Chicken Tikka Masala Pasta Bake: Where Italy Meets India

Introduction

Our Tikka Masala Pasta Bake is the ultimate comfort food fusion that combines the hearty satisfaction of Italian pasta with the aromatic spices of Indian cuisine. Using Curry Tonight's Tikka Masala par-cooked sauce, this dish transforms ordinary pasta into an extraordinary one-dish wonder that's perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or meal prep. The creamy texture and bold flavors will make this bake an instant favorite in your recipe collection.

Prep Time

15 minutes

Cook Time

30 minutes

Total Time

45 minutes

Servings

6

Difficulty Level

Easy

Ingredients

• 12 oz penne pasta
• 2 cups cooked chicken, diced
• 1 pouch Curry Tonight Tikka Masala par-cooked sauce
• 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (plus more for garnish)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Equipment Needed

• Large pot for pasta
• Colander
• 9x13 baking dish
• Large skillet
• Mixing spoon
• Aluminum foil

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9x13 baking dish.
2. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente, then drain.
3. While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
4. Add onion and bell pepper, sautéing until softened, about 5 minutes.
5. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
6. Stir in diced chicken, Curry Tonight Tikka Masala sauce, and heavy cream.
7. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 3 minutes.
8. In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta, sauce mixture, 1 cup of mozzarella, and cilantro.
9. Transfer to the prepared baking dish and top with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan.
10. Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
11. Remove foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
12. Let stand for 5 minutes before serving, garnished with fresh cilantro.

Tips for Success

• Slightly undercook the pasta as it will continue to cook in the oven.
• For a thicker sauce, add 2 tablespoons of tomato paste to the mixture.
• Freshly grated cheese melts better than pre-packaged shredded cheese.
• For extra flavor, add a splash of white wine when simmering the sauce.

Nutritional Information

Calories: 490 per serving Protein: 28g Carbohydrates: 40g Fat: 25g Sodium: 580mg

Serving Suggestions

Serve with a simple green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette and garlic bread for a complete meal. A glass of crisp white wine pairs beautifully with the creamy, spiced flavors.

Storage and Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or reheat the entire dish covered in a 350°F oven until warmed through, about 20 minutes.

Variations

• Vegetarian version: Replace chicken with roasted vegetables like cauliflower, carrots, and peas.
• Seafood twist: Use shrimp instead of chicken for a luxurious variation.
• Gluten-free option: Use your favorite gluten-free pasta variety.

Chef's Notes

This pasta bake is perfect for introducing Indian flavors to pasta lovers. The creamy sauce coats each pasta piece perfectly, and the cheesy top creates that irresistible golden crust we all love in a good bake.

FAQs

Can I freeze this pasta bake? Yes! Assemble the dish, but don't bake it. Cover tightly and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking, adding an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time.

Can I use a different pasta shape? Absolutely! Any medium-sized pasta shape that catches sauce well works perfectly—try rotini, farfalle, or shells.

Keywords

Pasta bake, tikka masala pasta, Indian Italian fusion, one-dish meal, Curry Tonight, family dinner, comfort food, cheesy pasta, meal prep