Description
Creamy, cheesy Turkish pasta brings Mediterranean magic to dinner tables worldwide. Silky noodles and savory sauce deliver comfort with each delightful bite, making dinner an irresistible culinary adventure you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 ½ teaspoons chili flakes (Aleppo, pul biber, or red pepper flakes)
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 8 oz (226 g) pasta (fusilli, penne, or spaghetti)
- 1 cup (240 ml) plain Greek yogurt
- 2 tbsps (30 g) butter
- 1 tbsp (15 ml) olive oil
- ½ tsp salt
- 2 garlic cloves, finely grated or minced
- Optional toppings: chopped parsley, crushed walnuts, or a drizzle of extra chili oil
Instructions
- Pasta Preparation: Cook pasta in generously salted boiling water until perfectly tender, ensuring al dente texture. Carefully reserve pasta water before draining.
- Yogurt Sauce Creation: Blend Greek yogurt with freshly grated garlic and a pinch of salt, whisking until silky smooth. Allow sauce to reach ambient temperature while pasta cooks.
- Chili Butter Infusion: In a compact saucepan, gently melt butter and olive oil together. Introduce chili flakes and paprika, simmering on low heat to release aromatic flavors for approximately one minute. Remove from thermal source immediately.
- Harmonious Combination: Transfer drained pasta back to residual warmth of cooking pot. Integrate yogurt mixture, incorporating reserved pasta water to achieve luxurious, creamy consistency.
- Final Presentation: Elegantly plate pasta, generously drizzling vibrant chili butter across surface. Enhance visual appeal and flavor profile by garnishing with freshly chopped parsley, toasted walnuts, and additional chili flakes if desired. Serve promptly to preserve optimal temperature and texture.
Notes
- Add reserved pasta water gradually to control sauce thickness, ensuring a silky, creamy texture without becoming too runny or dry.
- Allow yogurt mixture to reach room temperature before mixing with pasta to prevent curdling and maintain smooth, uniform coating.
- Adjust chili flakes and paprika quantity based on personal spice tolerance, creating a customized heat level without overwhelming the dish.
- Toast walnuts lightly before garnishing to release natural oils and add a nutty, aromatic dimension that complements the creamy yogurt and spicy butter.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Turkish
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 50 mg