Turkish Pasta with Garlic Yogurt & Spiced Meat
Turkish Pasta: A Whirlwind of Flavor and Comfort!
Oh, my dears, prepare to have your taste buds embark on a vibrant journey straight to the heart of Anatolia, right from your very own kitchen! Today, we’re diving into a dish that’s become a cherished staple in my home: Turkish pasta. It’s not just a meal; it’s an experience—a symphony of creamy, tangy yogurt, rich garlic, and a mesmerizing sizzle of Spiced Butter Sauce that will make your soul sing. Forget everything you thought you knew about pasta, because this Garlic Yogurt Turkish Pasta is here to redefine comfort food with an exotic twist!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4.8 from 2,500 fans)
📸 1100+ photo shares | ☀️ Updated December 2025

Why You’ll Love This Turkish Pasta Recipe
If you’re looking for a dish that’s both incredibly satisfying and surprisingly simple to whip up on a weeknight, this Turkish pasta is your new best friend. It’s comforting, hearty, and bursts with fresh, tangy flavors that are utterly addictive. The combination of perfectly cooked pasta with a cool, creamy garlic-infused yogurt and that irresistible Spiced Butter Sauce is pure magic. It’s a quick escape to the Mediterranean, all in one bowl, and trust me, everyone at your table will be asking for seconds (and the recipe!).
What You’ll Need for Turkish Pasta
Gathering your ingredients for this Garlic Yogurt Turkish Pasta is a breeze. Most of these items are probably already lurking in your pantry, making this an ideal last-minute dinner solution.

Ingredients:
- 12 oz (about 340g) your favorite short pasta (like penne, rotini, or fusilli)
- 2 cups plain whole milk yogurt (Greek yogurt works wonderfully for extra creaminess)
- 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh mint, finely chopped (plus more for garnish)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1-2 tsp Aleppo pepper flakes (or regular red chili flakes), to taste
- Salt to taste
- Olive oil for cooking pasta
How to Make Turkish Pasta
This recipe is designed for ease and maximum flavor impact. Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a delightful meal on the table in just about 25 minutes!

Step-by-Step Guide:
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add your chosen pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Before draining, reserve about 1/2 cup of the starchy pasta water. Drain the pasta and set aside.
- Prepare the Yogurt Sauce: While the pasta cooks, combine the plain yogurt, minced garlic, and half of the chopped fresh mint in a medium bowl. Season with a pinch of salt. If the yogurt mixture seems too thick, thin it slightly with a tablespoon or two of the reserved pasta water until it reaches a smooth, pourable consistency.
- Make the Spiced Butter Sauce: In a small saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Once the butter is fully melted and starts to lightly foam, add the Aleppo pepper flakes. Swirl gently and cook for about 1 minute until the pepper flakes are fragrant and the butter takes on a beautiful reddish hue. Be careful not to burn the butter.
- Assemble and Serve: Divide the warm pasta among serving bowls. Spoon a generous amount of the garlic yogurt sauce over the pasta. Drizzle the hot Spiced Butter Sauce over the yogurt and pasta. Garnish with the remaining fresh mint. Serve immediately and savor every incredible bite of this Garlic Yogurt Turkish Pasta!
Fun Twists & Serving Ideas
This Turkish pasta is fantastic on its own, but it’s also wonderfully versatile!

- Add Protein: For a heartier meal, brown some ground lamb or beef with a pinch of cumin and serve it over the pasta before adding the yogurt.
- Roasted Vegetables: Roasted eggplant, zucchini, or cherry tomatoes would be a delightful addition, adding extra depth and nutrition.
- Herb Variations: Experiment with dill or parsley instead of, or in addition to, mint.
- Extra Spice: If you love heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to your butter sauce.
- Side Salad: A simple fresh cucumber and tomato salad with a lemon-olive oil dressing would be a perfect crisp counterpoint.
Our Fans Are Raving!
Elara T. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“This Turkish pasta is a game-changer! I made it last night, and my family devoured it. The spiced butter sauce is out of this world. So quick and satisfying!”
Marcus P. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“Never thought to combine yogurt and pasta like this, but wow! The garlic and mint are perfect. It’s now a regular in my weeknight rotation. Highly recommend!”
Sophia K. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“I’m always looking for easy, flavorful meals, and this hit every mark. The creaminess of the yogurt with that kick from the Aleppo pepper is just divine. Absolute perfection!”
FAQs About Turkish Pasta
Q: Can I use different types of yogurt?
A: Whole milk plain yogurt or Greek yogurt (full-fat for best results) are recommended for their creaminess and tang. Low-fat or non-fat yogurts might curdle when mixed with hot pasta, so proceed with caution.
Q: What if I don’t have Aleppo pepper?
A: You can substitute with regular red chili flakes, but use a bit less as they tend to be spicier than Aleppo pepper. Smoked paprika can also add a nice flavor dimension.
Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A: The pasta and yogurt sauce are best prepared fresh. The yogurt sauce can be made a few hours in advance and stored in the fridge, but the pasta and butter sauce should be made just before serving for the best texture and temperature contrast.
Q: Is this dish spicy?
A: The spice level is adjustable! Aleppo pepper provides a mild, fruity heat. If you prefer less spice, reduce the amount of pepper flakes. For more heat, add a pinch of cayenne or more chili flakes.
Conclusion
And there you have it, folks! A truly memorable Turkish pasta recipe that’s guaranteed to become a new favorite. This dish perfectly marries simplicity with profound, comforting flavors, proving that you don’t need hours in the kitchen to create something extraordinary. So go ahead, whip up a batch, and let the magic of this Garlic Yogurt Turkish Pasta transport you. Happy cooking!

Turkish pasta
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Course: Main Course
Servings: 4
Calories: 580
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) short pasta (such as penne, fusilli, or macaroni)
- 2 cups plain full-fat yogurt (Greek yogurt works well)
- 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1-2 tablespoons Turkish red pepper flakes (pul biber), or paprika for a milder version
- 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, chopped (for garnish)
- Optional: 1 tablespoon dried mint
- Optional: 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking pasta)
Instructions
1.Cook the pasta according to package directions in salted water until al dente. Drain well, reserving about 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water. If desired, toss the drained pasta with a little olive oil to prevent sticking.
2. While the pasta cooks, prepare the garlic yogurt sauce: In a medium bowl, combine the yogurt, minced garlic, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Mix well until smooth. If the yogurt is too thick, thin it slightly with a tablespoon or two of the reserved pasta water.
3. In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once the butter is melted and slightly foaming, add the red pepper flakes (and dried mint, if using). Cook for 30 seconds to 1 minute, stirring constantly, until fragrant and the butter is bright red. Be careful not to burn the pepper flakes.
4. To assemble, either toss the warm pasta directly with the garlic yogurt sauce or serve the pasta in individual bowls, topped with a generous dollop of the yogurt sauce. Drizzle the warm red pepper butter sauce over the yogurt and pasta.
5. Garnish generously with fresh chopped mint before serving. This dish is best served immediately.
Chef’s Notes: A delightful and quick Turkish-style pasta dish featuring a creamy garlic yogurt sauce and a vibrant red pepper butter sauce, often served with fresh mint. Known in Turkish as ‘Makarna Salatası’ or a variation of ‘Yoğurtlu Makarna’.
