Description
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Yogurt Pasta is a creamy, tangy, and comforting dish made with simple ingredients like pasta, yogurt, garlic, and olive oil or butter. This traditional Mediterranean and Middle Eastern-inspired recipe is light yet satisfying and can be enjoyed as a main dish or side. It comes together in just minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
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8 oz (about 1/2 lb) pasta (spaghetti, penne, or your choice)
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1 cup plain Greek yogurt (or regular plain yogurt)
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2–3 garlic cloves, minced or grated
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2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
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Salt, to taste
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Black pepper, to taste
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2 tablespoons grated Parmesan or crumbled feta (optional)
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Fresh mint, dill, or parsley for garnish (optional)
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Red pepper flakes or Aleppo pepper (optional for heat)
Instructions
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Cook the pasta:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Reserve about 1/4 cup of pasta water, then drain. -
Prepare the yogurt sauce:
While the pasta cooks, in a bowl, mix the yogurt with garlic, a pinch of salt, and black pepper. If the yogurt is very thick, whisk in a little of the reserved pasta water to loosen it. -
Heat oil or butter:
In a small pan, heat olive oil or butter over medium heat until warm. Optionally, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or Aleppo pepper for flavor. -
Combine pasta and sauce:
Toss the hot pasta with the yogurt mixture until evenly coated. If needed, add a bit more reserved pasta water to make the sauce silky. -
Drizzle and garnish:
Pour the warm butter or oil over the pasta, top with herbs and cheese if using, and serve immediately.
Notes
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Greek yogurt gives a thicker, tangier result; regular yogurt works fine too but may need less pasta water.
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Great served hot or even cold as a pasta salad.
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Try adding sautéed spinach, chickpeas, or grilled chicken for a more filling meal.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Boiling, Mixing
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/3 of recipe
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 260
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 20mg