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Creamy Pesto Chicken Tikka Pasta

Featured in: West Coast Fresh

This comforting Indian-Italian fusion features succulent chicken tikka partnered with fusilli, all cloaked in a rich, herbaceous pesto cream sauce. The pairing of smoky, spiced chicken with creamy, cheesy, aromatic sauce creates a harmonious dish full of bold flavors. A quick marinade ensures tender chicken, while the pesto and cream bring the pasta to life. Finished with fresh herbs and a touch of chili, this global twist on comfort food is ready in 40 minutes and will satisfy cravings for something both unique and familiar.

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Updated on Mon, 06 Oct 2025 08:50:03 GMT
Creamy Pesto Chicken Tikka Pasta with fusilli swirled in rich, herbaceous sauce and fresh basil. Save
Creamy Pesto Chicken Tikka Pasta with fusilli swirled in rich, herbaceous sauce and fresh basil. | dashofstates.com

Imagine a steaming bowl of creamy pasta brimming with golden chicken tikka and swirls of herby pesto This dish brings together two comforting classics in a way that feels both fresh and familiar The chicken is juicy and bursting with bold spice while the sauce is luscious with basil and a hint of Parmesan It is the kind of meal that surprises everyone at the table with its unique twist and vibrant flavors

My family loves this on busy weeknights The aroma from the sizzling chicken and herby sauce always draws everyone to the kitchen and it disappears fast

Ingredients

  • Chicken breasts: Tender and juicy when marinated Best if fresh and cut into even pieces for quick cooking
  • Plain yogurt: Makes the chicken extra soft and moist Choose full fat for extra richness
  • Tikka masala paste or spice mix: Delivers signature smoky warmth Look for a brand with no artificial colors for best flavor
  • Lemon juice: Brightens the marinade Use freshly squeezed for zing
  • Oil: Helps with browning Choose a neutral type or use ghee for more aroma
  • Salt: Essential for seasoning both chicken and sauce
  • Fusilli pasta: Spirals catch all the creamy sauce Opt for bronze cut pasta if possible for better texture
  • Butter: Adds a silky base to the pesto sauce Go for unsalted to control salt levels
  • Heavy cream: Brings plenty of body and smoothness Use fresh cream for a clean flavor
  • Green pesto: Infuses basil flavor and color Homemade or refrigerated pesto gives best results
  • Grated Parmesan: Adds umami and depth Always grate fresh for bold flavor or skip for dairy free
  • Salt and pepper: Rounds out flavors Use cracked black pepper for a peppery punch
  • Fresh basil or cilantro: Bright herby finish Pick vibrant leaves with no wilting
  • Chili flakes for garnish: Optional but great for a touch of heat Choose fresh chili flakes for maximum potency

Instructions

Marinate the Chicken:
Mix chicken chunks with yogurt tikka masala lemon juice and a pinch of salt Coat well Cover and marinate for at least fifteen minutes or up to thirty minutes for maximum flavor
Cook the Chicken Tikka:
Heat a skillet with oil over medium high Add marinated chicken in a single layer Sear without moving for two minutes to form a charred crust Stir and continue to cook until chicken is browned and cooked through about five to seven minutes Set aside
Boil the Pasta:
Fill a large pot with water and bring to a rolling boil Salt the water generously Add fusilli and stir well Cook uncovered for about nine to eleven minutes until just al dente Drain thoroughly and set aside
Prepare the Pesto Cream Sauce:
In a large skillet melt butter over medium heat Add heavy cream and let it warm just until tiny bubbles appear Stir in green pesto using a spoon to fully blend Allow to simmer for two minutes Blend in grated Parmesan now if using and season with salt and pepper Taste and adjust seasoning
Combine Chicken Pasta and Sauce:
Toss the drained pasta and cooked chicken tikka into the cream sauce Stir gently so sauce coats everything evenly Let it heat together for two to three minutes so the flavors mingle
Finish and Serve:
Spoon the pasta into bowls Top with torn basil or cilantro and a sprinkle of chili flakes if desired Serve immediately while hot
Juicy marinated chicken tikka pieces nestled in creamy pesto pasta, garnished with chili flakes. Save
Juicy marinated chicken tikka pieces nestled in creamy pesto pasta, garnished with chili flakes. | dashofstates.com

I adore how pesto transforms this into something extra special Even my spice loving uncle asked for seconds at Sunday dinner and now expects it whenever he visits

Storage Tips

Let leftovers cool before transferring to an airtight container Refrigerate for up to three days For reheating splash in a little milk or cream and stir gently over low heat This revives the sauce beautifully and keeps pasta from sticking

Ingredient Substitutions

Swap chicken for paneer or extra firm tofu for a vegetarian spin Gluten free pasta or chickpea pasta works great Almond cream or coconut cream can replace dairy Creamy cashew Parmesan stands in for cheese if avoiding dairy

Fresh Ways to Serve

Pile onto warm naan for a playful twist Layer with roasted veggies like bell peppers or broccoli for a boost of color Crisp salad and tangy pickled onions make great sides to balance the richness

Steaming bowl of Creamy Pesto Chicken Tikka Pasta, topped with Parmesan and vibrant green herbs. Save
Steaming bowl of Creamy Pesto Chicken Tikka Pasta, topped with Parmesan and vibrant green herbs. | dashofstates.com

I once tried skipping the fresh herbs and it truly was not the same Do not miss that finishing sprinkle

Creamy Pesto Chicken Tikka Pasta

Juicy chicken tikka with fusilli tossed in creamy pesto sauce. Bold, aromatic fusion and pure comfort.

Prep duration
20 min
Cook duration
20 min
Complete duration
40 min
Created by Jordan Miller


Complexity Medium

Heritage Indian-Italian Fusion

Output 4 Portions

Nutritional considerations None specified

Components

Chicken Tikka

01 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
02 1/2 cup plain yogurt
03 1 tablespoon tikka masala paste or spice mix
04 1 teaspoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
05 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
06 Salt, to taste

Pasta and Sauce

01 10 ounces fusilli pasta
02 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
03 3/4 cup heavy cream
04 2 tablespoons green pesto
05 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, optional
06 Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Garnish

01 Fresh basil or fresh cilantro leaves
02 Chili flakes, optional

Method

Phase 01

Marinate and Cook the Chicken: Combine chicken pieces with yogurt, tikka masala paste, lemon juice, and salt in a mixing bowl. Let marinate for 15 to 30 minutes. Sauté chicken in vegetable oil over medium-high heat until fully cooked and lightly charred. Set aside.

Phase 02

Boil the Pasta: Cook fusilli pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and reserve.

Phase 03

Prepare Pesto Cream Sauce: In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add heavy cream and green pesto, stirring until well blended and warmed. Incorporate Parmesan cheese if desired, and season with salt and black pepper.

Phase 04

Combine Components: Add cooked pasta and chicken tikka into the skillet with the sauce. Toss everything together to coat evenly. Heat for 2 to 3 minutes until piping hot.

Phase 05

Finish and Serve: Transfer to serving plates. Garnish with fresh basil or cilantro and a sprinkle of chili flakes if desired.

Necessary tools

  • Large pot
  • Skillet
  • Mixing bowl

Allergy details

Review each component for potential allergens and seek professional medical guidance if you're uncertain.
  • Contains gluten (from pasta) and dairy (from cream, yogurt, Parmesan).

Nutrient breakdown (each portion)

These figures are approximate and shouldn't replace professional health advice.
  • Energy: 620
  • Fats: 30 g
  • Carbohydrates: 50 g
  • Proteins: 35 g