If you are craving a delicious and comforting meal that is both easy to make and loved by the kids, then this Indian pasta cooked in the Instant Pot is just right. This one-pot vegan delight is sure to satisfy your taste buds and simplify your cooking experience. Indian flavors-inspired masala pasta made in an Instant Pot that is ready in 20 minutes is perfect for your weeknight meals. This one-pot wholesome pasta is vegan, loaded with vegetables, and loved by the kids.
And the best part is that you can tweak it as per your liking - use the pasta you like, change the vegetables, adjust the spices as per your liking - there are no set rules! Serve it with a side of green goddess salad made with an Indian twist.
Making pasta in an Instant Pot is the easiest way of making it - all gets done in one pot and in half the cooking time. In this recipe here, I have used penne pasta. You can use any pasta of your choice. The rule of thumb is to pressure cook it for half the time mentioned in the packet instructions.
Read on for ingredients, tips, and FAQs to make the perfect Instant Pot masala pasta. Have you tried Indian flavor-inspired pizza? Here is the recipe for easy tandoori paneer naan pizza.
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Why you will love this recipe?
- Delicious and comforting: This Indian-style masala pasta cooked in the Instant Pot offers a delightful combination of Indian spices and Italian flavors. The aromatic spices and tender pasta create a comforting and satisfying dish.
- Time-saving and easy to make: The Instant Pot reduces cooking time significantly, allowing for quick and easy preparation of masala pasta. The Instant Pot simplifies the cooking process, making masala pasta accessible to even beginner cooks.
- Hands-off cooking: Once you have added all the ingredients to the Instant Pot and set the cooking time, you can leave it unattended. The Instant Pot will handle the cooking process and develop the flavors.
- One-pot convenience: This Instant Pot masala pasta recipe allows you to cook the entire dish in a single pot, minimizing the need for multiple cooking utensils. There is no need to boil the pasta separately and then make a sauce. You can make the sauce and cook the pasta in one go.
- Tender pasta texture: I have included all the tips and tricks you need to get the perfect texture for the pasta. Cooking in the Instant Pot ensures that the pasta cooks evenly and achieves a tender yet firm texture.
Masala pasta is a fusion dish that combines elements of Indian cuisine with Italian pasta. It typically consists of pasta (such as penne or fusilli) that is flavored with a variety of Indian spices and herbs, along with a mix of vegetables and sometimes protein like chicken or paneer (Indian cottage cheese). Also called desi pasta, this dish offers a unique combination of Indian and Italian flavors, making it one of the best ways to enjoy both cuisines.
The combination of Indian spices and pasta results in a dish that is both delicious and comforting. Not only is masala pasta a treat for your taste buds, but it's also a hit with the kids. What's more, the Instant Pot masala pasta is entirely vegan, making it suitable for those following a plant-based lifestyle.
So, if you are seeking a quick, easy, and family-friendly meal that satisfies your cravings, look no further than masala pasta made in the Instant Pot. It is a delightful fusion of Indian and Italian flavors, a one-pot wonder that saves you time and effort, and a dish that brings a smile to the faces of both kids and adults alike.
Ingredients to make masala pasta
Pasta: I have used penne pasta in this desi pasta recipe.
Tomato puree: Tomato puree along with a very small amount of tomato ketchup is used for the pasta sauce.
Onion, garlic, and carrot: These along with tomato form the base of the pasta sauce.
Spices and herbs: I have used a mix of Indian and Italian spices and herbs - garam masala, red chili powder, oregano, and Kasuri methi.
Step-by-step instructions
Step 1: Put the Instant Pot in saute mode and add olive oil. Add onion and garlic. Saute for 1-2 minutes (images 1 and 2).
Step 2: Add the grated carrot. Saute for 1 minute (images 3 and 4).
Step 3: Next, add oregano, chili powder, garam masala, bell pepper, and salt (images 5 and 6).
Step 4: Mix well and saute for 1 minute. Add 1 cup of water and stir everything well (image 7).
Step 5: Add pasta, tomato puree, and tomato ketchup (images 8 and 9).
Step 6: Spread the tomato puree all over the pasta. Do not stir after adding the pasta. Push the dry pasta slightly so that it is covered in liquid (images 10 and 11).
Step 7: Set it to pressure cook and cook for 5 minutes {see tips section above} (image 12).
Step 8: Do a quick release of the pressure. Add crushed Kasuri methi and mix well (images 13 and 14).
Useful tips
To make Instant Pot pasta, pressure cook the pasta for half the time that is mentioned in the packet. My pasta packet instructions had a cooking time of 10 minutes and I pressure-cooked the pasta for 5 minutes, which gave me the perfect texture.
I use grated carrots along with onion and garlic to form the base of the pasta. Adding grated carrots not only adds a mild sweetness to the sauce to balance the tang from the tomatoes, but it also adds thickness to the sauce and gives it the perfect texture.
It is important that we do not stir after adding the pasta. Add tomato puree on top and just spread it using a spatula. If there is any dry pasta on top, just push it into the liquid without stirring.
I have made this recipe in an 8 Quart Instant Pot. If you are using a smaller size IP, slightly reduce the amount of water. We want the vegetables to be just covered in water.
The amount of liquid for 2 cups of dry pasta is 2½ cups (1 cup water and 1½ cup tomato puree).
Do a quick release of the pressure. This gives it the perfect al-dente texture. If you let the pressure release naturally, the pasta will overcook.
Want more creamy and delicious pasta dishes? Check out this recipe to make penne rosa or this recipe to make cottage cheese pasta sauce.
The best part of making pasta in the Instant Pot is that you can skip boiling the pasta first and the entire dish gets done in one pot. Another dish that skips this step is this viral TikTok mac and cheese recipe.
Click here to check out my recipe to make paneer lasagna in Instant Pot. It is a perfect vegetarian showstopper for your parties, gathering, and family dinners.
Ever wonder what is the secret to making authentic Italian pasta from scratch? Or want to know the history of pasta? Click here to read 10 interesting things you must know about Italian pasta.
More pasta recipes:
1. Masala mac and cheese.
2. Mac and cheese without milk.
3. Gnocchi carbonara recipe.
4. Vegan mushroom pasta.
5. Pasta with broccoli.
What to serve with masala pasta?
When serving masala pasta, you can pair it with a variety of side dishes and accompaniments to enhance the meal. Here are some options:
Garlic bread: Serve warm, crispy garlic bread on the side. It complements the flavors of the masala pasta nicely.
Salad: Prepare a fresh green salad that will provide a contrast to the flavors of the pasta. Our favorite is this cabbage salad.
Vegetable stir-fry: Sauté a medley of colorful vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, zucchini, and broccoli. The stir-fried veggies add texture and nutritional value to the meal.
Grilled chicken or paneer: If you prefer a protein option, served grilled chicken or grilled paneer and serve it alongside the pasta. It adds substance to the meal and complements the flavors.
How to store masala pasta?
- Allow the masala pasta to cool down to room temperature before storing.
- Transfer the masala pasta to an airtight container. Ensure that the container is clean and dry. Seal the container tightly to prevent air from entering.
- Place the container in the refrigerator. Masala pasta can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- If you plan to store the masala pasta for a longer period, you can freeze it. Portion the pasta into individual freezer-safe containers or resealable freezer bags. Make sure to remove as much air as possible before sealing. Frozen masala pasta can be stored for up to 3 months.
- When you're ready to enjoy the stored masala pasta, thaw frozen portions in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
FAQs
Cool the pasta completely and place it in an air-tight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to five days. You can reheat the pasta in either a microwave or on the stovetop. You can also top it with some cheese and reheat it in the oven at 320 F (160 C).
You can use an array of vegetables - carrot, zucchini, mushrooms, corn, basil, parsley, eggplant, olives, etc.
When cooking in an Instant Pot, cook for half the time mentioned on the packet instructions. My pasta packet instruction says 10 minutes, so I pressure-cooked it for 5 minutes and then did a quick release of the pressure. This gives me the perfect al-dente texture of the pasta.
Click here for more one-pot meals recipes.
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Recipe card
Instant Pot Masala Pasta
Ingredients
- 2 cups penne pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion thinly sliced
- 3-4 cloves garlic
- 1 medium carrot grated
- ½ cup bell pepper (capsicum) chopped
- 1½ cups tomato puree
- 1 tablespoon tomato ketchup
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon garam masala
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- Salt to taste
- 1 teaspoon Kasoori methi
- 1 cup water
Instructions
- Put the Instant Pot in saute mode and add olive oil
- Once it heats, add onion and garlic
- Saute for 1-2 minutes
- Add grated carrot and saute for 1 minute
- Add capsicum, chili powder, garam masala, oregano, and salt. Mix well and saute for 1 minute
- Add 1 cup water and stir everything well
- Add pasta, tomato puree, and tomato ketchup. Spread the tomato puree all over the pasta
- Do not stir after adding the pasta. Push the dry pasta slightly so that it is covered in liquid
- Close the lid of the Instant pot and put the vent to seal
- Set it to pressure cook and cook for 5 minutes (see tips section above)
- Do a quick release of the pressure and open the lid
- Add crushed kasuri methi. Mix well
- Serve masala pasta warm
Sue says
This pasta looks amazing and full of flavor. I love that it's made in the Instant Pot! Can't wait to give it a try!
Kalin Williams says
Masala pasta sounds amazing! I love that you can make it in the instant pot too
Gabriela Herrera says
This looks amazing. I have a cold right now and have a feeling all these warming spices will suite, I must make it.
Jean says
I love masala, and this is another way to do it on pasta, that sounds so delicious and never thought of making it with an insta pot.
Kayla DiMaggio says
Loving this masala pasta! It was so easy to make and delicious!
Addie says
Talk about comfy cozy! Yum!
Cindy Mom, the Lunch Lady says
I am adding this to my meal plan this week, since I have all the ingredients in my pantry. It looks wonderful and full of flavour!
Sam says
This is absolutely delicious!! The seasoning and spices are incredible. Yum!
Michael DiMaggio says
Loving this masala pasta! It was so full of yummy flavor!
Meryl says
We all loved this recipe! So flavorful and healthy with lots of veggies! Yum!
Marinela says
This delicious pasta is a perfect weeknight meal, super quick and easy to make. Love it!
nancy says
oohhh i love masala and making this with IP and pasta ... awesome!