When you’re craving a plate of pasta that’s packed with flavor, look no further than this vibrant and spicy Masala Macaroni. This dish takes the humble macaroni and gives it a bold twist with a mix of veggies, spices, and a gooey cheese topping. Whether you’re looking for a quick snack, a filling lunch, or a crowd-pleasing dinner, this dish hits the spot every time.
What Makes Masala Macaroni So Special?
Masala Macaroni combines the familiar comfort of pasta with the rich, bold flavors of an Indian-style vegetable stir-fry. It’s the ideal fusion of Italian and Indian cuisines, where aromatic spices, fresh vegetables, and gooey cheese come together for a delicious, hearty meal. The key to making this dish special is the combination of the right seasonings and the creamy, melty mozzarella cheese that brings everything together.
Whether you like your macaroni a little spicy or prefer a more mild version, this recipe is flexible and customizable to suit your tastes. With the addition of vibrant vegetables like capsicum, carrots, and beans, you’re also sneaking in some extra nutrients while enjoying all the comforting flavors.
Ideal For
- Busy Weeknights: When you need a quick, satisfying meal, this Masala Macaroni can be prepared in less than 30 minutes.
- Veggie Lovers: If you’re looking to sneak in some veggies, this dish hides them perfectly within the spices and pasta.
- Cheese Enthusiasts: With the rich mozzarella cheese, this recipe is a must-try for anyone who can’t get enough of cheesy goodness.
- Kids & Families: It’s a family-friendly meal that both kids and adults will love, and it’s easy to customize based on preferences.
How to Make Masala Macaroni?
Making Masala Macaroni is quick and easy, with each step building layers of flavor. Here’s how it goes:
- Cook the Macaroni: Start by boiling macaroni in salted water. It’s essential to cook the macaroni just right—soft but still slightly firm. Once cooked, drain the water and drizzle some oil to keep the pasta from sticking. Set it aside to cool.
- Make the Masala Base: While the pasta is cooling, heat oil in a pan. Add garlic, ginger, green chili, and onions. Sauté them until the onions turn golden and soft. Then, add chopped tomatoes and cook them down until they become mushy and fragrant.
- Veggies and Spices: Once the tomatoes are well-cooked, toss in your chopped veggies like capsicum, carrots, and beans. Add a little water to help the vegetables cook through. Let it simmer for about 10 minutes so everything gets soft and tender.
- Flavor Explosion: Now comes the fun part—adding in the spices! Stir in red chili flakes, Italian seasoning, red chili sauce, and tomato ketchup. This creates that signature tangy, spicy sauce that perfectly coats the veggies.
- Cheese It Up: Grate some mozzarella cheese into the mix. The cheese will melt into the sauce, making everything creamy and delicious.
- Combine Pasta and Masala: Finally, add your cooked macaroni into the masala mix and stir until the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce and cheese. Garnish with freshly chopped coriander leaves to add a burst of freshness.
- Serve and Enjoy! The Masala Macaroni is ready to be served! This dish pairs wonderfully with a cold drink or a side salad.
Pro Tips for Perfect Masala Macaroni
- Pasta Texture: Be careful not to overcook the macaroni, as it will turn mushy when mixed with the sauce. Cook until it’s just slightly al dente for the best texture.
- Veggie Variety: You can swap or add vegetables based on what you have on hand—peas, corn, or spinach also work beautifully in this recipe.
- Adjust Spice Levels: If you’re serving it to kids or anyone sensitive to spice, you can reduce the amount of red chili flakes and green chilies. For more heat, feel free to increase the chili sauces and add extra green chilies.
How to Serve Masala Macaroni?
Masala Macaroni is versatile and can be enjoyed on its own or paired with a side. Here are a few serving ideas:
- As a Solo Dish: Serve it as a quick and fulfilling meal on its own with a glass of fresh juice or iced tea.
- Pair With a Side Salad: Complement the dish with a crunchy cucumber or lettuce salad dressed with a tangy vinaigrette for added freshness.
- For a Bigger Spread: Serve it alongside grilled sandwiches or garlic bread for a hearty meal.
Packing and Meal Prep
Masala Macaroni makes for great meal prep as it stores well in the fridge. You can make a batch ahead of time and reheat it the next day for a quick lunch or dinner. For packing, make sure the macaroni has cooled down before sealing it in an airtight container to maintain its texture.
With its vibrant flavors, comforting cheese, and satisfying texture, Masala Macaroni is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. Whether it’s a quick weeknight meal or a special family dinner, this dish is easy to make, bursting with flavor, and guaranteed to be loved by all!
Masala Macaroni
Description
Masala Macaroni is a delightful and flavorful dish made with perfectly cooked macaroni mixed with a spicy, tangy masala sauce. Packed with fresh vegetables like capsicum, carrots, and beans, this dish offers a hearty, satisfying meal. With a hint of red chili sauce, Italian seasoning, and melted mozzarella cheese, it's a perfect combination of spice, creaminess, and freshness. Ideal for a quick lunch or dinner, this recipe brings together comfort and flavor in every bite!
Ingredients
For cooking the macaroni
For masala macaroni
Instructions
Prep Work
-
Chop ingredients
Finely chop garlic, ginger, green chilies, onion, tomatoes, capsicum, carrot, and beans. Grate mozzarella cheese.
Method
-
Boil macaroni
In a pot, bring water to a boil. Add salt and macaroni. Cook until soft, then drain and set aside. Drizzle oil to prevent it from sticking.
-
Sauté aromatics
Heat oil in a pan. Add onions, garlic, ginger, and green chilies. Sauté until onions turn translucent.
-
Cook tomatoes
Add chopped tomatoes and sauté until they become soft and mushy. -
Add vegetables
Add salt, capsicum, carrot, and beans. Stir well. -
Cook vegetables
Add water, cover, and cook for 10 minutes until vegetables are soft.
-
Add spices & sauces
Stir in red chili flakes, Italian seasoning, red chili sauce, and tomato ketchup. Mix well. -
Add cheese
Grate mozzarella cheese into the pan and mix quickly.
-
Mix macaroni
Add the cooked macaroni and stir well until evenly coated.
-
Garnish & serve
Add chopped coriander leaves, mix, and serve hot.
Equipment
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Nutrition Facts
Servings 3
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 320kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 12g19%
- Saturated Fat 4g20%
- Cholesterol 15mg5%
- Sodium 540mg23%
- Potassium 420mg12%
- Total Carbohydrate 45g15%
- Dietary Fiber 5g20%
- Sugars 6g
- Protein 9g18%
- Vitamin A 2300 IU
- Vitamin C 22 mg
- Calcium 150 mg
- Iron 2 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.