Description
Anna Paul’s Viral Turkish Pasta is a creamy, flavorful pasta dish featuring a rich tomato and paprika sauce blended with cream and Parmesan cheese. It’s a quick and comforting meal that combines the tanginess of tomatoes with a smoky hint of paprika and a touch of heat from red pepper flakes. Perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner, this recipe serves four and can be made in about 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 8 oz (225g) spaghetti or any pasta of choice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt (for pasta water)
Sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/2 cup tomato paste
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes (or use fresh tomatoes, chopped)
- 1 teaspoon paprika (can be smoked paprika for extra flavor)
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (or substitute with half-and-half or milk for a lighter version)
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese (optional, for extra creaminess)
Garnish
- Fresh parsley (chopped)
- Extra parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti or pasta of choice and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, tossing it with 2 tablespoons of olive oil to prevent sticking and setting it aside.
- Prepare the Sauce Base: In a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter. Allow the butter to melt completely and start to bubble gently.
- Add Tomato Paste and Tomatoes: Stir in the 1/2 cup tomato paste and cook for a couple of minutes to deepen the flavor. Then add the can of diced tomatoes (or fresh chopped tomatoes). Stir to combine.
- Season the Sauce: Add 1 teaspoon paprika, 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, and salt and black pepper to taste. Stir well to combine all the flavors and let the mixture simmer for about 5-7 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and the flavors to meld.
- Incorporate Cream and Cheese: Lower the heat and slowly pour in 1/2 cup heavy cream while stirring continuously, making the sauce creamy and smooth. Add 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese if using, and stir until melted and well incorporated.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta directly into the skillet with the sauce. Toss gently to coat all pasta evenly with the sauce, heating everything through for 1-2 minutes on low heat.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the skillet from heat. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the pasta and, if desired, additional parmesan cheese on top. Serve immediately for best taste and texture.
Notes
- You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or milk for a lighter creamy sauce.
- Smoked paprika adds a deeper, smoky flavor to the dish—feel free to use it if you like a smoky touch.
- Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to control the spiciness of the sauce.
- To make it vegetarian, omit the parmesan cheese or use a plant-based alternative.
- Fresh parsley not only adds color but enhances the fresh flavor of the pasta.
- For gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta varieties.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Turkish
