Paneer Masala Pasta

Creamy Paneer Masala pasta recipe –  This Indian style flavourful & delicious masala pasta  is made in Instant Pot electric pressure cooker. Paneer Masala pasta is quick and super easy to make, loaded with aromatic spices  and  just needs under 20 mins. If you love pasta and Indian food this will be your new favourite !  A quick lunch or dinner option on busy days for your entire family. My pasta loving kids devouer this pasta! 

Ingredients 

(Makes 4 servings)

Olive oil - 2 tablespoons

Butter -   1 Tablespoon

Onions - 1/2 cup chopped

Garlic - 1 tablespoon

Ginger - 1 teaspoon

Zucchini* -1 medium,chopped

Green pepper* - 1/3 cup chopped

Orange pepper* - 1/3 cup chopped

Dried Fenugreek - 1 tsp

Chili flakes - 1/2 tsp or to taste

Turmeric(optional) -  1/4 teaspoon

Garam Masala  - 1/2 teaspoon or to taste

Cumin powder- 1/2 teaspoon

Coriander powder- 1 teaspoon  

Salt  -  2 tsp or adjust to taste

Sugar(optional)  - 1/2 tsp

Dry pasta/ macaroni  - 2.5 Cups (250 grams/10 oz), such as Casarecce, Penne or Rotini

Water  - 2.5 Cups

Tomato Puree - 2 Cups

Cream - 1/2 cup

Grated paneer - 1 Cup

Fresh Cilantro for garnish

*Any vegetables of your choice can be used.

(Measurements used 1 Cup = 240 ml)

Step by step video instructions can be found here:

Check out my other pasta recipes which are quite easy and delicious!

Cream Cheese Pasta with Herbs

Instant Pot Basil Tomato Pasta

Electric Pressure Cooker/ Instant Pot Method:

1. Start the sauté mode of Instant Pot/ electric pressure cooker, add  olive oil, butter.  Add minced garlic, ginger.  Add chopped onion. Mix well.  Add chili flakes and dried fenugreek(kasoori methi). Add chopped, green pepper, orange pepper and zucchini. Sauté for 1 minute. Add coriander, cumin powder and ground turmeric if using. Mix well. Make sure the spices are not stuck to the bottom of the pot. Turn off sauté mode. 

2. Add, 2.5 cups pasta. Mix well.  Add tomato puree, water.  Add the salt, garam masala, sugar(optional). Close the lid.

3. Cook on high pressure for 5 min. Do a quick pressure release after 5 minutes of natural pressure release.

4. Add 1/ 2 cup of cream and mix well . Mix in grated paneer, reserve 2-3 tablespoons for garnish. 

5.  Garnish with fresh cilantro and reserved grated paneer. Creamy paneer masala pasta is ready to eat!

Stovetop Directions:

1. Heat a pan and add oil, butter. sauté the garlic, ginger, onions.  Add the dried fenugreek and the chilli flakes. Add the peppers, zucchini and sauté for 1-2 minutes.Add coriander, cumin powder and ground turmeric if using. Mix well. Make sure the spices are not stuck to the bottom of the pot. Add tomato puree, sugar(optional) and salt.  Keep stirring the sauce in between. Cook for 5-6 minutes till the sauce has thickened. Add garam masala.

2. In a separate pot, boil water and cook the pasta according to the package directions and drain.

3. Add the drained pasta and coat with sauce.

4. Add 1/ 2 cup of cream. Mix in grated paneer, reserve 2-3 tablespoons for garnish. 

5.  Garnish with fresh cilantro and reserved grated paneer. Creamy paneer masala pasta is ready to eat!