Chicken Tikka Masala Pasta with Simmer Sauce
Published Jun 14, 2026
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Chicken Tikka Masala Pasta with Simmer Sauce combines tender chicken, spaghetti, and a creamy tomato-based tikka masala sauce for an easy fusion-inspired dinner. Using a jarred simmer sauce skips the extra work of making tikka masala from scratch while still delivering plenty of flavor.
If you enjoy easy pasta dinners, try my Viral Trader Joe’s Lobster Bisque Pasta or One Pot Spicy Italian Sausage Orzo next!
🐝 Quick Look: Chicken Tikka Masala Pasta
- What it is: A fusion-inspired pasta dinner that combines tender chicken, spaghetti, and a creamy tomato-based tikka masala sauce.
- Why you’ll love it: A jarred tikka masala simmer sauce does most of the heavy lifting, making this an easy weeknight dinner with plenty of flavor.
- Time: 10 minutes prep, 30 minutes cook time, 40 minutes total.
- Main ingredients: Chicken thighs, spaghetti, tikka masala simmer sauce, crushed tomatoes, heavy cream, onion.
- Best for: Easy weeknight dinners, meal prep, or anyone who loves chicken tikka masala.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy fusion dinner: Chicken tikka masala meets pasta for a fun weeknight twist. Try my Chicken Tikka Masala Pizza or Chicken Tikka Masala Soup next.
- Shortcut ingredient: A jarred tikka masala simmer sauce delivers big flavor without making the sauce from scratch.
- Creamy and comforting: Rich, flavorful, and perfect for cozy dinners. Try my Easy Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta if you love creamy tomato sauces.
- Weeknight-friendly: Ready in about 40 minutes. Serve with Air Fryer Baby Broccoli.
Table of Contents
Key Ingredients
See the recipe card below for the complete list of ingredients with exact quantities.
- Tikka Masala Simmer Sauce: A jarred tikka masala simmer sauce is the shortcut ingredient that gives this pasta its signature flavor without making the sauce from scratch. I used Patak’s Tikka Masala Simmer Sauce.
- Ghee: Ghee adds a rich, buttery flavor to the sauce. If you don’t have ghee, a neutral oil can be substituted.
- Chicken Thighs: Boneless skinless chicken thighs stay tender and flavorful as they simmer in the sauce.
Tips and Substitutions
- Use your favorite simmer sauce: I used Patak’s Tikka Masala Simmer Sauce, but any similar tikka masala simmer sauce should work.
- Chicken thighs or breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs stay especially tender in the sauce, but chicken breasts can be substituted if preferred.
- Adjust the creaminess: Start with 1/4 cup heavy cream, then add more to taste if you’d like a richer sauce. You can also substitute half-and-half or coconut milk for a lighter or dairy-free option.
- Try a different pasta shape: Linguine, fettuccine, penne, or rigatoni all work well in place of spaghetti.
How to Make Chicken Tikka Masala Pasta
See the recipe card below for full instructions and exact amounts.
- Cook the onion until softened, then add the chicken and cook until lightly browned. Stir in the tikka masala simmer sauce and crushed tomatoes.
- Cover and cook over medium-low heat for 15 minutes until the chicken is cooked through.
- Meanwhile, boil the spaghetti in salted water until al dente, then drain.
- Stir in the heavy cream until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Toss with the cooked pasta, garnish with cilantro, and serve.
Recipe FAQs
Yes. Spaghetti works well, but other long pasta shapes like linguine, fettuccine, or bucatini can be used. Short pasta shapes such as penne or rigatoni are also great for catching the sauce.
Yes. Boneless, skinless chicken breasts can be substituted for the chicken thighs. Just be careful not to overcook them, as they tend to dry out more quickly.
Yes. Use a neutral oil instead of ghee and substitute a dairy-free cream alternative for the heavy cream such as coconut milk. Be sure to check the label on your simmer sauce, as ingredients can vary by brand.
I used Patak’s Tikka Masala Simmer Sauce, but any similar tikka masala simmer sauce should work. Keep in mind that spice level and flavor can vary by brand.
Yes. The sauce will still be flavorful without the heavy cream, though it won’t be quite as rich or creamy. You can also substitute half-and-half or milk for a lighter option.
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Chicken Tikka Masala Pasta with Simmer Sauce
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons Ghee, or neutral oil
- 1 medium Yellow Onion, diced
- 1 pound Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 teaspoon Kosher Salt, adjust to taste
- 1 jar Tikka Masala Simmer Sauce, 15 ounces
- 1 can Crushed Tomatoes, 15 ounces
- ¼ cup Heavy Cream
- 1 pound Spaghetti
- Fresh Cilantro, for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the onion: Heat the ghee in a large pan or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Cook the chicken: Season the chicken with the salt. Add to the pan and cook, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned, about 5 minutes.
- Simmer the sauce: Stir in the tikka masala simmer sauce and crushed tomatoes. Bring to a simmer, cover, and cook over medium-low heat for 15 minutes.
- Cook the pasta: Meanwhile, cook the spaghetti in a large pot of salted water until al dente. Drain.
- Finish and serve: Stir the heavy cream into the sauce. Add the cooked spaghetti and toss until evenly coated. Garnish with cilantro and serve.
Notes
- Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts can be substituted for the chicken thighs if preferred.
- Tikka masala simmer sauce: I used a 15-ounce jar of Patak’s Tikka Masala Simmer Sauce, but any similar tikka masala simmer sauce should work.
- For a creamier sauce: Start with 1/4 cup heavy cream, then add an extra splash if you’d like a richer, creamier sauce.
- Pasta shapes: Spaghetti works well, but other long pasta shapes like linguine or fettuccine can also be used. Short pasta shapes such as penne or rigatoni are great for catching the sauce.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
This pasta recipe requires very little cooking but it’s packed with flavor! Grab a jar of your favorite tikka masala simmer sauce and you’ll have a delicious dinner on the table in no time.