Indian Style Masala Pasta

Servings: 3 Total Time: 45 mins Difficulty: Beginner
Masala pasta pinit

Ever had one of those cravings where you want pasta… but also something spicy, tangy, chatpata, and unmistakably Indian?

That’s exactly where this Indian Style Masala Pasta steps in.
It’s pasta — but with all the flavors your Indian tastebuds secretly want:
Onions, tomatoes, green chillies, masalas, veggies, and that final touch of fresh coriander.

This is the pasta you’ll see in Indian street cafés, college canteens, quick tiffin shops — comforting, bold, and instantly addictive.

Why Indian Masala Pasta is So Popular

If you grew up in India, you know this:
We love adapting global dishes to our own flavor profile. And masala pasta is the best example of India’s “fusion done right.”

Here’s why this recipe always wins:

  • Kid-friendly yet spicy enough for adults
  • Packed with vegetables (hidden nutrition!)
  • Uses basic kitchen spices
  • Zero cheese needed — but tastes amazing with it
  • Perfect lunchbox option

It’s pasta… but with the soul of a masala Maggi.
Hard to beat that, right?

Ingredient Breakdown

Pasta (Penne)

Penne works best because its ridges catch all the masala beautifully.
But yes—elbow macaroni or fusilli works too.

Onion + Tomatoes + Garlic

This trio is your sauce base. They give body, richness, and sweetness to balance the spice.

Green Chillies

Adds instant heat and aroma.
Adjust based on who’s eating.

Vegetables (Beans, Carrot, Green Peas)

These bring texture, nutrition, and that signature desi-stir-fry feel.

Spices (Coriander, Cumin, Kashmiri Chilli, Chaat Masala, Garam Masala)

This is where things get fun.
The masala combo gives:

  • Warmth
  • Tang
  • Heat
  • Earthiness

Chaat masala especially brings that street-style magic.

Coriander Leaves

Freshness + aroma + true desi finish.

Vegan Swap 🌱: Use oil and skip cheese.

How the Recipe Comes Together

You’ll start by boiling your pasta until it’s perfectly soft — not al dente like Italians prefer.
Indian masala pasta tastes better when the pasta is cooked fully.

In a hot pan, pour in the oil and add your chopped garlic. Once it sizzles, throw in the onions and sauté until they turn glossy.
Add the green chillies and tomatoes, mash them gently, and let the tomatoes break down.

Now toss in your chopped beans, carrot, peas — this is where the dish becomes wholesome.
Sprinkle all the spices: salt, Kashmiri chilli, coriander, cumin, pepper, chaat masala, and garam masala.
Let everything cook down with just a splash of water so the masala turns thick and glossy.

Now add your cooked pasta and toss, toss, toss — until every piece is coated beautifully.
Finish with fresh coriander and optional cheese.
Serve steaming hot and watch it disappear.

Pro Tip💡: Add 1–2 tbsp pasta-cooking water for a silkier masala coating.

What Goes Well with Masala Pasta

Pro Tip: Add coriander leaves at the end. Cooking them kills the aroma.

How to Serve

Serve immediately while the spices are aromatic and the pasta still glossy.
Top with grated cheese or even crushed chilli flakes for extra punch.

Packing for Lunchbox

  • Add 1 tbsp oil to the pasta after boiling → prevents sticking
  • Make the masala slightly saucier if packing for school
  • Avoid cheese if packing for 5–6 hours

How to Store Masala Pasta

Refrigeration:
Store in an airtight container for up to 24 hours.

Pro Tip: Add 1–2 tbsp water before reheating to revive the masala.

How to Reheat

Stovetop

Heat a pan, add a splash of water or butter, toss until warm.

Microwave

Heat for 45–60 seconds → stir → heat again if needed.

Substitutions

IngredientSubstitute
PenneMacaroni, fusilli, bow-tie
VegetablesCorn, zucchini, mushrooms, capsicum
OilButter or ghee
Chaat masalaAmchur powder
Garam masalaKitchen King Masala

Other related recipes you might like:-

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time 10 mins Cook Time 35 mins Total Time 45 mins
Servings: 3 Estimated Cost: $ 1 Calories: 320
Best Season: Suitable throughout the year

Description

This quick and easy Indian masala pasta is a delicious fusion of spicy Indian flavors and classic pasta comfort. Tossed with fresh veggies, aromatic spices, and a hint of heat, it’s the perfect balance of tangy, savory, and satisfying. Ready in under an hour, this dish makes a hearty lunch or dinner that will keep everyone coming back for seconds.

Ingredients

Cooking Mode Disabled

To make masala pasta

Instructions

Prep Work

  1. Chop vegetables

    Finely chop onion, tomatoes, beans, carrot, and coriander leaves. Slice green chillies.

  2. Mince garlic

    Finely chop the garlic cloves for added flavor.
  3. Boil pasta

    Bring water to a boil, add salt and pasta, and cook until fully done. Strain and set aside.

Method

  1. Heat oil

    Heat oil in a wide pan.

  2. Sauté aromatics

    Add chopped garlic and onion, then sauté for 2-3 minutes until translucent.
  3. Add spice and heat

    Toss in sliced green chillies and chopped tomatoes, stirring well.
  4. Cook the veggies

    Add beans, carrot, and green peas, then sauté for a few minutes.
  5. Season

    Sprinkle salt, kashmiri chilli powder, coriander powder, cumin powder, pepper, chaat masala, and garam masala. Mix well.
  6. Add water & simmer

    Pour in some water, mix, cover with a lid, and let the vegetables cook for 5 minutes on low flame.
  7. Add pasta

    Mix in the cooked pasta and toss until everything is well coated.
  8. Garnish & serve

    Add chopped coriander leaves and grated cheese. Stir well. Serve hot with extra cheese on top.

Equipment

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Nutrition Facts

Servings 3


Amount Per Serving
Calories 320kcal
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 9g14%
Saturated Fat 1.5g8%
Sodium 570mg24%
Potassium 620mg18%
Total Carbohydrate 50g17%
Dietary Fiber 6g24%
Sugars 8g
Protein 9g18%

Vitamin A 3800 IU
Vitamin C 22 mg
Calcium 60 mg
Iron 2.4 mg
Magnesium 48 mg
Zinc 1.1 mg

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Keywords: Indian masala pasta, Indian Pasta, Pasta recipes
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Frequently Asked Questions

Expand All:

Can I use pre-cut vegetables for this recipe?

Yes, using pre-cut veggies can save time without compromising flavor.

Can I cook the pasta in advance?

 Absolutely! Just toss it in some oil to prevent sticking.

Do I need to deseed the green chillies?

If you prefer less heat, you can remove the seeds.

Can I use frozen peas?

Yes, just rinse them before adding.

What other veggies can I add?

Bell peppers, mushrooms, or corn work great too.

Why is my pasta sticking together?

 Make sure to toss it with a little oil after boiling.

Can I make this recipe in one pot?

Yes! Boil the pasta first, then use the same pot for the masala.

How can I make it creamier?

Stir in some fresh cream or grated cheese at the end

What can I use instead of Kashmiri chilli powder?

Paprika is a good substitute with mild heat

Can I store leftovers?

Yes, refrigerate for up to 2 days and reheat before serving.

Can I substitute penne with other pasta types?

Yes, fusilli, macaroni, or spaghetti can also work well.

Why is my pasta sticking?

Add a teaspoon of oil after boiling and rinse quickly with cold water.

Hema Subramanian
Hema Subramanian Food and Lifestyle Blogger

I love to cook! And through Home Cooking Show, I hope to make cooking fun, easy, and approachable for everyone.

My way of sharing recipes is all about keeping it simple and delicious—no complicated steps, no fancy ingredients, just real home-cooked food that anyone can make. Cooking should be a joy, not a chore! Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned cook, you’ll find something here to inspire you. If you love good food made with love, then you’re in the right place!

- Hema Subramanian

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  1. Veena

    Yummy delicious 😋 easy to cook recipe pasta 🍝