Masala Penne Pasta
November 29, 2011
This Masala Penne Pasta is the first recipe I tried from my new cookbook An Affair with Indian Cooking and all I can say is that the recipe is super easy, the pasta is simply amazing, and this is definitely going to be one of my new "go to" pasta dishes. I agree with Geeta, author and family friend, who describes this recipe as an "Indian twist to the Italian baked Ziti."
Masala Penne Pasta (Mirchi Masala Pasta)
Ingredients:
1lb cooked penne pasta
4 tbsp. olive oil
2 tsp. cumin seeds
1 onion, large, finely chopped (I chopped the onions in a food processor)
2 1/2 cups tomatoes, strained (I chopped the tomatoes in a food processor)
2 tsp. garlic, crushed ( I used fresh garlic cloves and blended them with the onions)
1 1/2 tsp. coriander powder
1/2 tsp. red chili powder
1/2 tsp. salt to taste
1/2 cup coriander, fresh, finely chopped
3/4 cup water
1/2 pkt. cream cheese, cubed
1/2 cup grated mozzarella
Directions:
-Heat oil in saucepan over medium high heat. Temper with cumin seeds.
-When cumin seeds sizzle, add garlic and onions. Cook until onions are light brown and soft.
-Add tomatoes and spices. Stir well, cover pan, and reduce heat to med/low.
-Cook for appox 15-20 min, stir occasionally until mixture is thick in consistency and oil is separated.
-Add the fresh coriander and water. Mix well and simmer for 5 minutes on low heat.
-Adjust seasoning to taste. (I added more salt, coriander, and red chili powder)
-Add the cream cheese, mix well, and cook for 10 min until the cheese melts and the sauce is creamy.
-Remove from heat. Mix sauce with the pasta and pour into a casserole dish. Sprinkle with mozzarella cheese and bake in over at 350 degrees F for 20 min or until cheese is melted and lightly browned.
-Serve as an accompaniment with tandoori chicken and salad or as a meal in itself with garlic bread and salad.
Reader Comments (19)
I love how your blogs mix great recipes with great fashion. Very inspiring...thank you!
This sounds DELICIOUS. I'm such a sucker for anything involving pasta, honestly. It's bad.
xo Josie
www.winksmilestyle.com
looks yummy! will have to try... I remember having masala pasta when we were young! a bit different recipe of course.
mom
Simple and delicious, pretty much my two requirements for a new recipe. I always need quick things when I am rushing after work.....and just want to sit on the couch!
saving recipe now - looks beyond YUM!
Okay, I really need to try this recipe. It looks wonderful!
Thanks for dropping off the leftovers yesterday - Vik and I really, really enjoyed it! We'll definitely be making this (and of course adding some mushrooms!)
my husband would LOVE this. must keep it in mind for dinner soon!
xo
sami
Naina looks absolutely delish! I never cook anything Indian but I'm certain with its Italian twist, I could pull this off!!
i;m slowly making my way through all of the Indian restaurants in Atlanta!
An Affair with An Indian Cook!? What a clever name. I'll have to try this recipe very soon. Thanks for sharing.
I'm actually planning how to get home early and cook this. Yummy
umm indian baked ziti?? i'm so in!
In Dramatic Fashion
Nummy and easy recipe! Thanks for sharing!
sounds really delicious! my roommate and i have been on an indian food kick. i totally want to make this!
I so wish that was on my dinner menu tonight!
oh yum! That looks so amazing. I think I'll be trying this recipe out this weekend!
Thanks for sharing it!
xo
I love pasta and I'm always looking for new recipes to try! This one looks divine and will definitely try it soon!
Slightly late, but thank you so much for linking up to Friday Food last week on Momtrends.com! Awesome idea, I would never have though of an Indian food pasta dish, need to try it! ~Shannon