Elbow macaroni pasta or Chifferi in Italian, is named for its twisted tubular shape that can vary in size and be either smooth or ridged. Pasta Elbows came from Northern and Central Italy, where they are traditionally used in soups.

This pasta is made with non-GMO ingredients. For more information, please read our position. Elbows are best for the American favorites macaroni & cheese and pasta salad.

They also pair well with dairy-based sauces (like butter and cheese), tomato-based sauces with or without vegetables, and chunky fish or meat-based sauces.

What is Macaroni Pasta?

Macaroni Pasta is an Indian-style masala pasta made using the elbow macaroni pasta variety. It is a delicious alternative to white sauce or any rich pasta dish. Macaroni Pasta combines the Italian flavors and is packed with Indian masala flavors hence a fusion dish.

Macaroni is a variety of pasta used for numerous dishes. However, one can substitute this recipe with other pasta varieties like penne, fusilli, rigatoni, etc. It is used to make pasta, kheer, salads, etc.

Macaroni is a dry pasta variety that is more like a curved tube. The curved tube variety is elbow macaroni pasta which I have used here and the other variety is a narrow tube. But the most common variety available here is the elbow macaroni.

I always like to include Indian flavors in pasta; this Indian-style Macaroni Pasta is one of my family favorites. It is a basic onion tomato-based curry made and blended with cooked pasta. This recipe is medium spicy hence suitable for kids too.

I have not used cheese or cream to make it creamy and rich but if you wish to add it, kindly check my variations section for it. I have used just our basic Indian spices like red chili powder, garam masala powder, and mixed herbs.

I used my Dutch oven to make this pasta. You can use any heavy bottom pan to make this. This is a simple macaroni pasta recipe however you can make macaroni pasta Italian style too. Macaroni pasta sauce can be prepared well ahead and then mixed with pasta at the time of serving, this way it helps in making in bulk for get-togethers and parties.

Macaroni Pasta Ingredients

1. Pasta – Macaroni Pasta variety is preferred for this recipe however you can use any pasta for this dish which includes penne, fusilli, etc.

2. Vegetables – I have used onion, tomato, capsicum and carrots. Additionally, you can add mushrooms, cooked corn, baby corn, or any other veggies of your choice.

3. Spices – Indian spice powders like red chilli powder, and garam masala powders are used.

4. Herbs – Additionally mixed herbs and coriander leaves are used.

Best Macaroni Recipe

• First of all, cook pasta perfectly. It should not become mushy as I recommend pasta to be prepared soft for most recipes to avoid digestion problems. You can cook until al dente too.

• Adding pasta cooked water helps prevent pasta from becoming dry.

• Add more colorful vegetables to make Macaroni Pasta more colorful and tasty.

• You need no additional garnish if the blended masala curry is delicious. I don’t even add cheese for garnish and still, the kids love it a lot.

• You can even add a pinch of curry masala powder for extra flavor. If you have maggi masala powder you can add that too.

• This Macaroni Pasta should be moist and juicy and not dry so adjust the consistency accordingly.

How to Make Macaroni Pasta Step by Step

1. Bring four cups of water to a boil in a large pot. Get ready with all the other ingredients.

2. When water starts to boil add 1 teaspoon oil along with salt. Let it boil.

3. Add 1 heaped cup macaroni pasta variety.

4. Give a quick mix.

5. Cook until fork tender. It may take 5-6 mins depending on the pasta variety and size. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta cooking water for later use.

6. Drain water and Set aside.

7. Rinse it with cold water to prevent further cooking.

8. . Heat oil in a pan – add 1 teaspoon garlic, and 1/2 teaspoon ginger chopped finely. Saute for a minute until golden.

9. Then add 1/2 cup onion finely chopped along with salt.

10. Saute till transparent and golden.

11. Add 1 cup tomatoes(2 medium sized), 1/4 cup capsicum, 2 tablespoon carrots finely chopped.

12. Saute till tomatoes turn mushy and raw smell leaves.

13. Cook covered for a few minutes or until the veggies turn slightly soft.

14. Add 1 teaspoon of red chili powder, 1/2 teaspoon of garam masala powder, and 1 teaspoon of mixed herbs.

15. Give a quick saute.

16. Add 1 tablespoon tomato sauce along with 1/2 cup pasta cooked water.

17. Give a quick mix and let the sauce boil for a minute.

18. Finally add cooked pasta.

19. Toss well until the masalas are well coated.

20. Add 1 teaspoon of chopped coriander leaves. The pasta should not be dry.

21. Give a quick mix and switch off.

Delicious Macaroni Pasta ready!