Creamy Butter Masala Pasta

Ingredients

• 180 g Pasta (penne or fusilli)
• 2 tbsp Unsalted butter
• 1/2 medium Onion
• 2 cloves Garlic
• 1 tsp Ginger
• 1 tbsp Tomato paste
• 1/2 cup Heavy cream
• 1/4 cup Water (for sauce)
• 1 tsp Garam masala
• 1/2 tsp Ground cumin
• 1/4 tsp Turmeric
• 1/4 tsp Kashmiri chili powder(optional)
• 1/2 tsp Salt
• 1/4 tsp Black pepper
• 2 tbsp Fresh cilantro (optional)(optional)

Instructions

1. 1

   Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta until al dente, then reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water and drain.

2. 2

   While the pasta cooks (about 10 minutes prep total), finely chop the onion and mince the garlic; grate or mince the ginger.

3. 3

   In a pan over medium heat, melt the butter and sauté onion until soft (about 5 minutes). Stir in garlic and ginger and cook for 30–60 seconds.

4. 4

   Add tomato paste, garam masala, cumin, turmeric, chili powder (if using), salt, and black pepper. Cook for 1–2 minutes, then add water and simmer briefly to form a smooth gravy.

5. 5

   Lower heat and stir in the cream. Add the drained pasta and toss, adding a splash of reserved pasta water as needed, until the pasta is glossy and evenly coated (about 10 minutes).

6. 6

   Taste and adjust salt/pepper. Garnish with cilantro if desired and serve immediately.