Spicy Vegetable Pasta Recipe – Garam Masala & Red Chilli Delight

Last Updated on 4 months by Neha Deshmukh

Spicy Vegetable Pasta Recipe – Garam Masala & Red Chilli Delight

Hey everyone! If you’re anything like me, you’re always on the lookout for a quick, flavorful meal that doesn’t compromise on taste. This Spicy Vegetable Pasta is exactly that – a vibrant, aromatic dish packed with veggies and a lovely kick of Indian spices. I first made this when I was craving something comforting but didn’t want to spend hours in the kitchen, and it’s been a family favorite ever since!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This isn’t your average pasta dish. The combination of Italian pasta with the warm, fragrant spices of garam masala and red chilli powder is seriously addictive. It’s ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to sneak in a bunch of veggies!

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this delicious pasta:

• 2.5 cups Fresine pasta (or any pasta you like!) – about 300g
• 0.5 cup chopped Onion – about 75g
• 0.5 cup chopped Red bell pepper – about 75g
• 0.5 cup chopped Green bell pepper – about 75g
• 1 cup chopped Tomato – about 150g
• 1 Baby Portabella mushroom, sliced
• 2 Carrots, cubed
• 1 inch Ginger, minced
• 2 tablespoons Olive oil – about 30ml
• 2 tablespoons Butter – about 30g
• 0.5 teaspoon Garam masala
• 0.5 teaspoon Red chilli powder
• 0.5 tablespoon Salt – about 7.5g
• 4 cups Water – about 950ml

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients! Fresine pasta is my go-to for this recipe because its shape holds the sauce beautifully, but honestly, any pasta works – penne, fusilli, even spaghetti!

The garam masala is the star here. It’s a blend of warming spices like cinnamon, cardamom, and cloves, and it adds a wonderful depth of flavor. You can find it in most supermarkets or Indian grocery stores.

And about that red chilli powder – feel free to adjust the amount to your liking! Different brands have different heat levels, and some regional Indian chilli powders (like Kashmiri chilli powder) are milder and add a beautiful color.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get cooking!

1. Bring 4 cups of water to a boil in a sauce pot. Add 0.5 tablespoon of salt and 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Stir in the pasta and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. While the pasta is cooking, heat the remaining olive oil and butter in a large pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté until they become translucent – about 6-7 minutes. Patience is key here; we want them soft and sweet!
3. Now, add the cubed red bell pepper, green bell pepper, mushrooms, carrots, tomato, and minced ginger to the pan. Sprinkle with 0.5 teaspoon of salt and sauté for another 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the veggies are slightly softened.
4. Time for the magic! Mix in the red chilli powder and garam masala. Cook for 3 minutes, stirring constantly, until the spices are fragrant and well incorporated. This step really blooms the flavors.
5. Add the cooked pasta to the vegetable mixture. Toss gently to combine everything evenly, ensuring the pasta is coated in that delicious spicy sauce.
6. Serve warm with a sprinkle of fresh herbs (coriander is lovely!) or a little tomato ketchup if you’re feeling nostalgic.

Expert Tips

• Don’t overcook the pasta! Al dente is the way to go – it should have a slight bite.
• If the sauce seems a little dry, add a splash of pasta water to loosen it up.
• Taste as you go and adjust the seasoning to your preference.

Variations

This recipe is super versatile! Here are a few ideas to customize it:

• Vegan Adaptation: Swap the butter for a plant-based butter alternative and ensure your pasta is vegan-friendly (some pasta contains eggs).
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Simply use your favorite gluten-free pasta!
• Spice Level: Adjust the amount of red chilli powder to control the heat. Start with a smaller amount and add more to taste. My friend, Priya, loves to add a pinch of cayenne pepper for an extra kick!
• Quick Weeknight Meal Adaptation: Use pre-cut vegetables to save time. You can find them in most supermarkets.

Serving Suggestions

This pasta is fantastic on its own, but it also pairs well with a simple side salad or some garlic bread. A dollop of plain yogurt can also help cool down the spice if you’re sensitive to heat.

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.

FAQs

What type of pasta works best in this recipe?

Fresine is my favorite, but honestly, any short pasta shape will work well! Penne, fusilli, or rotini are all great options.

Can I use frozen vegetables in this pasta?

Yes, you can! Just make sure to thaw and drain them before adding them to the pan.

How can I adjust the spice level of this dish?

Start with a smaller amount of red chilli powder and add more to taste. You can also use a milder chilli powder like Kashmiri chilli powder.

What is Garam Masala and where can I find it?

Garam masala is a blend of warming Indian spices. You can find it in most supermarkets or Indian grocery stores.

Can this pasta be made ahead of time?

You can cook the pasta and vegetables ahead of time and store them separately in the refrigerator. Then, simply combine them and heat through when you’re ready to serve.