curry Pasta Recipe: Easy, Creamy, and Flavorful
Description
Welcome to your next favorite weeknight dinner recipe! This creamy chicken curry pasta brings the perfect blend of flavors from both Indian and Italian cuisine, making it an irresistible choice for anyone looking to spice up their usual pasta dishes. Combining tender chicken with curry spices, coconut milk, and your favorite pasta, this dish is ready in just 20 minutes. Perfect for those who love hearty meals but want something quick and easy to prepare.
Ingredients
- 300g Boneless Chicken Breast or Thighs: Cut into bite-sized cubes. Thighs provide more moisture, while breast offers a leaner option.
- 300g Pasta (Penne, rigatoni, or spaghetti): Choose your favorite type of pasta.
- 1 cup Coconut Milk: Adds creaminess and a subtle sweetness.
- 1 small Onion: Finely chopped.
- 3–4 cloves Garlic: Minced.
- 2 tablespoons Curry Powder: The star spice of the dish, giving it rich flavor and warmth.
- 1 teaspoon Coriander: Adds an earthy citrus note.
- ¼ teaspoon Cumin: To deepen the flavor profile with warm spice.
- 1 teaspoon Fresh Ginger: Minced for a fresh kick.
- 1–2 medium Tomatoes: Chopped.
- ½ teaspoon Cayenne Pepper: Adjust to your heat preference, or substitute with black pepper.
- Salt to taste: Balances the flavors.
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil: For sautéing.
- 1 tablespoon Cornflour: Mixed with 2-3 tablespoons of water to make a slurry for thickening the sauce.
Optional Substitutions:
- Swap chicken for tofu or chickpeas for a vegetarian version.
- Use almond milk instead of coconut milk for a lower-calorie option.
- Choose gluten-free pasta if needed.
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Boil your pasta in a large pot of salted water until al dente. This should take about 8-10 minutes, depending on the type of pasta you are using. Once cooked, reserve about ⅛ cup of pasta water and drain the rest. Set the pasta aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté until they become translucent and fragrant. This should take around 3 minutes. Next, add the minced garlic and fry for an additional 30 seconds to release the flavor.
Step 3: Add the Spices
Now it’s time to add the spices! Stir in the curry powder, coriander, cumin, cayenne pepper, and ginger. Fry the spices for about a minute to release their aromas and deepen their flavors. Pro Tip: Freshly ground spices will add more flavor to your dish!
Step 4: Cook the Chicken
Add your cubed chicken to the pan. Stir the chicken with the spices until all pieces are well coated. Cook until the chicken is no longer pink on the outside, which should take 3-4 minutes.
Step 5: Create the Sauce
Stir in the chopped tomatoes and cook for about 2 minutes. Once the tomatoes have softened, pour in the coconut milk. Bring the mixture to a simmer, letting the chicken cook through and the flavors meld together. Add the reserved pasta water to thin the sauce slightly, if needed.
Step 6: Thicken the Sauce
To thicken the sauce, add the cornflour slurry. Stir continuously to avoid lumps, and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency.
Step 7: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Finally, add the cooked pasta to the pan. Stir everything together, ensuring the pasta is fully coated in the creamy sauce. Let it simmer for 1-2 minutes so the flavors can blend.
Equipment
2Pcs Heart Shape Cake Pans, Aluminum Heart Cake Mold, Reusable 10 inch
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Kids Chill Leak-Proof Lunch Box – Included Reusable Ice Pack Keeps Food Cold
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- Use Fresh Ingredients: Whenever possible, use fresh garlic, ginger, and spices. These ingredients add a much richer flavor compared to their dried counterparts.
- Adjust the Heat: If you prefer a spicier dish, feel free to increase the amount of cayenne pepper. For a milder version, use black pepper or omit the cayenne entirely.
- Pasta Cooking Tip: Make sure to cook the pasta just until al dente, as it will continue to cook slightly when combined with the sauce.
