1. Marinate the Chicken

Start by marinating the chicken for the most authentic flavor. In a medium bowl, combine the chicken pieces with 1 tablespoon of the cumin, coriander, turmeric, and garam masala, as well as a pinch of salt. Add 2 tablespoons of yogurt and mix well to coat the chicken evenly. Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 15 minutes (or up to 1 hour if you have time) in the refrigerator. This step infuses the chicken with the bold spices and helps tenderize it, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor.

2. Cook the Pasta

While the chicken is marinating, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving about 1 cup of pasta water for later. Set the pasta aside while you prepare the chicken and sauce.

3. Sauté the Aromatics

In a large skillet or sauté pan, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion becomes soft and translucent. Add the garlic and ginger and cook for an additional 1 minute, until fragrant. The combination of ginger and garlic adds a nice depth of flavor that complements the spices in the dish.

4. Cook the Chicken

Add the marinated chicken pieces to the skillet and cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned on all sides and cooked through. This step ensures the chicken is fully cooked, while also allowing the spices to release their rich aromas into the pan.

5. Prepare the Sauce

Once the chicken is cooked, add the tomato puree or crushed tomatoes to the skillet. Stir to combine and let it simmer for 5 minutes to allow the tomatoes to meld with the spices. The tomato base gives the sauce its rich color and tangy flavor, which balances beautifully with the creamy elements later on.

6. Add Yogurt and Cream

Stir in the yogurt and heavy cream. These creamy ingredients create a luxurious sauce that coats the chicken and pasta beautifully. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for another 5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly. The yogurt adds a subtle tang, while the cream provides a rich, velvety texture.

7. Season the Sauce

Add the lemon juice, smoked paprika, chili powder (if using), and salt to the sauce. Stir well to combine, and taste the sauce. Adjust the seasoning if necessary, adding more salt or lemon juice for balance, or more chili powder if you prefer a spicier dish.

8. Combine the Pasta and Sauce

Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing gently to coat the pasta in the sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, add a small amount of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up and achieve the desired consistency. Stir everything together until the pasta is well coated with the creamy, spiced sauce.

9. Garnish and Serve

Once the pasta is fully coated and heated through, serve it in individual bowls or on a large serving platter. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro for a burst of freshness and color. You can also add an extra squeeze of lemon juice for added brightness.