Creamy Tomato Pasta Recipe – Indian-Spiced Comfort Food

Last Updated on 3 months by Neha Deshmukh

Creamy Tomato Pasta Recipe – Indian-Spiced Comfort Food

Okay, let’s be real. Sometimes you just need comfort food. And for me, that often means a big bowl of pasta. But not just any pasta – this creamy, dreamy, Indian-spiced tomato pasta! I first made this when I was craving something familiar yet exciting, and it’s been a family favorite ever since. It’s surprisingly easy to whip up, and the flavors are just…wow.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This isn’t your average tomato pasta. We’re taking things up a notch with a beautiful blend of Indian spices that will warm you from the inside out. It’s creamy, it’s flavorful, and it’s ready in under 30 minutes! Perfect for a weeknight meal, a cozy weekend dinner, or when you just need a little bit of spice in your life. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to introduce Indian flavors to those who are new to the cuisine.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create this magic:

• 1 cup pasta (about 200g)
• ½ medium yellow onion
• 2 tbsp butter (approx. 30g)
• 1 tsp ginger garlic paste
• 2 tbsp tomato paste (approx. 30ml)
• ½ cup heavy cream (approx. 120ml)
• 1 tsp garam masala
• 1 tsp ground coriander
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1 tsp cumin

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients! A few little things can make a big difference.

• Garam Masala: This is the star of the show! Garam masala is a blend of warming spices – typically cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, cumin, coriander, and black pepper. Every family has their own blend, so the flavor can vary slightly. Don’t be afraid to experiment!
• Pasta: While you can use any pasta shape you like, I find that penne, fusilli, or rotini work particularly well with this sauce. They have lots of nooks and crannies to hold onto all that creamy goodness. In India, smaller pasta shapes like macaroni are also popular in pasta dishes.
• Heavy Cream: The heavy cream is what gives this sauce its luxurious texture. You really want that fat content to create a rich, velvety sauce. If you’re looking for a lighter option, see the variations section below!

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get cooking!

1. First, get your pasta going. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package directions. Don’t forget to reserve about 1 cup (240ml) of that pasta water before draining – it’s liquid gold!
2. While the pasta is cooking, let’s make the sauce. Melt the butter in a pan over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until it’s beautifully golden brown.
3. Now for a little trick I learned from my mom: blend the golden onions with a splash of water to create a smooth paste. This ensures a super creamy sauce.
4. Add the ginger garlic paste to the pan and cook for a minute until fragrant. Then, stir in the tomato paste and cook for another 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, until it thickens slightly.
5. Time for the spices! Add the garam masala, coriander, chili powder, and cumin. Mix well and cook for another minute, allowing the spices to bloom and release their flavors.
6. Pour in the heavy cream and a splash of the reserved pasta water. The pasta water helps to bind the sauce and create a silky smooth texture. Adjust the amount of pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
7. Finally, toss the cooked pasta into the sauce and stir until it’s fully coated. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve immediately.

Expert Tips

• Don’t overcrowd the pan when sautéing the onions. Work in batches if necessary to ensure they brown properly.
• Taste as you go! Adjust the amount of chili powder to your liking.
• If the sauce is too thick, add a little more pasta water. If it’s too thin, simmer for a few more minutes to allow it to reduce.

Variations

Want to switch things up? Here are a few ideas:

• Vegan Adaptation: Swap the heavy cream for a plant-based cream alternative, like cashew cream or coconut cream. It won’t be exactly the same, but it’s still incredibly delicious! My friend, Priya, swears by cashew cream in this recipe.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Simply use your favorite gluten-free pasta! There are so many great options available now.
• Spice Level Adjustment: If you like things extra spicy, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a finely chopped green chili.
• Quick Weeknight Version: Skip blending the onions and just use finely chopped onions. It won’t be quite as smooth, but it will save you some time.

Serving Suggestions

This pasta is fantastic on its own, but it also pairs well with:

• A simple green salad
• Garlic bread (because, why not?)
• A side of raita (Indian yogurt dip) to cool things down

Storage Instructions

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or milk if needed to loosen the sauce.

FAQs

Let’s answer some common questions:

• Is this pasta dish suitable for meal prepping? Yes! It reheats well, making it a great option for meal prepping. Just be aware that the sauce may thicken slightly upon standing.
• Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of tomato paste? You can, but you’ll need to cook them down for a longer time to achieve the same concentrated flavor. About 4-5 medium tomatoes, pureed and simmered for 30-40 minutes, would be a good substitute.
• What type of pasta works best with this sauce? Penne, fusilli, and rotini are all great choices.
• How can I adjust the tanginess of the sauce? Add a squeeze of lemon juice or a pinch of sugar to balance the flavors.
• Can I add vegetables to this pasta? Absolutely! Sautéed bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms would all be delicious additions.