Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 200g medium-sized pasta (penne, fusilli, or rigatoni)
Sauce Base
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup cold Turkish yogurt (or Greek yogurt as substitute)
Flavorings & Spices
- 2–3 fresh garlic cloves, finely minced
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
Fresh Herbs & Cheese (Optional)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley or dill, chopped
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese or shredded kasar cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Start by boiling the pasta in salted water until al dente, about 1-2 minutes less than package instructions. This ensures the pasta holds its bite and will not become mushy when mixed with the creamy sauce.
- Prepare the Roux: In a large pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, sprinkle in the flour while whisking constantly to form a smooth paste. Cook the roux without browning to maintain a silky sauce texture.
- Add Milk and Yogurt: Slowly pour in the whole milk while whisking to prevent lumps. Stir in the cold yogurt to add tangy richness and continue stirring until the sauce thickens nicely.
- Season and Spice: Add the finely minced garlic, ground black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Simmer gently so the flavors meld without overpowering the creamy base.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Drain the cooked pasta and add it directly to the sauce. Toss thoroughly to coat each piece evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen it for perfect consistency.
- Garnish and Serve: Finish the dish by sprinkling chopped fresh herbs and optional crumbled feta or shredded cheese on top. Serve immediately to enjoy the creaminess at its best.
Notes
- Use full-fat dairy products like whole milk and full-fat yogurt for the creamiest sauce texture.
- Whisk the roux constantly to avoid lumps and prevent burning.
- Reserve some pasta cooking water to adjust the sauce consistency if needed.
- Add cold yogurt to the warm sauce to prevent curdling.
- Season progressively by tasting and adjusting spices in stages for balanced flavor.
- Serve immediately for optimal creaminess and flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Turkish
- Diet: Vegetarian (can be adapted to dairy-free or vegan)
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 220 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 10 g
- Cholesterol: 50 mg
Keywords: Turkish pasta, creamy pasta recipe, easy pasta recipe, Turkish cuisine, vegetarian pasta, quick dinner, creamy sauce pasta