This Turkish Pasta is a hearty and flavorful dinner dish! Inspired by the traditional Turkish dumpling, manti, this recipe delivers rich flavor with a much simpler approach. Often referred to as a “cheat manti,” this dish features tender pasta, a rich minced meat sauce, garlic yogurt, and paprika butter sauce, making for a satisfying meal for any occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Turkish Pasta Recipe
- Rich and Savory – A perfect blend of seasoned meat, creamy yogurt, and aromatic butter sauce.
- Quick and Easy – Unlike traditional manti, this dish comes together in less than 30 minutes.
- Meal Prep Friendly – Prepare components ahead of time for an effortless meal during the week.
Ingredients For Turkish Pasta Recipe
Pasta Base
- 300g Farfalle pasta (or any chunky pasta)
Meat Sauce
- 400g ground lamb (or beef)
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp sweet paprika
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp curry powder
- 1 tsp salt
Garlic Yogurt Sauce
- 250g Greek yogurt (or Turkish yogurt)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp salt
Butter Sauce
- 50g unsalted butter
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp Aleppo pepper (optional, for mild heat)
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin
Garnishes
- 100g cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
How to Make Turkish Pasta
1: Cook the Pasta
- Cook the Farfalle pasta in salted boiling water according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2: Prepare the Meat Sauce
- Heat a large pan over medium-high heat.
- Add the ground lamb (or beef) and cook, breaking it up with a spoon.
- Stir in onion powder, paprika, black pepper, curry powder, and salt.
- Add the chopped onion and continue cooking for about 10 minutes, until the meat is browned and slightly crispy.
3: Make the Garlic Yogurt Sauce
- In a bowl, mix Greek yogurt, minced garlic, and salt until well combined.
4: Prepare the Butter Sauce
- Melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat.
- Add paprika, Aleppo pepper, and cumin. Whisk to combine, then remove from heat.
5: Assemble the Dish
- Divide the cooked pasta into serving bowls.
- Spoon the meat sauce over the pasta.
- Drizzle generously with garlic yogurt sauce.
- Finish with the butter sauce.
- Garnish with cherry tomatoes and fresh parsley.
Tips for the Best Turkish Pasta Recipe
- Use Fresh Ingredients – Fresh garlic, quality yogurt, and aromatic spices elevate the dish.
- Adjust Spice Levels – Add extra Aleppo pepper for a bit more heat or dried mint for an authentic Turkish touch.
- Make it Vegetarian – Swap the ground meat for sautéed mushrooms or lentils.
- Use Olive Oil Instead of Butter – For a lighter version, replace butter with extra virgin olive oil.
Make Ahead & Storage for Turkish Pasta
- Make Ahead – Prepare the meat sauce up to 3 days in advance and store it in the fridge.
- Storage – Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Reheat – Microwave for 1-minute increments, stirring in between, until warm.
More Easy and Delicious Recipe Ideas You’ll Love
- Easy & Delicious Pineapple Cake
- Easy Butternut Squash Chili
- Easy and Delicious 2 Ingredient Pizza Chips Recipe
Conclusion
This Turkish Pasta Recipe is a game-changer for those who love comforting, flavor-packed dishes. Whether you’re looking for new recipes ideas or just want an easy weeknight meal, this dish delivers! Try it out and let us know how it turns out in the comments below.
Enjoy your homemade Turkish pasta, and happy cooking! 🍽️

Turkish Pasta Recipe
Ingredients
Pasta Base
- 300 g Farfalle pasta or any chunky pasta
Meat Sauce
- 400 g ground lamb or beef
- 1 medium yellow onion finely chopped
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp sweet paprika
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp curry powder
- 1 tsp salt
Garlic Yogurt Sauce
- 250 g Greek yogurt or Turkish yogurt
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1/2 tsp salt
Butter Sauce
- 50 g unsalted butter
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp Aleppo pepper optional, for mild heat
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin
Garnishes
- 100 g cherry tomatoes halved
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped
Instructions
Cook the Pasta
- Cook the Farfalle pasta in salted boiling water according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Prepare the Meat Sauce
- Heat a large pan over medium-high heat.
- Add the ground lamb (or beef) and cook, breaking it up with a spoon.
- Stir in onion powder, paprika, black pepper, curry powder, and salt.
- Add the chopped onion and continue cooking for about 10 minutes, until the meat is browned and slightly crispy.
Make the Garlic Yogurt Sauce
- In a bowl, mix Greek yogurt, minced garlic, and salt until well combined.
Prepare the Butter Sauce
- Melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat.
- Add paprika, Aleppo pepper, and cumin. Whisk to combine, then remove from heat.
Assemble the Dish
- Divide the cooked pasta into serving bowls.
- Spoon the meat sauce over the pasta.
- Drizzle generously with garlic yogurt sauce.
- Finish with the butter sauce.
- Garnish with cherry tomatoes and fresh parsley.
Notes
- Use Fresh Ingredients – Fresh garlic, quality yogurt, and aromatic spices elevate the dish.
- Adjust Spice Levels – Add extra Aleppo pepper for a bit more heat or dried mint for an authentic Turkish touch.
- Make it Vegetarian – Swap the ground meat for sautéed mushrooms or lentils.
- Use Olive Oil Instead of Butter – For a lighter version, replace butter with extra virgin olive oil.