Shrimp Tikka Masala Pasta
Shrimp Tikka Masala Pasta
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs shrimp
- 1/2 – 3/4 lb. gemelli pasta or another type of similar size and shape
- 3 tbsp oil
- 1 cup cubed onion
- 1 tbsp ginger paste
- 1 tbsp garlic paste
- 3/4 tsp salt, divided
- 1 tsp coriander powder
- 1 tsp cumin powder
- 1 tsp Kashmiri red chili powder
- 1 tsp garam masala
- 1/4 tsp turmeric
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
- 1 tbsp tandoori paste
- 4 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tbsp chopped cilantro
- grated parmesan cheese optional garnish
- crushed red pepper flakes optional garnish
Instructions
- Devein, clean, and drain shrimp.
- Boil pasta according to package directions using 1 tbsp salt in the water. Drain and set aside, reserving 1 cup pasta water. About 1/2 to 3/4 of a box of pasta is needed in this recipe.
- In a skillet, heat oil and sauté onions until golden.
- Add ginger paste and garlic paste, followed by all the spices (salt, coriander, cumin, Kashmiri red chili powder, garam masala & turmeric). Sauté for about 5 minutes until the oil separates, adding a splash of water to prevent sticking/burning.
- Add Greek yogurt, tandoori paste, tomato paste & sugar. Sauté for another 3-4 minutes.
- Add shrimp and stir it around until they are no longer gray (do not overcook).
- Add heavy cream and let the sauce come to a simmer.
- Stir in boiled pasta and let it simmer for another 5 minutes or so. Add the reserved pasta water to slightly thin out the sauce. Adjust salt.
- Garnish with chopped cilantro.
- Sprinkle grated parmesan and crushed red pepper flakes on top (optional).
What is Tikka Masala?
Tikka masala is a spiced gravy dish made popular by South Asian chefs living abroad. It uses typical South Asian cooking techniques but is adjusted to cater to a global population. Nowadays, tikka masala graces the pages of almost every Indian restaurant menu. Tikka masala simply refers to the gravy. The main ingredient of the dish can vary. Chicken tikka masala is the most popular version, but shrimp, paneer, vegetable, fish, and mushroom are also commonly enjoyed.
About Shrimp Tikka Masala Pasta
This creation is a fusion of an already fusioned dish (inception that!) Shrimp tikka masala is most commonly served with rice or naan, but I have a thing for pasta (actually, my KIDS have a thing for pasta). I realized you can literally make a fusion pasta dish out of everything. For this Shrimp Tikka Masala Pasta, I started off as if I were making shrimp tikka masala. Then to create a saucier environment for the pasta, I added heavy cream and pasta water. Then all that’s left to do is add in the pasta and garnish!
And Finally…
If you recreate this dish, don’t forget to leave a star rating and comment below. And share your work with me on Instagram!