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.
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)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a skillet over medium heat, heat the olive oil. Add the chopped onion and garlic, sauté until fragrant.
- Add the ground beef or lamb and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks.
- Stir in the cumin, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Cook for a few more minutes to combine flavors.
- In a small pan, melt the butter and stir in the sweet paprika. Cook for about 30 seconds until aromatic.
- Toss the cooked pasta with the spiced meat mixture. Drizzle with the paprika butter and gently mix.
- Top with chopped parsley and a spoonful of plain yogurt if desired. Serve warm.
Notes
Use ground chicken or turkey for a lighter version.
Substitute meat with cooked lentils or chickpeas for a vegetarian option.
Add spinach or grated zucchini for extra veggies.
Top with feta or goat cheese for added creaminess and flavor.
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat with a splash of water or broth. Add yogurt after reheating.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Turkish
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 280mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 21g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
