If you’ve been scrolling through social media lately, you’ve probably come across the mouth-watering magic that is Anna Paul’s viral Turkish Pasta. This dish has taken the internet by storm, and for good reason! It’s the perfect balance of creamy, spicy, and flavorful, all wrapped up in a dish that’s super easy to make. It’s one of those recipes that not only looks like a showstopper but also tastes absolutely incredible. Trust me, this one will quickly become your new favorite pasta!
Why You’ll Love Anna Paul’s Viral Turkish Pasta
Bold and Flavorful
This pasta is all about big, bold flavors. With a combo of creamy yogurt, tangy tomatoes, and a kick of spice, every bite is an explosion of goodness. The creamy sauce beautifully coats the pasta, making each mouthful rich and comforting.
Super Easy to Make
No need for fancy ingredients or complicated steps here! Anna Paul’s Turkish pasta is quick, simple, and requires just a few basic ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen. If you’re someone who loves a meal that’s both flavorful and effortless, this is for you!
Crowd-Pleasing
It’s a dish that’s guaranteed to impress. Whether you’re cooking for your family, friends, or just yourself, this Turkish pasta is one of those meals that makes everyone stop and ask for the recipe. It’s a guaranteed hit!
Versatile
While the original recipe is already perfection, you can easily tweak it to suit your tastes. Add in some extra veggies, adjust the level of spice, or throw in a protein like grilled chicken or shrimp if you want to make it heartier.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to recreate this viral Turkish pasta:
Pasta
The pasta is the base of this dish, so make sure you choose a type that can hold the creamy sauce well. Penne, fusilli, or rigatoni all work wonderfully!
Greek Yogurt
This is the secret ingredient that makes the sauce extra creamy and tangy. Greek yogurt adds richness without being overly heavy, giving the pasta that perfect creamy texture.
Tomato Paste
Tomato paste adds a deep, rich tomato flavor to the dish. It’s concentrated and flavorful, making it a key ingredient in building that savory base for the sauce.
Olive Oil
A little olive oil helps to bring out the flavor of the tomato paste and gives the sauce a silky, smooth texture.
Red Pepper Flakes
Here’s where the magic happens! Red pepper flakes bring the heat and give the dish that signature spicy kick. You can adjust the amount depending on how spicy you like it.
Garlic
Garlic adds that aromatic, savory depth to the sauce. It’s the perfect flavor booster that ties everything together.
Salt and Pepper
To round out the flavors, a bit of salt and pepper will do the trick. Don’t skip these—they help elevate the whole dish!
Fresh Parsley (Optional)
For garnish, fresh parsley adds a pop of color and a bit of freshness. It’s optional, but it makes the dish look even more appealing!
(Note: The full ingredient list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Ready to dive in and make this viral pasta? Here’s how to do it:
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by bringing a pot of salted water to a boil. Cook your pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Once done, drain the pasta, reserving about a cup of pasta water for later. Set the pasta aside.
Step 2: Make the Sauce
While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes. Then, stir in the tomato paste and cook for another minute, allowing it to deepen in flavor.
Step 3: Add the Yogurt and Seasoning
Reduce the heat to low and add the Greek yogurt to the skillet, stirring it into the tomato paste mixture. Add red pepper flakes (to taste), salt, and pepper, and stir everything until the sauce is smooth and creamy. If the sauce seems too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency.
Step 4: Combine the Pasta and Sauce
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss it in the creamy tomato sauce until fully coated. If needed, add more pasta water to ensure the sauce evenly coats the pasta.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Once the pasta is well mixed with the sauce, garnish with fresh parsley for a touch of color. Serve hot and enjoy the creamy, spicy goodness!
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 420
Fat: 18g
Carbohydrates: 50g
Protein: 15g
Sodium: 400mg
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 6g
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
How to Serve Anna Paul’s Viral Turkish Pasta
This pasta is delicious on its own, but you can elevate your meal by pairing it with a few simple sides:
Green Salad
A light, refreshing green salad with lemon vinaigrette would be the perfect contrast to the creamy pasta. It adds freshness and balances out the richness of the dish.
Garlic Bread
If you’re craving a carb-on-carb situation (who isn’t?), serve the pasta with some warm, toasted garlic bread. It’s perfect for soaking up that creamy sauce!
Roasted Vegetables
Roasted veggies like zucchini, bell peppers, or eggplant make a great side dish. They add a bit of texture and an earthy flavor that complements the pasta.
Grilled Chicken or Shrimp
If you want to add some protein, grilled chicken or shrimp works beautifully with this dish. Simply season and cook the protein of your choice, then serve it on the side or toss it into the pasta!
Additional Tips
Adjust the Spice
If you like your food extra spicy, feel free to add more red pepper flakes. If you prefer something milder, start with a small amount and add to taste.
Make It Creamier
For an extra rich and creamy sauce, you can mix in a bit of heavy cream along with the yogurt. This will create a velvety, luscious texture.
Add Vegetables
Feel free to throw in some sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or tomatoes to add more depth and color to the dish. It’s a great way to sneak in some extra veggies!
Use Full-Fat Yogurt
For the creamiest texture, use full-fat Greek yogurt. If you’re looking for a lighter option, low-fat yogurt works, but the sauce might be a bit thinner.
Make It Vegetarian
This dish is already vegetarian, but if you want to add more protein, try adding chickpeas or a plant-based meat substitute. It will still keep the flavors rich and satisfying.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use regular yogurt instead of Greek yogurt?
A1: Greek yogurt gives the sauce a thicker and creamier texture, but regular yogurt will work too, though the sauce may be a bit thinner.
Q2: Can I make this pasta ahead of time?
A2: While this pasta is best served fresh, you can make the sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. Just reheat and toss with the pasta when you’re ready to serve.
Q3: Can I freeze this pasta?
A3: Freezing the pasta itself is not recommended, as the sauce may separate when reheated. However, you can freeze the sauce separately and mix it with freshly cooked pasta when you’re ready to eat.
Q4: Can I use a different type of pasta?
A4: Absolutely! Any pasta shape you like will work. Penne, fusilli, and spaghetti are great options for this creamy sauce.
Q5: How can I make this recipe spicier?
A5: Add more red pepper flakes or even some hot sauce to the sauce for extra heat. You can adjust it to your spice tolerance!
Q6: Can I add protein to this dish?
A6: Yes! Grilled chicken, shrimp, or even ground turkey are great additions to make this a more substantial meal.
Q7: Is this recipe gluten-free?
A7: If you use gluten-free pasta, this recipe can easily be made gluten-free. Just check the labels to ensure the yogurt and other ingredients are safe for your dietary needs.
Q8: Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of tomato paste?
A8: You can use fresh tomatoes, but tomato paste gives the dish a deeper, richer flavor. If using fresh, you may need to cook them down longer to concentrate the flavor.
Q9: Can I add other vegetables to the sauce?
A9: Yes! Spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms would be wonderful additions. Just sauté them with the garlic before adding the tomato paste and yogurt.
Q10: Can I make this dish dairy-free?
A10: Yes, you can substitute the Greek yogurt with a dairy-free yogurt (such as coconut or almond yogurt) to make the dish dairy-free.
Conclusion
Anna Paul’s Viral Turkish Pasta is everything you could want in a meal—delicious, creamy, and full of bold flavors, yet incredibly simple to make. Whether you’re feeding the family, impressing guests, or just treating yourself to a comforting dinner, this dish delivers every time. The creamy yogurt sauce, combined with the spicy kick of red pepper flakes and savory tomato paste, creates a truly unforgettable pasta experience. And the best part? It’s super versatile, so you can tweak it to your liking. So go ahead, give it a try—you’ll see why this recipe has taken the internet by storm! Enjoy every bite!
PrintAnna Paul’s Viral Turkish Pasta Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Anna Paul’s Viral Turkish Pasta is a quick, creamy, and flavorful dish that has taken the internet by storm! With a rich, velvety tomato sauce and the perfect blend of spices, this recipe is ideal for a satisfying lunch or dinner. It’s a comforting and easy-to-make meal that’s sure to impress!
Ingredients
For the Pasta:
- 8 oz (225g) spaghetti or any pasta of choice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt (for pasta water)
For the Tomato Sauce:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/2 cup tomato paste
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes (or use fresh tomatoes, chopped)
- 1 teaspoon paprika (can be smoked paprika for extra flavor)
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (or substitute with half-and-half or milk for a lighter version)
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese (optional, for extra creaminess)
For the Garnish:
- Fresh parsley (chopped)
- Extra parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water. - Prepare the Tomato Sauce:
In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the tomato paste and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it darkens slightly and becomes aromatic. - Add the Tomatoes and Spices:
Stir in the diced tomatoes (with their juices), paprika, red pepper flakes, oregano, salt, and pepper. Let the mixture simmer for 5-7 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and the flavors to meld together. - Creamy Sauce:
Once the sauce has thickened, reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream. If the sauce is too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water to achieve your desired consistency. Stir in the grated parmesan cheese (if using) to make the sauce extra creamy. - Combine Pasta and Sauce:
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the sauce and toss to coat. Stir until the pasta is well covered in the creamy tomato sauce. If necessary, add more reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce. - Serve:
Garnish the pasta with fresh chopped parsley and additional parmesan cheese if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- For extra flavor, you can add sautéed onions or garlic to the sauce mixture.
- If you like it spicier, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce.
- This dish is great on its own, but you can pair it with a side salad or grilled chicken for a complete meal.
- For a dairy-free version, use coconut milk or a plant-based cream substitute, and omit the parmesan.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of the recipe
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg