Makhani Masala Pasta is fusion blend of classic Italian pasta and delicious Indian Makhani sauce. This quick and easy 30 minute recipe is creamy, flavorful, off beat and crowd pleaser.

This dazzling pasta recipe is perfect for busy weeknight dinners and lunches. It also is elegant enough for parties, entertaining and potlucks. It also is very easy to adjust according to your dietary preferences.

You can make this one pot meal using electric pressure cooker like Instantpot. You can also use traditional method of boiling and preparing the pasta and making sauce separately on Stovetop. Either way it is a quick and easy 20 minute delicious dinner recipe.

A scoop of bow tie pasta coated with creamy makhani sauce.

Italian pasta and Indian spiced Makhani sauce .. these are world’s best foodie things ! When you combine the two, it makes super flavorful, nice and creamy pasta that you go for seconds and thirds ! It’s just soo good.

Makhani sauce of ten is called Shahi Makhani in Hindi. The word Shahi means royal. For cooking purposes it refers to dishes that are rich and creamy.

To make this recipe truly Shahi style royal, we are using bow tie pasta ! I mean , come on, bow tie pasta oozes sophistication. It’s cute and stylish ! It looks beautiful coated in rich and creamy masala sauce.

To make shahi makhani sauce, we also use all Indian Makhani sauce ingredients along with cashews ! Yes .. we are talking utterly sophisticated, delicious meal here.

This Indian Italian Fusion Pasta

is vegan and can be made gluten-free ( choose GF pasta variety)
is one-pot meal – either stove top or InstantPot
comes together in 20 minutes!
makes a comforting flavorful fusion pasta meal loved by all.

PRO TIP FOR PICKY EATERS

This by far is the most favorite pasta recipe for kids. We often make this recipe for potlucks , BBQs or picnics. And we often get tons of compliments especially from kids every time we make this recipe.

Most all kids love pasta. They feel special when you have some interesting meal especially for them. Plus it’s a great way to include full serving of veggies in their diet.

Your kids will love this pasta in their lunch boxes. I often pack it in warm thermos so it stays moist and creamy.

When I’m looking for a restaurant quality meal in the comfort of my own home, I turn to this creamy farfalle pasta loaded with flavors. It’s quick to make and the sauce is SO incredibly delicious!

You can never go wrong with pasta for a quick and easy dinner. Here are some of our favorites pasta recipes.

A pinterest image for Instantpot Indian Italian Fusion pasta recipe

INGREDIENTS TO MAKE MASALA MAKHANI PASTA

Pasta – For this pasta recipe, I used bow tie -farfalle pasta. You can choose any shape of small pasta. To make this recipe gluten free, choose GF pasta variety. Adjust cooking time accordingly.

Makhani Sauce Spices – To flavor the pasta, I have used few spices like garam masala, cardamom powder, red chili powder and kasuri methi for taste and fragrance.

Veggies – For the sauce, we are using onions, tomato sauce, and minced garlic and ginger. Simple ingredients Big flavors! I am also using 2 cups of frozen mixed vegetables. You can use any of your favorite vegetables.

Cashew Paste – For the creaminess, I am using roasted cashews. Blend 1/2 cup of cashews with 1/2 cup water and make smooth paste. It adds earthy, nutty flavors and velvety rich texture. To make it nut free, use coconut milk or heavy cream.

HOW TO MAKE INSTANTPOT MAKHANI PASTA

Start off by sautéing the onions, minced ginger garlic in warm oil. If you want smooth puree like sauce, blend the onions in water. Otherwise, use finely chopped onions. Sauté the onions for few minutes till the raw smell goes away.

Add tomato sauce and all the spices. Mix well and let it simmer for few minutes so tomato sauce starts to concentrate. Add veggies and pasta. mix well. Add water.

Close the lid and pressure cook the pasta. After it’s done cooking , do a quick pressure release after 5 minutes. Add cashew paste and mix well.

For garnish, sprinkle chopped cilantro leaves on top. Sprinkle cardamom powder, garam masala and freshly ground black pepper for additional flavors. Serve warm.

Process shot collage showing steps invloved in making Makhani Masala Pasta in Instantpot.

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Makhani Masala Pasta Recipe

Name: Makhani Masala Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Fusion
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon cooking oil, I used olive oil; 8.8 oz box of pasta; 14.5 oz can tomato sauce or puree; 2 cup chopped mixed vegetables - I used frozen mix veggie mix; 3-4 large garlic cloves, minced; 1 inch ginger, finely chopped; 1 medium yellow onion, chopped; 1 cup water; 1/4 teaspoon cardamom powder; 1/2 teaspoon garam masala; 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder - adjust per taste; 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste; 1/2 cup cashews, make a paste by blending in 1/2 cup water; 1 teaspoon kasuri methi, crushed, dried fenugreek leaves; 1 tablespoon chopped cilantro for garnish; Optional garnish: freshly ground black pepper, extra cardamom powder and garam masala to sprinkle over the top.

This Indian masala makhani pasta is flavorful and comforting. This crowd please fusion dish is liked by kids and adults alike.

Prep Time 5 minutes

Cook Time 15 minutes

Total Time 20 minutes

Ingredients

1 tablespoon cooking oil, I used olive oil
8.8 oz box of pasta
14.5 oz can tomato sauce or puree
2 cup chopped mixed vegetables - I used frozen mix veggie mix
3-4 large garlic cloves, minced
1 inch ginger, finely chopped
1 medium yellow onion, chopped
1 cup water
1/4 teaspoon cardamom powder
1/2 teaspoon garam masala
1/2 teaspoon red chili powder - adjust per taste
1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
1/2 cup cashews, make a paste by blending in 1/2 cup water
1 teaspoon kasuri methi, crushed, dried fenugreek leaves
1 tablespoon chopped cilantro for garnish
Optional garnish: freshly ground black pepper, extra cardamom powder and garam masala to sprinkle over the top.

Instructions

INSTANTPOT INSTRUCTIONS

Press the sauté button on the Instant Pot. Once it displays hot, add the oil and then add the chopped garlic, ginger and onion. Sprinkle some salt. Sauté for 2 to 3 minutes until onions are soft.

Add can of tomato puree, cardamom powder, garam masala, red chili powder. Mix well and let it cook for few minutes till the sauce starts to thicken.

Add the water and de-glaze the pot. Make sure there's nothing stuck at the bottom.

Add the pasta. Do NOT stir. Close the pot with its lid. Valve at SEALING. Press the MANUAL or PRESSURE COOK button and cook on high pressure for 5 minutes.

After it's done cooking, let the pressure release naturally for 5 minutes and then quick release the pressure. Once the silver pin drops, open the lid, stir everything and press the saute button.

Add the cashew paste. Crush kasuri methi on your palm and add it in the sauce. Let the pasta simmer for 2 minutes. Sprinkle chopped cilantro. For additional flavor, sprinkle freshly ground black pepper, cardamom powder and garam masala on top before serving. Serve warm.

STOVE TOP INSTRUCTIONS

Prepare pasta according to the package instructions. Once boiled and ready, drain the water in colander and set it aside.

Heat a pan on medium heat and once hot, add oil to it. Then add garlic, ginger and onion. Sprinkle some salt. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes until softened.

Then add tomato sauce, cardamom powder, garam masala, red chili powder. Stir well and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until the raw smell goes away.Add the cashew paste and mix. Add in the boiled pasta and mix well.

You may have to add extra warm water if the sauce looks very thick. Adjust the seasoning. Let the pasta heat through.

Crush some kasuri methi on your palm and sprinkle it over. Turn off heat. Sprinkle freshly ground black pepper, cardamom powder, garam masala over the pasta just before serving. Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro and serve warm.

Notes

For perfectly cooked pasta in Instantpot :

Choose half the time mentioned on the pasta box minus 1 minute. Usually it is 4-5 minutes.

You can use Marinara Sauce, tomato puree, tomato sauce or blend 3 red tomatoes in 1/2 cup water for the sauce.

Tips for picky eaters :
Most all kids love pasta. They feel special when you have some interesting meal especially for them. Plus it's a great way to include full serving of veggies in their diet. You can puree the vegetables and use them along with tomato sauce.

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Nutrition Information:

Yield:

Serving Size:

1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 229Total Fat: 11gSaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 9gCholesterol: 0mgCarbohydrates: 29gFiber: 5gSugar: 6gProtein: 7g

Nutritional values are provided as a courtesy and the values are approximate. The values will change depending on the exact ingredients, measurements and brands used. As always, for specific health issues and dietary requirements please consult medical professional.

Makhani Masala Pasta Recipe – Instantpot and Stovetop Instructions