# What you need:
→ Chicken Tikka
01 - 1.1 lb boneless chicken breast or thigh, cut into bite-sized pieces
02 - 1/2 cup plain yogurt
03 - 2 tablespoons lemon juice
04 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
05 - 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
06 - 1.5 teaspoons garam masala
07 - 1 teaspoon ground cumin
08 - 1 teaspoon ground coriander
09 - 1 teaspoon paprika
10 - 0.5 teaspoon chili powder
11 - 0.5 teaspoon salt
12 - 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
→ Pasta Sauce
13 - 10.6 oz penne pasta
14 - 1.5 tablespoons butter
15 - 1 medium onion, finely chopped
16 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
17 - 14 oz canned crushed tomatoes
18 - 2 tablespoons tomato paste
19 - 1 teaspoon sugar
20 - 1 teaspoon garam masala
21 - 0.5 teaspoon chili powder
22 - 4 fl oz double cream
23 - 2 fl oz whole milk
24 - Salt and pepper to taste
25 - 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
# Directions:
01 - In a mixing bowl, combine yogurt, lemon juice, minced garlic, grated ginger, garam masala, cumin, coriander, paprika, chili powder, salt, and vegetable oil. Add chicken pieces and toss to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, preferably overnight for enhanced flavor development.
02 - Preheat oven to 425°F or heat a grill pan over medium-high heat. Arrange marinated chicken on a lined baking tray or grill pan. Roast or grill for 10-12 minutes until cooked through with light charring. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
03 - Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Add penne and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain through a colander and set aside.
04 - Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
05 - Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, sugar, garam masala, and chili powder. Simmer for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until sauce thickens and flavors meld.
06 - Pour double cream and whole milk into the sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Simmer for 2 minutes until cream is fully incorporated.
07 - Add cooked chicken tikka pieces to the sauce, followed by cooked penne. Toss thoroughly to ensure all ingredients are evenly coated with sauce.
08 - Transfer to serving bowls or platter. Garnish generously with fresh cilantro. Serve immediately while hot.
