Name: Tandoori Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons of neutral oil; 1 red onion, finely diced; ½ cup of sliced green onions, plus more for garnish; 1 tablespoon of fresh minced ginger; 1 tablespoon of garlic powder; ½ teaspoon of ground cardamom; 1 teaspoon of paprika; 1 teaspoon of cumin; 2 teaspoons of turmeric; 1 teaspoon of garam masala; ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon; ¼ teaspoon of cayenne pepper; Salt and pepper, to taste; 1 (14-ounce) can of diced tomatoes, in their juices; 1 cup of pasta water; 1 pound of pasta; 1 lemon; 2 tablespoons of brown sugar, agave, or maple syrup; Crushed red pepper, for garnish

Jump to Recipe· 4.2 from 6 reviews

If you’ve ever wished for a dish that perfectly blends bold Indian spices with comforting Italian pasta, you’re in for a treat with this Tandoori Pasta Recipe. It’s creamy, packed with vibrant flavors, and comes together in just 25 minutes, making it an ideal meal for busy weeknights or relaxed weekend lunches with family. The combination of aromatic spices like turmeric, garam masala, and cumin creates a bright, warm sauce that hugs every strand of pasta, delivering a unique and irresistible dish everyone will love.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a white marbled surface with several white bowls and fresh ingredients arranged neatly. At the bottom left, there is a white bowl filled with bright red crushed tomatoes, showing a thick, chunky texture. Above it, closer to the center, a medium white bowl contains a mix of colorful spices layered without blending, including yellow turmeric, light brown coriander, dark brown cumin, reddish paprika, black pepper, gray salt, and a pale beige spice, creating a vibrant and textured display. To the right of this bowl, there is a smaller white bowl with a smooth pale yellow paste. Below it and slightly to the right, another small white bowl is filled with dark brown soft brown sugar. Fresh green onions with bright green stalks and white bases lie on the right side, while a purple onion and a yellow lemon rest on the left side of the frame. A small glass bottle with golden olive oil sits behind the spice bowl. The overall setting is bright and clean, with a woman's hand not present but implied for adding ingredients. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering your ingredients for this Tandoori Pasta Recipe is surprisingly simple, yet each one plays a vital role in building layers of flavor, texture, and color. From fresh aromatics to a vibrant selection of spices, you’ll be amazed how these essentials blend into such a deliciously creamy sauce.

2 tablespoons of neutral oil: Acts as the perfect base to bloom and balance all the spices.
1 red onion, finely diced: Adds sweetness and depth when softened to a translucent perfection.
½ cup of sliced green onions, plus more for garnish: Brings a mild oniony freshness and crunch.
1 tablespoon of fresh minced ginger: Infuses the sauce with a lovely warmth and slight zing.
1 tablespoon of garlic powder: Provides a gentle, comforting garlic flavor without overpowering.
½ teaspoon of ground cardamom: Gives a sweet, aromatic hint vital to authentic tandoori profiles.
1 teaspoon of paprika: Adds a smoky, earthy note and rich red hue to the sauce.
1 teaspoon of cumin: Builds a deep, nutty earthiness essential for this recipe.
2 teaspoons of turmeric: Offers warmth and a stunning golden color that’s signature to tandoori dishes.
1 teaspoon of garam masala: A blend of powerful spices that rounds out the flavor beautifully.
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon: Brings subtle sweetness and complexity to the dish.
¼ teaspoon of cayenne pepper: Provides a gentle kick that awakens the palate.
Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential seasonings to enhance every note.
1 (14-ounce) can of diced tomatoes, in their juices: Forms the saucy, tangy base of the pasta.
1 cup of pasta water: A secret helper that adjusts sauce consistency while helping it cling perfectly.
1 pound of pasta: Your favorite type, cooked al dente to soak in all the flavors.
1 lemon: Adds brightness and a fresh citrus punch to balance spices.
2 tablespoons of brown sugar, agave, or maple syrup: Balances acidity with a touch of natural sweetness.
Crushed red pepper, for garnish: Offers an extra layer of heat and texture for finishing flair.

How to Make Tandoori Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Start by heating your neutral oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Toss in the finely diced red onion and let it cook gently until it’s soft and translucent. This step unlocks natural sweetness that lays the foundation for your sauce. Next, stir in the sliced green onions and fresh minced ginger, sautéing for about two minutes to brighten and intensify their flavors.

Step 2: Bloom the Spices

Now comes the magic: add garlic powder, cardamom, paprika, cumin, turmeric, garam masala, cinnamon, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper to the pan. Mix everything thoroughly and cook the spices for about one minute. This crucial process, called blooming, releases their oils and boosts the richness and warmth of your tandoori sauce.

Step 3: Simmer with Tomatoes

Pour in the diced tomatoes along with all their juices, gently stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a boil, then cover and reduce the heat to low, letting it simmer quietly. Stir the sauce every couple of minutes so it thickens beautifully while the flavors mingle into a harmonious, savory blend.

Step 4: Cook the Pasta

While your sauce is simmering away, cook your pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. This ensures the noodles still have a satisfying bite once combined with the warm sauce, preventing any mushiness later on.

Step 5: Combine and Finish

Reserve one cup of the starchy pasta water before draining, then return the pasta to its pot. Pour in the tandoori sauce, stirring gently to coat every strand. Adjust the sauce’s consistency with the saved pasta water as needed. Finally, squeeze half a lemon’s juice over the pasta and stir in your chosen sweetener—whether brown sugar, agave, or maple syrup—to balance the tangy spices perfectly.

How to Serve Tandoori Pasta Recipe

A close-up view of a white speckled plate filled with spiral pasta tossed with small pieces of crispy brown meat and diced red tomatoes scattered throughout. The pasta is coated in a light sauce giving it a warm yellowish-orange color. On top, there is a generous sprinkle of chopped green onions and fresh green herbs, adding a bright contrast. A silver spoon is resting on the side inside the plate, partially buried in the pasta. The plate is placed on a white marbled surface with a light gray cloth nearby. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

For that extra pop of flavor and texture, sprinkle sliced green onions and crushed red pepper on top right before serving. The green onions bring vibrant color and a mild bite, while the crushed red pepper adds a pleasurable heat, complementing the dish’s complex spice profile.

Side Dishes

This Tandoori Pasta Recipe stands beautifully on its own but pairs wonderfully with simple sides such as a crisp cucumber raita or a cooling mint yogurt dip which help mellow the warmth of the tandoori spices. A fresh green salad with lemon vinaigrette also adds a refreshing balance to the creamy pasta.

Creative Ways to Present

For an inviting presentation, serve the pasta in individual bowls garnished with freshly chopped cilantro and a wedge of lemon on the side for an extra citrus blast. You can also layer this pasta with grilled vegetables or roasted chickpeas on top to add texture and elevate the dish’s visual appeal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Tandoori Pasta keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors even deepen overnight, making it a perfect make-ahead meal for busy days.

Freezing

You can freeze the pasta, but keep in mind that the texture may soften slightly upon thawing. To freeze, portion into freezer-safe containers and enjoy within two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.

Reheating

When reheating, gently warm the pasta on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to revive the sauce’s creaminess and prevent dryness. Avoid microwaving at high power to keep the flavors fresh and the dish steaming hot.

FAQs

Can I use gluten-free pasta for this recipe?

Absolutely! Gluten-free pasta works wonderfully and allows those with dietary restrictions to enjoy the bold flavors of this Tandoori Pasta Recipe without compromise.

Is this recipe vegan?

Yes, this Tandoori Pasta Recipe is completely vegan, relying on plant-based ingredients and spices that make it rich and creamy without any dairy or animal products.

Can I adjust the spice level?

Definitely. You can reduce or increase the amount of cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper to suit your spice tolerance, making this dish as mild or fiery as you like.

What type of pasta is best?

While you can use any pasta shape, long strands like spaghetti or linguine work beautifully as they get well coated with the sauce. Short shapes like penne or rigatoni are great too for capturing sauce pockets.

Can I add protein to the dish?

For added protein, toss in cooked chickpeas, tofu cubes, or grilled tempeh. These options complement the smoky tandoori sauce and make the meal even more satisfying.

Final Thoughts

Give this Tandoori Pasta Recipe a try and enjoy its irresistible blend of comforting creaminess and bold, fragrant spices. Whether for a quick weeknight dinner or a special family meal, it’s a dish that warms the soul and delights the taste buds. Trust me, once you make it, it will quickly become one of your favorite go-to recipes!