Hey y'all! Ever tried something creamy, tangy, and garlicky all at once, with an irresistible crispy finish? Turkish Yogurt Pasta with Crispy Garlic is the delightfully simple comfort dish you didn't know you needed. Perfect for a quick lunch, weeknight dinner, or even an impressive side at gatherings, this bowl of pasta brings together silky yogurt sauce, golden garlic, and a touch of spice for a flavor-packed treat. Let's get cooking!
Why You'll Love This Turkish Yogurt Pasta Crispy Garlic
- Creamy, tangy yogurt sauce combines amazingly with pasta for melt-in-your-mouth goodness.
- Super quick—ready in just 25 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Crispy garlic and sizzling butter sauce add texture and an insane savory aroma.
- Flexible and family-friendly—perfect as a main or a side dish.
- Uses affordable, pantry-friendly ingredients you probably already have!
Ingredients for Turkish Yogurt Pasta Crispy Garlic
- 8 ounces dried pasta (penne or fusilli are perfect)
- 1 ½ cups plain Greek yogurt (full fat recommended for creaminess)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 5 large garlic cloves, thinly sliced
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon salt, divided
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Turkish or smoked paprika (plus extra for garnish)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
How to Make Turkish Yogurt Pasta Crispy Garlic
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the pasta and cook until al dente, about 10-12 minutes. Reserve ¼ cup pasta water, then drain and set aside.
Step 2: Make the Crispy Garlic Butter
While the pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a small skillet over medium-low. Add sliced garlic and cook, stirring frequently, until golden brown and crispy—about 3-4 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the garlic to a paper towel-lined plate. To the oil, add butter and paprika. Let it sizzle for 30 seconds, then remove from heat.
Step 3: Prepare the Yogurt Sauce
In a large bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, lemon juice, half the salt, and black pepper. Slowly whisk in 2-3 tablespoons of reserved pasta water to thin the sauce and make it smooth and glossy (see why pasta water is magic).
Step 4: Assemble the Turkish Yogurt Pasta Crispy Garlic
Add hot, drained pasta to the yogurt mixture. Toss quickly and gently until coated—it should be creamy and silky. Drizzle with the garlic-paprika butter, top with crispy garlic, parsley, and another sprinkle of paprika.
Notes for Success: Turkish Yogurt Pasta Crispy Garlic
- Let the pasta cool slightly before mixing with yogurt to prevent curdling—aim for barely-steaming pasta.
- Use full-fat Greek yogurt for the richest, creamiest texture (more tips on yogurt nutrition).
- Fresh lemon juice really brightens the flavors—don’t skip it!
Turkish Yogurt Pasta Crispy Garlic Variations
- Chili-Lover’s Version: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic butter for extra heat.
- Vegetable Boost: Mix in steamed spinach, peas, or roasted zucchini to up the veggie content.
- Protein Option: Top with shredded rotisserie chicken or crispy chickpeas for a heartier meal.
Required Equipment for Turkish Yogurt Pasta Crispy Garlic
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Colander
- Small skillet (preferably non-stick)
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Slotted spoon
Storage Instructions: Turkish Yogurt Pasta Crispy Garlic
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. For best texture, reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of milk or water. Note: yogurt-based sauces can separate when reheated, so mix well and avoid overheating.
Pairings & Serving Recommendations for Turkish Yogurt Pasta Crispy Garlic
- Serve alongside a fresh cucumber and tomato salad with a squeeze of lemon.
- Pair with crusty bread for scooping up every bit of creamy sauce.
- Enjoy as a side to grilled meats, like lamb or chicken souvlaki.
Pro Tips for Turkish Yogurt Pasta Crispy Garlic
- Room temperature yogurt blends more smoothly with pasta—take it out of the fridge before starting (pro tip here).
- Use a wide skillet for frying garlic so it crisps evenly without burning.
- Thin the sauce gradually with pasta water for perfect consistency—stop when it coats the pasta like silk.
FAQ: Turkish Yogurt Pasta Crispy Garlic
- Can I use regular yogurt instead of Greek yogurt?
- Yes, but strain it first or the sauce may be too runny; Greek yogurt is thicker and creamier.
- What’s the best type of pasta for this recipe?
- Short, textured pastas like penne or fusilli hold onto the sauce best, but any shape works.
- Is Turkish Yogurt Pasta Crispy Garlic vegetarian?
- Absolutely! Just make sure to use vegetarian-friendly butter if needed.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes | Serves: 3-4
Ingredients
- 300g dried pasta (spaghetti, linguine, or penne)
- 1 ¼ cups plain Greek-style yogurt
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 6 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon paprika or Aleppo pepper
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
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1Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water and drain the rest.
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2In a mixing bowl, combine the yogurt with a pinch of salt and black pepper. Add 2-3 tablespoons of reserved pasta water and whisk until smooth and creamy.
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3In a skillet, heat the butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced garlic and sauté until golden and crispy, about 2-3 minutes. Remove skillet from heat and stir in paprika or Aleppo pepper.
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4Toss the cooked pasta with the yogurt sauce until well coated. If needed, add a little more pasta water to achieve a creamy consistency.
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5Transfer the pasta to serving plates. Spoon the crispy garlic and butter mixture over the top.
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6Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired. Serve immediately.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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