An Indian-style pasta recipe with all the essential spices is a quick dinner option that you can try any day of the week.
This flavorful, filling and delicious masala pasta recipe was my go-to option for kids' lunch box option when I am in a fix.
With more than a full serving of vegetables and fiber, it's a healthy choice too. Prepare it fresh for a party or make it ahead and store it in the fridge.
Either way, you are just a few minutes away from a quality meal with wholesome ingredients!
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Why this recipe works
This masala pasta recipe is super easy to prepare. It's filled with fiber and veggies, making it a healthy choice for kids.
This recipe for Masala Pasta is a simple, flavorful, and easy-to-make Indian-style pasta dish.
The boiled pasta is tossed in an onion tomato masala sauce with a variety of aromatic Indian spices, fresh vegetables, and herbs.
If you love vegan pasta recipes and Indian curry flavors, then you must try this Indian curry-flavored masala pasta recipe.
You may call this dish an Indo-Italian fusion recipe, but it is more Indian because it uses all Indian ingredients, except for the Italian pasta.
My kids and readers liked tikka masala pasta, because of its Indian flavors, so this masala pasta recipe will be your next favorite Indian pasta recipe.
This Indian-style pasta is perfect for lunch box recipes or a quick weeknight meal.
Masala pasta can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to two days. Just reheat and serve hot with some chopped fresh cilantro leaves on top.
This desi pasta is 100% vegan, nut-free, soy-free, and can easily be made oil-free.
Ingredients notes
Penne pasta: I have used penne pasta in this recipe, but you can use any type of pasta like fusilli, bow-tie, or macaroni.
Spices: The spice blend used in this recipe is very simple and easily available in the market. I used common spice powders like curry powder, garam masala powder, and Kashmiri red chili powder.
Tomatoes: I have used fresh tomatoes in this recipe, but you can also use ½ cup tomato puree or tomato paste. If you are using fresh tomatoes, make sure they are ripe, juicy, and red.
Onions: Use red or white onions in this recipe. I like to use red onions because they add beautiful color to the dish as well as a tinge of sweetness when they are sauteed.
Vegetables: You can use any vegetables of your choice in this recipe. I have used frozen carrots, green peas, and sweet corn. Other options that go well are spring onions, baby corn, bell peppers, and water chestnuts.
Cilantro: Cilantro is one ingredient you cannot miss in this recipe. It adds freshness and brightens up the colors and flavors.
Olive oil: I used extra virgin olive oil, but using any other type does not alter that taste too much. Feel free to use any kind of oil that you readily have.
See the recipe card for a list of ingredients and quantities, plus recipe instructions. You can find the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
Instructions
Start by cooking the pasta in boiling water according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Or cook the pasta in an instant pot: Add the pasta and water to the pot. Cook on high pressure for 5 minutes. For softer pasta, cook for an additional minute. Do a quick release and drain the water. Set the pasta aside.
In a large skillet, heat oil over medium heat. Add the onions and cook until they are softened and light brown in color.
Now add the tomatoes and cook until they are soft and mushy.
Add the frozen or fresh vegetables and salt. let it cook for 2 minutes.
Now add the spices, corn flour, and garlic powder. Cook for a minute.
Add 2 tablespoon of the cooked pasta water and mix well.
Add the cooked pasta and toss everything together. Cook for a minute.
Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves and serve hot. Enjoy this Indian-style masala pasta!
Serving suggestions
Serve masala pasta with some chopped or roasted vegetables on the side.
Pack this for your kid's lunch box with some veggies or fruits and a dollop of yogurt.
Storage
Store any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to two days. Reheat before serving.
You can also freeze this pasta for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat before serving.
Recipe FAQ's
Masala pasta is a healthier option because it's made with whole wheat pasta and is vegan. It's also packed with fiber and veggies, making it a great lunch box recipe for kids.
Yes, you can use any vegetables of your choice in this recipe. I have used frozen carrots, peas, and corn.
Yes, you can cook the pasta on the stovetop. Follow the package instructions to cook the pasta. Drain and set aside.
You can use coriander powder, cumin powder, or any other spice blend of your choice. A pinch of turmeric powder adds a lot of flavor to the recipe.
Expert tips
- Use ripe and red tomatoes for this recipe. If using fresh tomatoes, make sure they are ripe, juicy, and red.
- Use any type of pasta like fusilli, bow-tie, or macaroni.
- You can use any vegetables of your choice in this recipe. I have used frozen carrots, peas, and corn. Bell pepper and baby corns are great options too.
- Add a few drops of oil while cooking the pasta, this will prevent the pasta from sticking to each other.
- If you want creamy masala pasta, add some milk or cream while cooking the sauce. You can also add grated cheese(vegan) on top.
- For a spicier Masala pasta, add more red chili powder or use cayenne pepper instead.
- If your pasta turns out too spicy, mix in a few drops of lemon juice and mix well.
- If you like al dente pasta, cook the pasta for less time than normal.
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📖 Recipe
Masala Pasta Recipe
Process Shot
Check above for step-by-step pictures (most of my recipes include pictures)
Ingredients
- 8.5 oz penne pasta - 250 gram
- 1 cup frozen vegetables - your choice of veggies
- 1 onion chopped
- ½ cup chopped tomatoes
- ¾ tablespoon curry powder
- ¼ teaspoon red chili powder - optional
- ¼ teaspoon garam masala powder
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder or 1 garlic cloves chopped
- 3 teaspoon chopped cilantro for garnish
- 3 teaspoon corn oil
- ½ teaspoon corn flour - optional
Instructions
- Start by cooking the pasta in boiling water according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.8.5 oz penne pasta
- Or cook the pasta in an instant pot: Add the pasta and water(add till the pasta covers) to the pot. Cook on high pressure for 5 minutes. For softer pasta, cook for an additional minute. Do a quick release and drain the water. Set the pasta aside.
- In a large skillet, heat oil over medium heat. Add the onions and cook until they are softened and light brown in color. (check above for step-by-step pictures)1 onion chopped, 3 teaspoon corn oil, ½ cup chopped tomatoes
- Now add the tomatoes and cook until they are soft and mushy. Add the frozen or fresh vegetables and salt. let it cook for 2 minutes.1 cup frozen vegetables
- Now add the spices, corn flour, and garlic powder. Cook for a minute.¾ tablespoon curry powder, ¼ teaspoon red chili powder, ¼ teaspoon garam masala powder, ½ teaspoon corn flour, ¼ teaspoon garlic powder or 1 garlic cloves chopped
- Add 2 tablespoon of the cooked pasta water and mix well. (check above for step-by-step pictures)
- Add the cooked pasta and toss everything together. Cook for a minute.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves and serve hot. Enjoy this Indian-style masala pasta!3 teaspoon chopped cilantro for garnish
Video
Notes
- Use ripe and red tomatoes for this recipe. If using fresh tomatoes, make sure they are ripe, juicy, and red.
- Use any type of pasta like fusilli, bow-tie, or macaroni.
- You can use any vegetables of your choice in this recipe. I have used frozen carrots, peas, and corn. Bell pepper and baby corns are great options too.
- Add a few drops of oil while cooking the pasta, this will prevent the pasta from sticking to each other.
- If you want creamy masala pasta, add some milk or cream while cooking the sauce. You can also add grated cheese(vegan) on top.
- For a spicier Masala pasta, add more red chili powder or use cayenne pepper instead.
- If your pasta turns out too spicy, mix in a few drops of lemon juice and mix well.
- If you like al dente pasta, cook the pasta for less time than normal.
YOUR OWN NOTES
Nutrition
Nutritional information is an estimation only.
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