Masala Macaroni Recipe (Desi Pasta)
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This Indian masala pasta is a hearty, flavorful twist on classic macaroni. Cooked with a mix of colorful vegetables and bold Indian spices, this masala macaroni is a comforting pasta dish that’s perfect for kids or anyone craving a spicy fusion dish. It’s quick to make, satisfying, and ideal for breakfast, lunch, dinner, picnics, or tiffin boxes. You can even serve it as a delicious BBQ side. Make it using my easy recipe.
Here are some more Indian snack recipes you may like: Paniyaram, Rava Appe, Cheesy Tadka Maggi, Moong Dal Pakoda, and Egg Idli.
Table of Contents
Masala macaroni brings back a wave of nostalgia for me. Growing up in the ’80s in rural India, pasta options were limited, and this was the one I knew best. My mom made it often, sometimes for weekend breakfasts, but mostly as an evening snack, and we devoured it every time. She even packed it in our school lunch boxes since it tastes great even when it’s not hot.
“Masala” literally means “spices,” which perfectly describes this pasta. It’s packed with vibrant, savory flavors. My recipe stays exactly true to my mom’s style.
This vibrant macaroni is infused with Indian flavors that truly appeal to local taste buds. Known fondly as desi pasta, it’s an Indian-Italian fusion where the familiar macaroni gets a spicy makeover.
One thing that defined Mom’s masala macaroni was its texture. The pasta was tender yet slightly chewy, and the vegetables were cooked just enough to stay crisp. She always achieved this by stir-frying everything in a hot kadai with butter or oil. That quick stir-fry added so much flavor and gave the dish its signature texture. So, don’t skip the butter or oil, it makes all the difference!
Ingredients
- Macaroni – I make this recipe with macaroni, but you can replace it with other pasta, like fusilli, farfalle, penne, etc. You can use gluten-free pasta to make this dish gluten-free.
- Oil – Use any neutral-flavored oil to make this recipe. Light olive oil, avocado oil, canola oil, etc, work great. You can replace oil with butter, too.
- Veggies – This Masala Macaroni is loaded with veggies, and that’s what I love about this easy and simple recipe. Add some tomatoes, onions, green bell peppers (capsicum), carrots, green peas, and green beans. You can also add other vegetables, such as spinach, sweet corn, broccoli, red bell pepper, yellow bell pepper, mushrooms, etc.
- Spice Powders – You will need some everyday Indian spices such as Kashmiri red chili powder, turmeric powder, and salt.
- Italian Seasoning – Add a mix of Italian seasoning for added flavor. If you do not have Italian seasoning, then use a mix of dried oregano, red pepper flakes, thyme, etc.
- Sauce – You will need hot sauce and tomato ketchup.
- Cheese is optional, but I like the gooey, creamy texture it adds to the macaroni. You can use cheddar cheese or Amul processed cheese.
- Green Chillies – Adjust the green chilies as per your taste. If making for kids, you can skip it entirely.
- Others – You will also need fresh ginger, garlic, lime juice (or lemon juice), and cilantro (fresh coriander leaves).
How To Make Masala Macaroni Pasta
Cook The Macaroni
Step 1: Heat 4-5 cups of water in a large pot over high heat. When the water starts to boil, add 1 tablespoon of salt and 1 cup of dried macaroni, then stir well. Cook until the macaroni is Al Dente (just cooked).
Do not overcook, otherwise the pasta will become mushy when mixed with masala.. Drain the water (reserve 1 cup), toss the cooked macaroni with 1 tablespoon of oil, and keep it aside.
Make The Pasta
Step 2: Heat 2 tablespoon of oil in a pan over medium flame.
Step 3: Once the oil is hot, add the following ingredients and saute for a minute.
- ½ cup chopped onions
- 1 teaspoon finely chopped ginger
- 2 teaspoon finely chopped garlic
- 1 teaspoon chopped green chilies
Step 4: Add ½ cup of finely chopped tomatoes and fry for a minute, stirring frequently.
Step 5: Now add the following ingredients to the pan and stir well.
- ¼ cup of chopped green bell pepper
- ¼ cup of chopped carrots
- ¼ cup green beans (cut into small pieces)
- ¼ cup of green peas
Step 6: Reduce the heat to low. Cover the pan with a lid and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring a few times in between.
Step 7: Now add the following ingredients and cook for 2 minutes, stirring frequently.
- ½ teaspoon Kashmiri red chili powder
- ½ teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¼ cup of shredded cheddar cheese
Step 8: Add 2 teaspoon hot sauce and 2 tablespoon tomato ketchup and mix well.
Step 9: Now add the following ingredients and mix well.
- boiled macaroni
- 1 teaspoon lime juice
- 2 tablespoon chopped cilantro
Step 10: If the pasta looks very dry, add some of the reserved pasta water. Check for salt and add some more if required. Cook for a minute and serve hot.
You can garnish it with chopped green onions, cilantro, or red chili flakes.
Variations
- Turn Up the Heat – Add more finely chopped green chilies for a spicy kick.
- Make It Rich – Finish the dish with 1–2 tablespoons of heavy cream for a creamy, indulgent touch.
- Boost the Protein – Mix in cooked chicken, cooked chickpeas, shrimp, or tofu to make it more filling and nutritious.
- Go Vegan – Skip adding cheese to keep the recipe completely plant-based.
- Add a Curry Twist – Enhance the sauce with cumin powder, coriander powder, garam masala, black pepper powder, and a generous pinch of turmeric powder for a bold, curry-style flavor.
Pro Tips By Neha
Prep Ahead: Cook the macaroni and keep all ingredients chopped and measured, ready before starting the sauce. This dish cooks quickly, and being prepared helps keep the vegetables crisp and perfectly textured.
Use the Right Pan – A wide, shallow pan works best as it prevents the pasta from breaking and keeps everything evenly cooked. A carbon steel wok is a great option, or you can use a large, wide kadai.
Storage Suggestions
This desi macaroni pasta tastes the best when served right out of the pan. However, if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container for 2-3 days.
Reheat in a microwave or a pan over the stovetop. Add some water if the pasta has thickened.
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Masala Macaroni Recipe (Desi Pasta)
Ingredients
- 1 cup dry macaroni pasta
- 1 tablespoon salt (plus 1 tsp, or to taste)
- 2 tablespoons oil (plus 1 tbsp)
- ½ cup chopped onions
- 1 teaspoon finely chopped ginger
- 2 teaspoons finely chopped garlic
- 1 teaspoon finely chopped green chilies
- ½ cup finely chopped tomatoes
- ¼ cup chopped green bell pepper (capsicum)
- ¼ cup chopped carrots
- ¼ cup green beans (cut into small pieces)
- ¼ cup green peas
- ½ teaspoon Kashmiri red chili powder
- ½ teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 teaspoons hot sauce
- 2 tablespoons tomato ketchup
- ¼ cup grated cheddar cheese (or Amul processed cheese)
- 1 teaspoon lime juice
- 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro (fresh coriander leaves)
Instructions
Cook The Macaroni
- Heat 4-5 cups of water in a large pot over high heat.
- When the water starts to boil, add 1 tablespoon salt, and macaroni and stir well.
- Cook until the macaroni is Al Dente (just cooked). Do not overcook; otherwise, the pasta will become mushy.
- Drain the water (reserve 1 cup) and toss the cooked macaroni with 1 tablespoon of oil and keep it aside.
Make The Pasta
- Heat 2 tablespoon of oil in a pan over medium flame.
- Once the oil is hot, add onions, ginger, garlic, and green chilies, and saute for a minute.
- Add tomatoes and fry for a minute, stirring frequently.
- Now add green bell pepper, carrots, beans, and peas to the pan and stir well.
- Reduce the heat to low. Cover the pan with a lid and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring a few times in between.
- Now add chili powder, turmeric powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and cheddar cheese and cook for 2 minutes, stirring frequently.
- Add hot sauce, and tomato ketchup and mix well.
- Now add the boiled macaroni, lime juice, and cilantro and mix well. If the pasta is looking very dry, then add some reserved water from cooking the pasta.
- Check for salt and add some more if required.
- Cook for a minute and serve hot.
- You can garnish it with chopped green onions, cilantro, or red chili flakes.
Thank you
thanks for sharing this amazing recipe.
Yummy happy for tummy… My kid liked it…
Good to know!
Yummy happy for tummy…
Instead of Italian seasoning is there another option?
You can use any herb.
MAsala macaroni looks incredibly yummy