About Pasta
If you have kiddos at home, and if you don’t try out penne pasta, this is not going to happen anyway. Pasta is a loved food item that is my favorite of all! And, we Indians customize every recipe in our style, Pasta is no exception. Masala pasta here is something like this that we have modified in our way. Masala pasta is a beautiful combination of Indian and Italian touch. It brings together the flavors of traditional Italian pasta with bold Indian spices.
Not only Masala pasta, but other pasta recipes are equally dear to us. It’s a delicious and quick food item, perfect for those who love to try different tastes but have less time to cook. But often people get confused with the different names of pasta. Masala pasta is becoming a comfort food that can be eaten at home or on the go. It shows how India takes pleasure in fusing local delicacies with cuisines from around the world.
Pasta is the general term for various types of noodles made from white. Penne pasta is the one that comes cylindrical with diagonal cuts at both ends.
Here, in this blog of ours, we are providing a masala pasta recipe with penne pasta. This dish uses penne pasta, which is cooked by following some simple steps. So, without further ado, let’s start the process:
Ingredients and Substitutes
Here are the key ingredients for making homemade masala pasta:
- 2 cups pasta (penne)
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 1 tomato, finely chopped
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 1/2 cup boiled vegetables (peas, carrots, corn – optional)
- 2-3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1-2 green chilies, finely chopped (as per your taste)
- 1/2 tsp black pepper powder
- 1 tsp red chili powder
- 1 tsp tomato ketchup
- Herbs powder
- Chilli flakes
- 1 tbsp oil
- Salt to taste
- Fresh coriander for garnish
- Grated cheese or Mayonnaise (optional)
How to make pasta: Step-by-step Guide
Instructions to make healthy penne pasta at home:
First, start with boiling the penne pasta. Drop 2-3 drops of oil, so that the pasta does not become sticky.
Add a pinch of salt.
Give it time to boil.
Add the raw pasta.
Check if it is perfectly cooked or not.
Drain and set aside.
Now, take a pan and heat the oil.
Add minced garlic.
Add green chilies and onions. Saute until the onions turn golden.
Add chopped tomatoes and cook until they soften.
Mix red chili powder, salt, and black pepper powder. Cook until the oil separates from the masala.
Now, add vegetables. First add carrots and beans. Saute for 2-3 minutes.
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Add bell peppers and boiled corn.
Give it a nice stir.
Add tomato ketchup and chili sauce if you want extra spice.
Add the cooked pasta to the masala mixture.
Add some herbs powder and chilli flakes.
Mix well, ensuring the pasta is coated with the spices.
Add salt as needed. Garnish with fresh coriander and grated cheese if desired.
Your hot and spicy masala pasta is ready!
Tips
Here are some pro tips for making perfect pasta:
- You can make your pasta more nutrient-rich by adding some vegetables. Add veggies like carrots, capsicum, French beans, green peas, cauliflower, or cabbage to make your pasta dish more wholesome and nutritious.
- Try to use whole wheat pasta in place of maida. Whole wheat penne pasta contains more fiber content and makes your dish healthier.
- Do not over-oil the penne pasta, as it will make your pasta mushy. If mistakenly it gets boiled, pour chilled to stop the cooking process.
- You can use springs or normal onions to make your pasta more tasty.
- Save time by using steamed or boiled vegetables instead of cooking them in the dish.
- Do take care of garnishing. It will increase food appeal and enhance flavor.
Types of pasta
1. Spaghetti
Long, thin cylindrical pasta. It is ideal for tomato-based sauces like marinara or meatballs.
2. Penne
Tube-shaped pasta with diagonal cuts at both ends. It is perfect for creamy or chunky sauces as it holds sauce well inside the tubes.
3. Macaroni
Short, hollow tubes are used in macaroni and cheese. Kids love it, and it’s perfect for baked dishes and pasta salads.
4. Farfalle
This pasta is also called bow-tie pasta due to its unique shape. Works well in both hot dishes and cold salads because of its appealing look and texture.
5. Fusilli
Spiral or corkscrew-shaped pasta that’s great for thick sauces, pesto, or baked dishes. Its shape helps trap bits of vegetables and meat.
Is pasta good for weight loss?
Pasta can be incorporated into a weight-loss diet plan if it is eaten in moderation and paired with nutritious items. Use whole wheat or vegetable-based pasta. And try to avoid thick sauces, and watch portion sizes to prevent overindulging in calories.
Is gnocchi pasta?
Gnocchi is not a traditional pasta but is often grouped with pasta dishes. The ingredients for this soft dough dumpling are flour, potatoes, and sometimes eggs. Gnocchi is hearty and pairs well with light sauces or butter-based preparations.
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