Tikka Masala Pasta
This fast, cozy tikka masala pasta uses a simple tomato-coconut sauce, peas, and tikka masala paste for big flavor without a big effort.
Servings: 8
Calories: 469kcal
Equipment
- Large pot (for pasta)
- Large skillet or sauté pan
- Colander
- Measuring spoons
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon tikka masala paste
- 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 2 tablespoons curry powder
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (13.5 oz) coconut milk
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 package (16 oz) penne pasta
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook penne until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain.
- Warm olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add sliced onion and cook, stirring often, until softened and lightly golden.
- Add garlic and stir for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant.
- Spoon in the tikka masala paste and stir it into the onions for 30 to 60 seconds so the flavor opens up.
- Add turmeric and curry powder. Stir constantly for 15 to 30 seconds.
- Pour in diced tomatoes and coconut milk. Season with salt and pepper. Reduce heat to medium and simmer 5 to 10 minutes, until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Stir in peas and sugar. Simmer 2 minutes.
- Add drained pasta to the skillet and toss until coated. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a splash at a time.
- Serve hot. Stir again right before serving because pasta loves to soak up sauce.
Notes
- For stronger tikka flavor: Add another ½ tablespoon tikka paste after simmering and taste again. For smoother, creamier sauce: Simmer 2-3 minutes longer before adding pasta, or use an immersion blender to puree a portion of the sauce. For better leftovers: Store with a splash of water or coconut milk mixed in so it stays saucy when reheated. If it tastes too tangy: Add a tiny pinch more sugar. It's easy to overdo it, so go slow. Spice note: This is mild. For heat, add ½ teaspoon cayenne with the other spices. it.
Nutrition
Calories: 469kcal | Carbohydrates: 7g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Sodium: 3mg | Potassium: 98mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 154IU | Vitamin C: 9mg | Calcium: 17mg | Iron: 1mg
