One-Pot Masala Magic Pasta: The Creamy, Spicy Pasta Recipe
Sick of another night of pasta? Imagine, you can have restaurant worthy, creamy, and spicy pasta dishes on the table in less than 30 minutes requiring only one pot to clean up. Welcome to the maziness of my One-Pot Masala Magic Pasta!
Hello and welcome to the "Chatori Planet" where we like to explore the world of flavours and this recipe is just a sample of it. We are borrowing the hominess of a creamy tomato pasta and infusing it with zesty Indian flavors by using a special spice blend that I call the "Masala Magic" a unique spice blend of passion that adds just that extra zest of flavor and aroma that one may typically see in an Indian flavored dish. This desi masala Pasta is the best fusion cuisine to make a quick weeknight meal that is SUPER tasty and SUPER simple.
What is "Masala Magic" Pasta?
It is an easy but very flavor packed single pot pasta dish where the pasta is cooked in a creamy tomato sauce flavored with some Indian spices of its own. The spinach brings the dish some freshness and nutrition and the final result is a marvel of creamy, tangy and spicy tastes that will make you miss it! The most excellent thing about it? All of it is cooked in a single pot, so there is little cleaning required, and you get a lot of flavour!
Ingredients:
For the Pasta:
2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
1 medium onion, finely chopped
3-4 cloves garlic, minced
1-inch ginger, grated
1 (14.5-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
1 teaspoon sugar (to balance the acidity of the tomatoes)
4 cups vegetable broth
8 ounces of your favorite pasta (penne, fusilli, or rigatoni work great)
1/2 cup heavy cream (or coconut cream for a vegan option)
2 cups fresh spinach
Salt to taste
Fresh cilantro, for garnish
For the "Masala Magic" Spice Blend:
1 ½ teaspoons garam masala
1 teaspoon coriander powder
1 teaspoon smoked paprika (for a beautiful color and smoky flavor)
½ teaspoon turmeric powder
¼ to ½ teaspoon red chili flakes (adjust to your spice preference)
½ teaspoon dried oregano
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Prepare Spice Blend:Take a small bowl and add all the garam masala, coriander powder, smoked paprika, turmeric powder, red chili flakes, and oregano. Set aside.
Stir fry the aromatics: adding olive oil (or butter) to a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook softened and translucent, which will take about 34 minutes. Put in the miniced garlic and grated ginger and slowly stir fry (saute) till it wafts that special garlic smell.
Bloom the Spices: Add your pre-made Masala Magic spice blend to the pot. Mix and heat halves a minute until the spices are fragrant. This is essential in the extraction of intense tastes between the spices.
Making the Sauce Base: add in the crushed tomatoes and sugar. Stir and cook on medium heat for about 2-3 minutes, so the tastings can fuse.
Cook Pasta: Put in the vegetable broth and salt to the pot. Boeil this mixture. When it comes to a boil add uncooked pasta and then stir. Turn the heat down to simmer, put the lid on the pot and simmer for another 10-12 minutes until pasta is al dente. Stir a few times to avoid sticking to the pasta.
Turn into creamy: After pasta is cooked, switch off the fire. Add heavy cream and fresh spinach and mix. The spinach will get wilted by the pasta heat.
Serve and Enjoy: Taste and seasoning should be added or not. Hot serve the pasta by topping with fresh cilantro.
Tips and Tricks for the Perfect One-Pot Masala Pasta:
Don't overcook the pasta: Check the pasta a minute or two before the package instructions suggest, as it will continue to cook in the hot sauce.
Adjust the spice level: If you like it extra spicy, add more red chili flakes or a finely chopped green chili with the onions.
For a vegan version: Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and ensure your vegetable broth is vegan.
Add more veggies: Feel free to add other quick-cooking vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms.
Serving Suggestions:
This One-Pot Masala Magic Pasta is a meal in itself, however, it goes great to spoon up with a side of garlic bread that is toasted to savour all that delicious creamy sauce. Also, a basic green salad with a light dressing would be a wonderful accompaniment.
You simply have to taste this recipe! It saves the weeknights and is a prime example of how the right spices in a dish can make it special even though it is so simple.
In case you make this Masala Magic Pasta, please write a comment below and share with me how you found it. And don not forget to Instagram and Facebook follow me at chatori Planet or hottie Planet to see more easy and tasteful recipes the world around.