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    Home » Recipes » Breakfast
    4.9 from 8 votes

    Quick 30-Minute Masala Macaroni (Desi Pasta)

    Published: Jun 6, 2022 by Tanvi Srivastava 2 Comments

    Jump to Recipe

    This post may contain affiliate links.

    This indian masala pasta recipe is made with macaroni, vegetables and spices. Indian masala macaroni is buttery, spicy, no- cheese macaroni pasta perfect for kids or for times when you are craving comforting indian fusion pasta. Masala macaroni is a fun pasta that's super easy to make and if you enjoy continental cuisine, you will definitely love it.

    Serve this spiced pasta on its own for dinner or lunch, take along to picnics, pack in tiffins or as a bbq side dish.

    Masala Macaroni in an Oval Dish

    This seasoned macaroni pasta with an indian twist is cooked to please Indian taste buds. Also known as desi pasta, it is italian fusion dish with indian spices. Cheese based sauces or non spicy pastas are not that common in India. We love our spices and inadvertently spices make their way into western dishes. Another of my favorite indian dinner dishes is this indian keema pasta, a treat for non vegetarian lovers.

    This desi style masala macaroni pasta was my introduction to pasta as a child. As as kid of the 90s, there weren't much pasta choices available in India except for this one. Mom made this macaroni at least once a week, sometimes for weekend breakfasts or (mostly) for evening snack time and we would relish it. Sometimes she used to pack it in tiffins too (its tastes great at room temperature).

    While my kids LOVE their Mac & Cheese, it swells my heart to see that they enjoy comfort food of my childhood equally. They love it with a side of garlic bread.

    Jump to:
    • What Is Masala Macaroni?
    • Ingredients (Notes)
    • How To Make Spicy Indian Macaroni
    • Variations
    • Some Tips
    • Masala Macaroni (Desi Pasta)

    What Is Masala Macaroni?

    Masala = Spices or Anything Heavily Spiced. As the name suggests, this macaroni is loaded with flavors of indian masala.

    I make my recipe exactly the way mom used to make it. Its not ooey goeey cheesy. Rather your tastebuds will experience hints of buttery curry when you eat it.

    To make it, start by boiling macaroni pasta. While the pasta is boiling you can work on the sauce made wit onion, tomatoes, garlic, bell pepper, herb, spices and tomato ketchup. The addition of chopped fresh cilantro and garam masala makes it taste very indian and gives it that unique flavor.

    Texture of Masala Macaroni - I want to make a note here about the texture of desi macaroni. Mom's macaroni used to be chewy and not too soft or gooey gooey.The vegetables weren't overcooked and had a bite. The pasta had a great texture. That's one of my favorite things about the macaroni she makes.

    I used to lean over the kitchen counter and observe what she's doing. It was the stir frying in hot kadai that brought about that texture of the pasta. She never used any leftover pasta water- it was the frying in buttery masala. Trust me it make a lot of difference. Dont skimp on butter or oil in this recipe.

    Ingredients (Notes)

    Ingredients for Indian Style Macaroni.
    • Macaroni (Elbow Pasta)- I like using mini macaroni because my kids are crazy about small sized pasta. You can use shells, ditalini or farfalle(bow shaped) pasta as well.
    • Oil & Butter - I think the combo gives an amazing flavor. You can cook in only oil as well.
    • Vegetables - Onion, Fresh Tomatoes (I use roma), garlic, bell peppers. You can add mushrooms, peas or sweet corn or any vegetables of choice. The only thing important is to chop the vegetables fine.
    • Spices - Red Chilli Flakes, Black Pepper, Garam Masala.
    • Dried Herbs- I add dried oregano & thyme. You can use italian seasoning as well.
    • Tomato Ketchup - Ketchup adds a wonderful tangy sweetness and along with spices gives this pasta a indian flair. You can used Ketchup + Maggi Hot & Sweet too. Use canned tomato sauce or tomato puree instead.
    • Cilantro- Adds a wonderful desi taste. Dont skip it.
    • Others- Salt, Sugar, Lemon Juice.
    • Optional Ingredients- Minced Ginger & Cheese

    How To Make Spicy Indian Macaroni

    • Bring water to a rolling boil in a large pot of water. Liberally salt the water and add macaroni to it. Stir for 30 seconds (this makes sure that pasta won't stick). Cook for 6-8 minutes or until al dente. Dont let become too soft. Do check the pasta package for accurate cooking times. Drain and set the pasta aside- you can massage with a teaspoon of oil to avoid sticking while you work on the sauce.

    Now its just about making a quick sauce. Keep the vegetables chopped and measure out the spices and other ingredients. Here are a few pictures to give you can idea.

    Saute Garlic in Butter and oil.

    This sauce comes together fast. We saute the vegetables on medium high to cook them really gently and retain the texture at the same time.

    Bell pepper and onions sautéed in butter and garlic.

    Avoid over browning the vegetables especially the garlic and onions. The taste of the sauce changes.

    Fresh tomatoes and dried herb sauce for desi pasta.

    Tomato ketchup has sugar which caramelizes and makes the sauce sweetish smoky. I love it.

    Ketchup added to pasta sauce.

    After you add the pasta, keep stirring and stir frying so that the pasta is coated and crisps up a bit - that why cooking it al dente is important. Be careful not to break the pasta.

    Desi pasta sauce ready for macaroni.
    Add cooked pasta to the sauce.

    Cilantro adds wonderful bright freshness and lemon juice adds a tanginess. Macaroni is ready to serve!

    Tip: I prefer using a wide shallow pan for making macaroni. It helps make sure that pasta doesn't break and everything stays crisp. You can use carbon steel wok if you own one. Or choose a large wide kadai.

    Variations

    • Make It Spicy - Add chopped green chillies while cooking to give a kick to this recipe.
    • Make it Deluxe - You can finish with 1-2 tablespoons of heavy cream.
    • Make it Cheesy (Kid friendly) - Add fine shredded mozzarella just before serving(while the macaroni is hot).
    • Add protein- You can add cooked chicken for tofu. 
    • Make It Vegan - Skip the butter and use oil for cooking instead.
    • Curried Version- Add ground cumin, coriander powder and heavy dose of turmeric while making the sauce if you want a pronounced curry flavor.
    Spicy Indian Macaroni Pasta in a black pan.

    Some Tips

    • Chop the vegetables the same size as the pasta. We enjoy eating this pasta with a spoon rather than a fork and everything same size helps.
    • Salt the water when you boil the macaroni. It seasons the pasta and makes sure it won't taste bland.
    • Boil the macaroni and prepare and measure out the ingredients before you start making the sauce. This pasta comes together fast and preparation helps make sure that the texture of vegetables is retained.
    • Storage - Store refrigerated for a day or two in a container with lid. This pasta taste amazing at room temperature. Take it out 30-40 minutes before you want to serve.
    Masala Macaroni Featured Image

    Masala Macaroni (Desi Pasta)

    Tanvi Srivastava
    This super easy indian masala pasta recipe is made with macaroni, vegetables and spices. It is buttery, spicy, no- cheese macaroni pasta perfect for kids or for times when you are craving comforting indian fusion pasta. Serve on its own, take along to picnics or as a bbq side dish. 
    4.88 from 8 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 15 minutes mins
    Cook Time 15 minutes mins
    Total Time 30 minutes mins
    Course Breakfast, Side Dish, Snack
    Cuisine Indian, Italian
    Servings 4 people
    Calories 356 kcal

    Ingredients
      

    To Boil Macaroni

    • 2.5 cup macaroni approximately 250g (I use mini macaroni)
    • ½ teaspoon salt
    • 4-5 cup water for boiling

    For Masala Macaroni Sauce

    • 2 tablespoon cooking oil any neutral oil
    • 2 tablespoon butter
    • 1.5 tablespoon garlic (4-5 large garlic cloves), finely chopped
    • 1 teaspoon red chilli flakes adjust to taste
    • ½ cup onion finely chopped
    • ½ cup green bell pepper finely chopped
    • ½ cup tomato finely chopped
    • ½ teaspoon sugar
    • 1 teaspoon salt adjust to taste
    • ½ teaspoon dried oregano
    • ¼ teaspoon black pepper powder
    • ⅓ cup tomato ketchup
    • ½ teaspoon garam masala
    • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
    • 3 tablespoon cilantro chopped

    Instructions
     

    Boil Macaroni

    • Add water to a pot and bring to a rolling boil .Salt the water and add macaroni to it. Stir for 30 seconds (this makes sure that pasta won't stick). Cook for 6-8 minutes or until al dente. Dont let become too soft.
      Do check the pasta package for accurate cooking times. Drain and set the pasta aside. You can massage with a teaspoon of oil to avoid sticking while you work on the sauce. 

    Make The Masala Macaroni Sauce

    • Set a wide pan or kadai on medium high stove. Add oil and butter.
    • Once butter melts, add garlic and chilli flakes. Fry for 10-15 seconds taking care that garlic does not burn.
    • Next add the onion and bell pepper together and fry together for 1-2 minutes. Dont let the onion brown too much. Also make sure that the bell pepper doesn't discolor.
    • Add chopped tomatoes next along with oregano and black pepper. Also add the salt and sugar(if using).
      Note :- You can skip the sugar if you want.We are going to add ketchup later and that will give a sweet hint.
    • Saute the tomatoes till they are little soft. Don't let tomatoes dry out too much.
    • Next add the ketchup along with garam masala. Sauté and let cook for 30-40 seconds.
    • Next add the cooked macaroni and toss very well with the masala. Keep sautéing for good couple minutes.
    • Finish with lemon juice and chopped cilantro.

    Notes

    • Make It Spicy - Add chopped green chillies while cooking to give a kick to this recipe.
    • Make it Deluxe - You can finish with 1-2 tablespoons of heavy cream.
    • Make it Cheesy (Kid friendly) - Add fine shredded mozzarella just before serving(while the macaroni is hot).
    • Add protein- You can add cooked chicken for tofu. 
    • Make It Vegan - Skip the butter and use oil for cooking instead.
    • Curried Version- Add ground cumin, coriander powder and heavy dose of turmeric while making the sauce if you want a pronounced curry flavor.
    Some Tips
    • Chop the vegetables the same size as the pasta. We enjoy eating this pasta with a spoon rather than a fork and everything same size helps.
    • Salt the water when you boil the macaroni. It seasons the pasta and makes sure it won't taste bland.
    • Boil the macaroni and prepare and measure out the ingredients before you start making the sauce. This pasta comes together fast and preparation helps make sure that the texture of vegetables is retained.
    • Storage - Store refrigerated for a day or two in a container with lid. This pasta taste amazing at room temperature. Take it out 30-40 minutes before you want to serve.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 356kcalCarbohydrates: 61gProtein: 10gFat: 8gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 1mgSodium: 1089mgPotassium: 355mgFiber: 4gSugar: 9gVitamin A: 580IUVitamin C: 22mgCalcium: 56mgIron: 2mg
    Keyword indian pasta, fusion pasta
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
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      4.88 from 8 votes (7 ratings without comment)

      I'd Love to Hear from You! Cancel reply

      If you tried this recipe, please leave a star rating and share your feedback below. Your input helps me refine my recipes and guides others too. As always, thank you so much for your support!

      Thank you,
      Tanvi

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      Recipe Rating




    1. Priya Mundhe

      November 14, 2023 at 8:48 pm

      4 stars
      made this today . somehow masala macaroni doesn't get made properly by me . but this was a hit . nice recipe . will add to rotation .

      Reply
      • Tanvi Srivastava

        November 14, 2023 at 10:33 pm

        So glad you liked it. Thank you for letting me know!!

        Reply

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