Chicken Pasta (with fresh ground Masala)

Category: Pasta / Macaroni / Chicken recipes
Preparation Time: 10 mins 
Cooking Time: 20 - 25 mins
Servings: For 2 persons

Chicken Pasta - This is my first chicken recipe in this blog. Actually I wont eat Chicken but will cook for my hubby and my kid occasionally; that's why non veg recipes make a rare appearance here:) As per the received feedback, the fresh ground masalas in this recipe heightens the flavor and makes it more delicious;)

Chicken Pasta

 Ingredients:

• Pasta - 2 cups (I used Gigli shaped tricolor pasta)
  
• Chicken, bite sized pieces - 1-1 1/2 cups
• Oil - 1 tsp
• Bay leaf - 1 no
• Salt - to taste
• Turmeric powder - 1/2 tsp 
• Coriander leaves - few

To Roast and Grind:

• Oil - 1 tsp
• Coriander seeds -2 tsp
• Pepper - 1/2 tsp
• Cinnamon - 1/2 inch 
• Cloves - 2
• Fennel Seeds - 1/2 tsp
• Garlic cloves - 3 nos
• Red chillies - 1-2 nos (Adjust as per taste)
• Small Onions - 4 nos
• Tomato, chopped - 1 no 
• Curry leaves - few
• Coconut - 3 tbsp

 Method:

1. Cook pasta as per the package instructions; (Boil water; add pasta with little salt and few drops of oil and cook for 11 -13 mins until slightly soft yet crunchy enough to bite). Drain and wash with cold water and keep aside  
   
2. Heat 1 tsp of oil in a pan and roast the coriander seeds, pepper, cinnamon, cloves, red chillies and fennel seeds. Once they become golden brown and gives nice aroma, add garlic, curry leaves and onion; saute for a min. Then add the chopped tomato and saute till it turns mushy and finally add in the coconut and switch off
   
3. Allow the masala to cool down and grind to a smooth paste with little water
4. Heat oil in a pan and add Bay leaf; fry for 30 secs
5. Add the chicken pieces with turmeric powder and saute for 2-3 mins till the colour changes
   
6. Then add the ground masala along with required salt and water, allow to cook in medium flame till the chicken is done
   
7. The consistency should not be very dry, needs to be semi-gravy so that the pasta gets coated nicely
8. Once its get cooked and oil separates, add the cooked pasta and mix well
   
9. Let it cook for 4-5 minutes in low flame and switch off
10.  Garnish with coriander leaves and serve!