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Chicken Curry Pasta Recipe: Easy, Creamy, and Flavorful

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

Scale

 

  • 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

Notes

  • 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.

Find it online: https://optimalrecipes.com/chicken-curry-pasta-recipe-easy-creamy-and-flavorful/