Family fusion · 30 minutes
Masala Pasta Recipe (Desi Style Pasta)
Al dente pasta. Fried masala. Pasta water.
Recipe by Farwa ZeeshanTested in the NineFoods home kitchenMasala pasta is penne tossed in a spicy onion and tomato masala with vegetables. It turns mushy or dry when the pasta is overcooked or there is no sauce left. The fix is cooking pasta just al dente and loosening the masala with starchy pasta water.
The 3 laws of masala pasta
Why this recipe works
Soft pasta
Finishes in the sauce.
Raw masala
Oil should separate.
Plain water
Starch makes it glossy.
Shopping and prep list
Ingredients
Pasta
The NineFoods pasta gauge
Is the pasta ready to drain?
Bite a piece of penne.
Method · 3 stages
Step by step
Boil pasta
- Boil penne in salted water.
- Use the gauge above, saving 1 cup water.
Masala
- Fry cumin, onion, ginger garlic, tomatoes and spices until oil separates.
- Add vegetables and cook 3 minutes.
Toss
- Add pasta, ketchup and pasta water and toss.
- Finish with cheese or cream.
Chef's troubleshooter
What went wrong? Pick the symptom
Why
No sauce left.
Fix next time
Add pasta water and toss.
Why
Overboiled.
Fix next time
Cook only to al dente.
Why
Strong masala.
Fix next time
Add cream or cheese.
Why
Masala rushed.
Fix next time
Fry until oil separates.
Swap smart
Ingredient roles and substitutes
| Ingredient | Job in the dish | Swap with |
|---|---|---|
| Penne | Shape | Fusilli or macaroni |
| Cheese | Creaminess | Cream |
| Pav bhaji masala | Signature taste | Garam masala |
| Vegetables | Colour | Chicken pieces |
After the meal
Serve, store, reheat
Serve with
On its own, with garlic bread.
Store
Fridge 2 days.
Reheat
Warm with a splash of water or milk.
How we tested this recipe
Tested in a home kitchen, not a studio
Recipe developed and tested by Farwa Zeeshan, who cooks and tests every NineFoods recipe on a regular home stove.
- Cooked from start to finish with the exact quantities above for 4 servings, using both the metric and US cup measures.
- Every one of the 3 stages was timed at the stove; heat levels and the 'look for' cues are what we saw in the pan.
- The doneness check (is the pasta ready to drain) and the troubleshooter come from batches that went wrong, and how we fixed them.
- Reheating and storage advice was checked on leftovers, not guessed.
Keep cooking
Related recipes and guides
Quick answers
Masala Pasta FAQ
What is masala pasta?
Pasta cooked in an Indian-style spicy onion and tomato masala.
Which pasta is best?
Penne, fusilli or macaroni.
Can I add chicken?
Yes, cook chicken pieces in the masala before the pasta.
How do I make it less spicy for kids?
Reduce chilli and add cheese.