Turkish-Style Pasta with Spicy Red Sauce

Transform simple pasta into an extraordinary dish with this Turkish-inspired recipe featuring perfectly cooked fusilli pasta topped with a rich red sauce and cooling yogurt. This combination makes a beautiful contrast of flavors and textures that will transport your taste buds to the streets of Istanbul.

Quick Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Difficulty Level: Easy

Ingredients

For the Pasta:

• 1 pound fusilli pasta
• Salt for pasta water

For the Red Sauce:

• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
• 1 cup water
• Salt to taste
• 1 teaspoon black pepper

For the Topping:

• 2 cups plain yogurt, at room temperature
• 2 cloves garlic, minced (optional, for yogurt)
• Salt to taste

For Garnish:

• Fresh parsley, chopped
• Dried mint
• Cherry tomatoes (optional)

Kitchen Equipment Needed

• Large pot for pasta
• Medium saucepan for sauce
• Wooden spoon
• Colander
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Sharp knife
• Cutting board
• Serving plates

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Pasta

1. Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil
2. Add generous amount of salt to the water
3. Cook fusilli according to package instructions until al dente
4. Drain pasta and set aside

Making the Red Sauce

1. Heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat
2. Add finely chopped onions, sauté until soft and translucent (about 5 minutes)
3. Add minced garlic, cook for 1 minute until fragrant
4. Stir in tomato paste and red pepper flakes, cook for 2-3 minutes to remove raw taste
5. Add water gradually, stirring constantly to prevent lumps
6. Season with salt and black pepper
7. Simmer for 5-7 minutes until sauce thickens
8. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed

Preparing the Yogurt Topping

1. If using garlic, mix minced garlic with yogurt
2. Add a pinch of salt
3. Stir until smooth and creamy
4. Let sit at room temperature while preparing other components

Assembly

1. Arrange pasta on serving plates
2. Ladle hot red sauce over pasta
3. Add a generous dollop of yogurt in the center
4. Garnish with chopped parsley and dried mint
5. Add cherry tomato for decoration if desired

Pro Tips

• Bring yogurt to room temperature before serving to prevent it from curdling
• Make sauce slightly spicier than preferred as yogurt will balance the heat
• Reserve some pasta water to thin the sauce if needed
• Don’t skip the garnish – fresh herbs add both flavor and visual appeal

Recipe Variations

• Use any pasta shape you prefer
• Add ground meat to the red sauce for a heartier meal
• Try Greek yogurt for a thicker, tangier topping
• Incorporate additional spices like paprika or cumin to the sauce

Storage Instructions

• Store sauce and pasta separately
• Keep yogurt in a separate container
• Refrigerate for up to 3 days
• Reheat pasta and sauce gently before serving
• Add fresh yogurt when serving

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with warm bread for sauce-soaking
• Add a simple green salad on the side
• Pair with pickled vegetables
• Complement with a glass of ayran (Turkish yogurt drink)

Nutritional Information

Per Serving

• Calories: 550
• Protein: 20g
• Carbohydrates: 85g
• Fat: 15g
• Fiber: 4g
• Sodium: 380mg

This Turkish-style pasta dish combines the comfort of Italian pasta with the bold flavors of Turkish cuisine. The contrast between the spicy red sauce and cooling yogurt makes a perfectly balanced dish that’s both satisfying and memorable. Whether you’re looking to try something new or craving a comforting meal, this recipe delivers on all fronts.