Description
This quick and creamy Yogurt Pasta recipe combines al dente pasta with a garlicky Greek yogurt sauce, enhanced by warm olive oil or butter and garnished with fresh herbs and cheese. A refreshing yet comforting dish perfect for a fast, healthy meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 8 oz (about 1/2 lb) pasta (spaghetti, penne, or your choice)
Sauce
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt (or regular plain yogurt)
- 2–3 garlic cloves, minced or grated
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
For Cooking and Garnish
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan or crumbled feta (optional)
- Fresh mint, dill, or parsley for garnish (optional)
- Red pepper flakes or Aleppo pepper (optional for heat)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook until al dente according to the package instructions. Reserve about 1/4 cup of the pasta water before draining the pasta.
- Prepare the yogurt sauce: While the pasta cooks, in a bowl mix the yogurt with minced or grated garlic, a pinch of salt, and black pepper. If the yogurt is very thick, whisk in a small amount of the reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce to a creamy consistency.
- Heat olive oil or butter: In a small pan over medium heat, warm the olive oil or butter until it is hot. Optionally, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or Aleppo pepper to infuse some heat and flavor into the oil.
- Combine pasta and sauce: Toss the hot, drained pasta with the yogurt mixture until it is evenly coated. Add additional reserved pasta water as needed to achieve a silky, smooth sauce texture.
- Drizzle and garnish: Pour the warm olive oil or butter over the pasta, sprinkle with your choice of grated Parmesan or crumbled feta cheese, and garnish with fresh herbs like mint, dill, or parsley. Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Use good-quality Greek yogurt for a richer, creamier sauce.
- If you prefer a vegan version, substitute dairy-free yogurt and use olive oil instead of butter.
- Adjust garlic to taste, adding more if you like a stronger garlic flavor.
- Reserve pasta water is key to adjusting the sauce consistency for a glossy, coating texture.
- Fresh herbs add a bright contrast to the creamy sauce; feel free to customize with basil or chives.
