Veggies Masala Macaroni Recipe – A Flavorful Indian Twist on PastaWhen it comes to pasta,…
Masala Pasta
Masala Pasta Recipe | Spicy Indo-Italian Fusion Pasta (Easy & Cheesy)
If you’re bored of regular red sauce or white sauce pasta and craving bold Indian flavours, this Masala Pasta recipe is going to be your new favourite.
This Indo-Italian fusion pasta is spicy, saucy, cheesy, crunchy, and loaded with vegetables. It takes the comfort of Italian pasta and gives it a desi makeover using everyday Indian spices like red chilli powder, garam masala, turmeric, and ginger-garlic.
And yes — forgive me, Italians — this pasta proudly breaks a few rules… but the flavours make it totally worth it.
What Is Masala Pasta?
Masala Pasta is an Indian-style pasta where boiled pasta is tossed in a spicy tomato-based masala instead of traditional Italian sauces. It’s commonly made with onions, capsicum, Indian spices, and finished with cream or cheese for richness.
This version is:
- 🌶 Spicy (adjustable)
- 🧀 Lightly cheesy
- 🫑 Veggie-loaded
- 🍅 Perfectly saucy (not dry, not runny)
It’s ideal for weeknight dinners, kids’ lunchboxes, or when you want comfort food with a kick.
Why This Masala Pasta Recipe Works
- Uses simple pantry ingredients
- Ready in under 30 minutes
- No fancy sauces or equipment
- Easily customizable (vegan, extra spicy, more cheesy)
This is not restaurant-style pasta — it’s home-style, flavour-forward, and comforting.
Ingredients for Masala Pasta
Pasta
- 2 cups penne pasta (or fusilli / macaroni)
- Water & salt, for boiling
Vegetables
- 1 large onion, cubed
- ½ cup red capsicum
- ½ cup yellow capsicum
- ½ cup green capsicum (optional)
For the Masala Sauce
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp oil
- 1 tbsp garlic, finely chopped
- 1 tsp ginger paste
- ½ tsp turmeric powder
- 1–1½ tsp red chilli powder (adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp garam masala
- 1 tsp mixed Italian herbs
- ¾ cup tomato puree
- Salt, to taste
Creamy Finish
- 2–3 tbsp grated cheese (mozzarella or processed)
Garnish
- Fresh coriander leaves
How to Make Masala Pasta (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Boil pasta in plenty of salted water until al dente.
Drain and keep aside. Do not overcook.
Step 2: Prepare the Base
Heat butter and oil together in a wide pan.
Add garlic and ginger, sauté until fragrant (do not brown).
Step 3: Cook the Vegetables
Add cubed onions and sauté till slightly translucent.
Add all the capsicum and cook on high heat for 2–3 minutes.
The vegetables should stay crunchy.
Step 4: Add Spices
Lower the flame and add:
- Turmeric powder
- Red chilli powder
- Garam masala
- Italian herbs
Mix quickly to prevent burning.
Step 5: Make the Masala Sauce
Add tomato puree and salt.
Cook until the sauce thickens and the butter starts to separate slightly.
This step is crucial for deep flavour.
Step 6: Combine Pasta & Sauce
Add the cooked pasta to the masala.
Toss well until every piece is coated.
Add cream and grated cheese.
Mix gently. Add a splash of pasta water if needed.
Step 7: Garnish & Serve
Garnish with fresh coriander leaves.
Serve hot.
Tips for the Best Masala Pasta
- Use short pasta like penne or fusilli — they hold masala better
- Cook veggies on high heat to retain crunch
- Adjust chilli powder based on spice tolerance
- Add butter at the end for extra gloss and flavour
- Don’t skip pasta water — it helps bind the sauce
Variations You Can Try
- Cheese Masala Pasta: Add more cheese or bake with cheese on top
- Veg Loaded Masala Pasta: Add corn, mushrooms, or broccoli
- Vegan Masala Pasta: Skip butter, cream, and cheese
- Street-Style Masala Pasta: Add peri-peri spice or chilli flakes
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is masala pasta spicy?
Yes, but it’s easily adjustable. Reduce red chilli powder for a mild version.
Can I make masala pasta without cheese?
Absolutely. It tastes great even without cheese.
Which pasta is best for masala pasta?
Penne, fusilli, or macaroni work best as they hold the sauce well.
Can I pack this for lunch?
Yes. It stays good for 6–8 hours when packed properly.
This Masala Pasta recipe is proof that fusion food can be comforting, bold, and delicious. It’s not trying to be authentic Italian — it’s trying to make you happy, and it does exactly that.
Spicy. Saucy. Cheesy. Veggie-loaded.
A true Indo-Italian comfort dish.
If you liked this recipe, try pairing it with garlic bread or a simple cucumber salad.
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