Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Anna Paul’s Viral Turkish Pasta is a rich, creamy, and flavor-packed dish that blends the bold taste of spiced butter with the cooling tang of garlicky yogurt. Inspired by traditional Turkish mantı flavors, this easy pasta version went viral for a reason—it’s quick, comforting, and incredibly delicious with a perfect balance of heat, tang, and savory goodness.
ingredients
Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.
pasta of choice (like fusilli or shells)plain Greek yogurtnutmeg (optional)garlic (freshly minced)unsalted butterpaprikachili flakes or Aleppo pepperolive oilmint (dried or fresh)saltblack pepper
directions
Boil pasta in salted water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a bowl, mix Greek yogurt with minced garlic, salt, and a pinch of nutmeg if using. Set aside at room temperature.
In a small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add paprika and chili flakes, stirring until fragrant and the butter turns a rich red-orange hue. Turn off the heat.
Drizzle in a little olive oil and add a pinch of dried mint for aromatic flavor.
Toss the cooked pasta with the garlic yogurt until evenly coated.
Drizzle the spiced butter mixture generously over the top.
Garnish with more mint or a pinch of chili flakes if desired. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 2–3 people.Preparation time: 5 minutesCooking time: 10 minutesTotal time: 15 minutes
Variations
Add sautéed ground beef or lamb for extra protein.
Top with toasted pine nuts for crunch.
Use labneh for a thicker, tangier yogurt base.
Mix in caramelized onions for extra depth.
Add a poached or soft-boiled egg for a richer twist.
storage/reheating
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.Best served fresh, but you can reheat gently on the stove or microwave—add a splash of water or extra yogurt to maintain creaminess.Avoid overheating to prevent the yogurt from curdling.
FAQs
Can I use any pasta?
Yes, but short pasta shapes like shells, penne, or fusilli hold the sauce best.
Is it spicy?
It has a mild heat from chili flakes, but you can adjust to taste.
Can I use regular yogurt?
Yes, but Greek yogurt gives the best creamy texture.
What if my yogurt curdles?
Use room temperature yogurt and avoid high heat when mixing with hot pasta.
Is this dish vegetarian?
Yes, as long as you don’t add meat toppings.
Can I make it vegan?
Use plant-based yogurt and vegan butter.
Why is it called Turkish pasta?
It’s inspired by the flavors of Turkish mantı (dumplings), especially the yogurt and spiced butter combo.
Conclusion
Anna Paul’s Viral Turkish Pasta is a must-try for anyone craving a unique, creamy, and savory meal with minimal effort. With bold spices, velvety yogurt, and warm pasta all in one dish, it’s a flavor-packed comfort food that lives up to the hype. Perfect for a quick lunch, dinner, or even a cozy late-night bite.
PrintAnna Paul’s Viral Turkish Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Turkish-Inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This viral Turkish pasta recipe made famous by Anna Paul is rich, tangy, and full of flavor. Made with garlicky yogurt, spicy chili butter, and perfectly cooked pasta, it’s a simple dish that delivers bold, comforting flavor in every bite. It’s ready in 15 minutes and totally crave-worthy!
Ingredients
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8 oz (about 225g) pasta (penne, rigatoni, or any short pasta)
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Salt (for boiling water)
For the Garlic Yogurt Sauce:
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1 cup plain Greek yogurt (or thick plain yogurt)
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1-2 cloves garlic, minced or grated
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Salt, to taste
For the Spicy Butter Sauce:
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2 tablespoons unsalted butter
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1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, for extra richness)
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1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (Turkish Aleppo or regular chili flakes)
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1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional)
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Pinch of salt
Instructions
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Cook the pasta in salted water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
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Make the garlic yogurt sauce: In a bowl, combine yogurt, minced garlic, and a pinch of salt. Mix well and set aside.
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Prepare the chili butter: In a small pan, melt butter over medium heat. Add red pepper flakes, paprika (if using), and a pinch of salt. Let it sizzle for 30–60 seconds, then remove from heat. Be careful not to burn the garlic or spices.
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Assemble: In a serving bowl or plate, spread the garlic yogurt sauce on the bottom. Top with the warm cooked pasta.
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Drizzle the spicy butter over the top. Mix everything together or serve as-is for a dramatic presentation.
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Garnish with chopped parsley or a sprinkle of extra chili flakes if desired.
Notes
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For a vegan version, use dairy-free yogurt and plant-based butter.
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Want protein? Add shredded rotisserie chicken, chickpeas, or a poached egg on top.
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Turkish chili flakes (pul biber) give the best flavor, but crushed red pepper works too.
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