Name: Turkish Pasta
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: Turkish
Ingredients: 12 oz (340 g) pasta (penne, fusilli, or macaroni); 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 onion, finely chopped; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 1 lb (450 g) ground beef or lamb; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional); Salt and black pepper, to taste; 3 tablespoons butter; 1 teaspoon sweet paprika; Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish); Plain yogurt (optional, for serving)

Turkish Pasta is a bold, comforting dish that brings together tender pasta, savory ground meat, and a rich, fragrant butter drizzle infused with sweet paprika. This simple yet flavorful meal draws on Mediterranean inspiration and delivers big taste with minimal effort. Whether I’m craving a quick weeknight dinner or a dish that feels cozy and satisfying, this one always hits the spot.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

12 oz (340 g) pasta (penne, fusilli, or macaroni)

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 onion, finely chopped

1 lb (450 g) ground beef or lamb

2 garlic cloves, minced

1 teaspoon ground cumin

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Salt and black pepper, to taste

For the Sweet Paprika Butter:

3 tablespoons butter

1 teaspoon sweet paprika

For Garnish:

Fresh parsley, chopped

Plain yogurt (optional, for serving)

Directions

I start by cooking the pasta according to the package directions. Once it’s al dente, I drain it and set it aside.

In a skillet over medium heat, I heat the olive oil and sauté the chopped onion and garlic until fragrant.

Then, I add the ground beef or lamb and cook it until browned, breaking it up as it cooks.

I stir in the cumin, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper, allowing the flavors to meld.

For the paprika butter, I melt butter in a small pan and stir in the sweet paprika, letting it cook for about 30 seconds until it becomes aromatic.

I toss the cooked pasta with the spiced meat mixture, drizzle it with the paprika butter, and mix everything gently.

I finish it off with chopped parsley and, if I want extra creaminess, a spoonful of plain yogurt on top.

Servings and timing

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cooking Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 15 minutes

Servings: 4

Calories: 420 kcal per serving

Variations

I sometimes swap the beef for ground chicken or turkey for a lighter version.

For a vegetarian twist, I use cooked lentils or chickpeas instead of meat.

I like adding a handful of spinach or grated zucchini to sneak in some veggies.

A sprinkle of feta or crumbled goat cheese on top gives it a creamy tang.

Storage/Reheating

To store leftovers, I place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. When reheating, I warm the pasta gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to keep it moist. I avoid microwaving yogurt-topped portions; instead, I add fresh yogurt after reheating.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, I often use whatever short pasta I have on hand—penne, fusilli, or even elbow macaroni all work great.

Is this dish spicy?

It can be mildly spicy if I include the red pepper flakes, but I can easily skip them for a milder version.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, I sometimes prepare the meat mixture and paprika butter ahead, then just cook the pasta fresh and assemble when ready to serve.

What meat works best in this recipe?

I like ground lamb for a traditional Turkish flavor, but ground beef is just as delicious and more widely available.

Can I freeze Turkish Pasta?

I prefer not to freeze it as the pasta can get mushy, but the cooked meat mixture freezes well for up to 2 months.

Conclusion

Turkish Pasta is one of those go-to recipes I rely on when I want something fast, satisfying, and packed with flavor. With just a handful of pantry staples and a quick cooking process, it’s the kind of dish that fits perfectly into any weeknight rotation. From the spiced meat to the silky paprika butter, every bite delivers comfort and bold flavor.

Recipe:

Turkish Pasta

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Author: Sophia
Total Time: 15 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Diet: Halal

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Description

Turkish Pasta is a quick and flavorful dish combining tender pasta with spiced ground meat and a rich sweet paprika butter drizzle. Inspired by Mediterranean flavors, it’s a comforting and satisfying meal ready in just 15 minutes.