Greek Yogurt Pasta with Spiced Lamb
When it comes to pasta, we often think of creamy Alfredo or hearty marinara, but this Greek Yogurt Pasta with Spiced Lamb takes the beloved carb to a whole new level. Inspired by Turkish "yoğurtlu makarna," a dish where pasta is paired with garlicky yogurt and spiced butter, this recipe brings together tangy, creamy, and spicy notes in a way that feels both indulgent and refreshing. It's comfort food, but packed with protein, perfect for weeknight dinners.
The foundation of this dish is the Greek yogurt sauce—silky, tangy, and irresistibly creamy. Full-fat yogurt is whisked with fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, and a touch of olive oil to create a light yet luscious coating for the pasta. It’s a refreshing nod to Turkish culinary traditions, where yogurt often takes center stage in savory dishes, balancing richness with its characteristic tang.
Speaking of richness, the spiced lamb topping takes cues from the bold flavors of Turkish cuisine. Seasoned with warm spices like cumin, smoked paprika, and coriander, the ground lamb develops deep, aromatic flavors that are enhanced by a touch of tomato paste. The result is a rich, savory topping that pairs beautifully with the tangy yogurt and tender pasta.
This dish is all about layers of flavor and texture. A scattering of diced Roma tomatoes and briny Kalamata olives adds bursts of freshness, while crumbled feta cheese brings a creamy, salty kick. A drizzle of chili butter brings the whole dish together. Melted butter infused with Aleppo pepper and paprika mirrors the spiced butter found in Turkish yoğurtlu makarna, adding a luxurious, fiery finish that ties everything together.
The yogurt keeps it light and tangy, the lamb adds richness and depth, and the chili butter provides just the right amount of heat.
Pair it with a simple green salad or warm pita bread, and you’ve got yourself a Mediterranean-inspired feast. Whether you’re a fan of bold spices or looking to explore Turkish-inspired flavors, this Greek Yogurt Pasta with Spiced Lamb is guaranteed to become a favorite in your recipe rotation.
Greek Yogurt Pasta with Spiced Lamb
Ingredients
- (10 oz) pasta of your choice (rotini works well)
- 2-3 Roma tomatoes, diced
- ¼ cup kalamata olives, diced
- ¼ cup crumbled feta cheese
- Fresh parsley, roughly chopped
- 1 ½ cups full-fat Greek yogurt
- 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice (zest for extra zing, optional)
- 2 garlic cloves, finely minced or grated
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp ground black pepper
- 1 lb ground lamb (ground beef works as well)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp ground coriander
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 3 tbsp butter
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes (Aleppo pepper or crushed red chili flakes)
- 1 tsp paprika
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta until al dente.
- In a bowl, whisk together yogurt, lemon juice, garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Stir until creamy and smooth. Set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and sauté until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the ground lamb (or beef), breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned and no longer pink.
- Stir in tomato paste, cumin, paprika, coriander, salt, and pepper. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the lamb is well-coated and fragrant.
- Divide the pasta among plates. Add a large dollop of the yogurt sauce. Top with a generous spoonful of spiced lamb.
- Add tomatoes, olives, and crumbled feta. Sprinkle with fresh parsley.
- In a small pan, melt butter over low heat. Add red pepper flakes and paprika, swirling until fragrant. Drizzle over the pasta for an extra burst of flavor.
