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
Scale
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