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Turkish pasta served with yogurt sauce, beef, and butter drizzle, garnished with fresh herbs

Turkish Pasta


  • Author: Emma
  • Total Time: 30min
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Description

Turkish pasta, or Yoğurtlu Makarna, is a delightful fusion of tender pasta, creamy garlic-infused yogurt sauce, and savory spiced ground beef, all topped with a rich paprika-infused butter drizzle. This dish harmoniously blends tangy, savory, and mildly spicy flavors, offering a comforting and satisfying meal that’s both unique and easy to prepare.


Ingredients

Scale

For the Pasta

  • 8 ounces pasta (farfalle, penne, or fusilli)
  • Kosher salt (for boiling water)

For the Meat Sauce

  • 1 lb ground beef (93% lean)
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon red pepper paste (or tomato paste)
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 2 teaspoons sweet paprika
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
  • ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper

For the Garlic Yogurt Sauce

  • 1 cup Greek yogurt (full-fat or skim)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt

For the Butter Sauce

  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
  • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (Aleppo or Urfa chili recommended)
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt

Garnish (Optional)

 

  • ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 4 tablespoons dried mint or fresh parsley
  • 2 tablespoons sumac

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

 

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. The water should taste salty, like the ocean.
  2. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente (about 9-10 minutes).
  3. Before draining, save ½ cup of pasta water in case the dish needs moisture later.
  4. Drain the pasta and set it aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Meat Sauce

 

  1. Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook for 4-5 minutes, breaking up the meat with a wooden spoon until browned and fully cooked.
  2. Stir in the chopped onion, red pepper paste, and spices (onion powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper).
  3. Continue to cook for another 5-6 minutes, stirring frequently, until the onion softens and the meat is fully incorporated with the spices.
  4. If the meat mixture appears dry, add a few tablespoons of the reserved pasta water to keep it moist.
  5. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Yogurt Sauce

 

  1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, minced garlic, lemon juice, and salt until smooth and creamy.
  2. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
  3. Set aside at room temperature.

Step 4: Prepare the Butter Sauce

 

  1. In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
  2. Stir in the sweet paprika, red pepper flakes, and salt.
  3. Cook for 1-2 minutes, allowing the flavors to infuse while the butter turns a deep golden color.
  4. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 5: Assemble the Dish

 

  1. Divide the cooked pasta into serving bowls.
  2. Spoon 4 tablespoons of the garlic yogurt sauce over each portion.
  3. Top with about ⅔ cup of the cooked beef mixture.
  4. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon (or more) of the melted butter sauce.
  5. Garnish with cherry tomatoes, dried mint or fresh parsley, and sumac if desired.
  6. Serve immediately and enjoy.

Notes

  • Yogurt: Full-fat Greek yogurt provides a creamier texture, but low-fat versions can be used for a lighter dish.​
  • Pasta: Short pasta shapes like fusilli or penne are ideal as they hold the sauces well.​
  • Spices: Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to control the heat level.​
  • Storage: Store leftovers in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat the meat sauce and pasta gently; the yogurt sauce is best served fresh.
  • Prep Time: 10min
  • Cook Time: 20min
  • Cuisine: Turkish

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: Approximately 1 ½ cups
  • Calories: Approximately 526
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Sodium: 651mg
  • Fat: 25g
  • Saturated Fat: 12g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 13g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 34g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 40g
  • Cholesterol: 113mg