Turkish Pasta with Paprika Butter (Printable)

Al dente noodles with garlicky yogurt and spicy paprika chili butter combine for a vibrant Turkish-inspired dish.

# What You’ll Use:

→ Pasta

01 - 14 oz dried pasta (tagliatelle or spaghetti)
02 - Salt, for boiling water

→ Garlicky Yogurt

03 - 14 oz full-fat Greek yogurt
04 - 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
05 - 1/2 tsp salt
06 - 1 tbsp lemon juice (optional)

→ Paprika Chili Butter

07 - 4 tbsp unsalted butter
08 - 1 tbsp olive oil
09 - 1 1/2 tsp sweet paprika
10 - 1/2 tsp chili flakes (adjust to taste)
11 - 1/4 tsp ground cumin (optional)

→ Garnish

12 - 2 tbsp fresh dill or parsley, finely chopped
13 - Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

# How-To:

01 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/4 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta.
02 - In a bowl, combine Greek yogurt, minced garlic, salt, and lemon juice if using. Mix well and keep at room temperature.
03 - Melt butter with olive oil over medium heat in a small saucepan. Stir in paprika, chili flakes, and cumin if using. Let sizzle gently for 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant and deep orange-red, then remove from heat.
04 - Toss the drained pasta with reserved pasta water to loosen and coat evenly. Divide pasta onto serving plates.
05 - Spoon dollops of garlicky yogurt over the hot pasta. Drizzle the warm paprika chili butter evenly on top.
06 - Sprinkle with fresh dill or parsley and freshly ground black pepper. Serve immediately.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It comes together in the time it takes to boil pasta, yet tastes like you spent hours layering flavors.
  • The garlicky yogurt cools and soothes while the paprika butter adds warmth and a gentle kick that builds with each forkful.
  • You probably already have most of these ingredients sitting in your pantry and fridge right now.
02 -
  • Do not let the paprika butter sit over high heat or the paprika will turn bitter and lose its vibrant color.
  • Room temperature yogurt is key, if its too cold it will seize up and clump when it hits the hot pasta.
03 -
  • Use the best paprika you can find, it makes a world of difference in color and flavor.
  • If you love garlic, let the minced cloves sit in the yogurt for 10 minutes before serving so the sharpness softens just a little.
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