Print

Anna Paul’s Viral Turkish Pasta Recipe

4.7 from 136 reviews

Anna Paul’s Viral Turkish Pasta is a flavorful and comforting dish that combines spiced ground beef, creamy garlic yogurt, and a vibrant paprika butter sauce. This recipe showcases a beautiful blend of Turkish-inspired spices with familiar pasta, topped with fresh cherry tomatoes, feta cheese, and parsley for a deliciously balanced meal that’s quick to prepare and perfect for any night.

Ingredients

Scale

Garlic Yogurt Sauce

  • 2 cups Greek yogurt
  • 4 garlic cloves, grated
  • Juice from ½ lemon
  • Salt, to taste

Spiced Beef

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 yellow onion, diced
  • 1 tsp sweet paprika
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp cumin
  • 3 tbsp tomato paste
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Paprika Butter

  • ¼ cup butter
  • 1 tsp sweet paprika

Other Ingredients & Toppings

  • 12 oz cooked pasta (fusilli or penne recommended)
  • Cherry tomatoes, halved
  • Fresh parsley, chopped
  • Feta cheese, crumbled

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Garlic Yogurt: In a small bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, grated garlic, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt. Stir well to amalgamate all the flavors and set aside to allow the garlic to infuse.
  2. Cook the Spiced Beef: Heat a skillet over medium heat and add the diced yellow onion. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the onions soften and become translucent. Add the sweet paprika, garlic powder, and cumin, stirring to toast the spices for 2 minutes to enhance their aroma. Introduce the ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned, about 10 minutes, breaking it apart as it cooks. Season with salt, pepper, and stir in the tomato paste. Let the mixture simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes to meld flavors.
  3. Make the Paprika Butter: In a small saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Once melted, stir in the sweet paprika and continue cooking gently until the butter begins to bubble softly, allowing the paprika to infuse the butter with rich color and flavor. Remove from heat immediately to prevent burning.
  4. Assemble the Dish: Place the cooked pasta into a large serving dish or individual plates. Spoon the prepared garlic yogurt sauce evenly over the pasta, then layer the spiced ground beef on top. Drizzle the warm paprika butter evenly over the entire dish to add a rich, smoky finish.
  5. Add the Toppings: Garnish the dish with halved cherry tomatoes, crumbled feta cheese, and a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley to add freshness, bright colors, and an additional layer of flavor.
  6. Serve and Enjoy: Serve immediately while warm for the best taste experience. This hearty and aromatic pasta is perfect for a cozy meal that brings together vibrant Turkish-inspired flavors and comforting textures.

Notes

  • Use Greek yogurt with a thick consistency for the best creamy texture in the garlic yogurt sauce.
  • Fusilli or penne pasta works well as they hold the sauce and beef nicely, but feel free to use your favorite short pasta.
  • Adjust the amount of garlic in the yogurt sauce according to your taste preference for milder or stronger garlic flavor.
  • If you prefer less spice, reduce the paprika or omit the cumin from the beef mixture.
  • The paprika butter should be gently heated only to infuse the flavor; avoid overheating it to prevent burning and bitterness.
  • This dish can be made ahead by preparing the components separately and assembling just before serving.

Keywords: Turkish pasta, ground beef pasta, garlic yogurt sauce, paprika butter, comfort food, Anna Paul recipe, easy dinner, spicy pasta