Get ready to transform your ordinary pasta night into an explosion of Indian-inspired flavors that will transport you straight to the vibrant streets of Mumbai! This masala pasta in spiced tikka masala sauce is not just a meal; it's a culinary journey that combines the comfort of pasta with the bold, aromatic spices of traditional Indian cuisine. Whether you're a spice lover, a pasta enthusiast, or simply someone looking to break free from boring dinner routines, this recipe promises to be your new obsession.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Indian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 300g pasta of choice
- 1 tablespoon oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
- 2 tablespoons tikka masala paste
- 1 cup coconut milk
- Salt to taste
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients and measuring them out. This will make the cooking process smoother and more efficient.
- In a large pot, bring water to a boil. Add a pinch of salt to the water, then add the 300g of pasta of your choice. Cook according to the package instructions until al dente, usually around 8-10 minutes. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside.
- While the pasta is cooking, heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until it becomes translucent and slightly golden.
- Add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the skillet. Sauté for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Stir in the 2 tablespoons of tikka masala paste, mixing well with the onion, garlic, and ginger. Cook for about 2-3 minutes, allowing the spices to toast and release their flavors.
- Pour in 1 cup of coconut milk and stir until the tikka masala paste is fully incorporated. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing it to thicken slightly, which should take about 5 minutes.
- Once the sauce has thickened, season with salt to taste. Adjust the seasoning according to your preference.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing it in the spiced tikka masala sauce until the pasta is well-coated. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to heat everything through.
- Remove the skillet from heat and serve the masala pasta hot, garnished with fresh cilantro for a burst of color and flavor.
- Enjoy your delicious masala pasta in spiced tikka masala sauce!
Tips
- Choose the Right Pasta: While this recipe works with most pasta types, short shapes like penne or fusilli hold the creamy tikka masala sauce best.
- Toast Your Spices: Take an extra minute to toast the tikka masala paste. This helps release deeper, more complex flavors.
- Coconut Milk Matters: Use full-fat coconut milk for a richer, more luxurious sauce. Low-fat versions can make the sauce watery.
- Don't Overcook the Pasta: Aim for al dente to prevent mushy pasta that can't hold the sauce.
- Fresh Herbs are Key: The fresh cilantro isn't just a garnish - it adds a bright, fresh contrast to the rich, spicy sauce.
- Customize Your Heat: Adjust the tikka masala paste quantity to control the spice level. More paste means more heat!
- Make It Your Own: Try adding protein like chicken, paneer, or tofu to make it a more substantial meal.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 439kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
