Healthy Pasta with Yogurt Recipe | Middle Eastern Comfort Food
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 20 minutes | Serves: 4 people
Carbonara Was Middle Eastern, This Would Be It - All the Creaminess, Way Fewer Calories!
This is how I grew up eating pasta in the Middle East, and honestly? I prefer it to carbonara! You get all that luxurious, creamy texture without the heaviness - just pure comfort food that won't weigh you down. The combination of tangy yogurt, aromatic spiced beef, and crunchy toasted pine nuts creates layers of flavor that will have your family asking for this dish again and again.
This isn't just fusion food - it's tradition. The pairing of meat with yogurt and pasta is classic Middle Eastern comfort cooking, passed down through generations. One bite and you'll understand why this has been a beloved family recipe for so long. Plus, it comes together in just 35 minutes for those busy weeknight dinners when you want something special!
Ingredients
For the Pasta
500g shell pasta (or any pasta shape you prefer)
1 beef stock cube
1 tablespoon salt
For the Spiced Beef
500g lean minced beef (or any ground meat you prefer)
1 large onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon Arabic 7 spices blend
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Creamy Yogurt Sauce
800g Turkish or Arabic yogurt (thick, strained yogurt)
3 cloves garlic, mashed or pressed
1 tablespoon tahini sauce
Salt to taste
For the Finishing Touches
1/4 cup pine nuts (or as much as you like!)
4 tablespoons butter
2 teaspoons sweet paprika powder
Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Instructions
Cook the Perfect Pasta
Bring a large pot of water to boil. Here's the secret - add your beef stock cube along with 1 tablespoon of salt. I know it sounds unusual, but cooking pasta in beef stock gives it incredible depth of flavor that pairs perfectly with the mild yogurt sauce!
Add your shell pasta - I love shells because they catch and hold all that creamy sauce in their curves. Cook according to package directions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
Prepare the Creamy Yogurt Sauce
While the pasta cooks, let's make our star sauce. In a large bowl, combine the thick Turkish or Arabic yogurt with pressed garlic cloves. Add 1 tablespoon of tahini sauce - this is the secret ingredient that gives the sauce its amazing nutty depth! Season with salt to taste and mix until smooth and creamy.
Toast the Pine Nuts
In a large, dry pan over medium heat, toast the pine nuts until golden brown - about 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly. They go from perfect to burnt quickly, so watch them carefully! Set aside. We'll use this same pan for the beef - one pan, easy cleanup!
Cook the Aromatic Spiced Beef
In the same pan, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. In Middle Eastern cooking, olive oil isn't just an ingredient - it's tradition and heart! Add the chopped onion and cook until softened and translucent.
Add the minced beef, breaking it up with your spoon as it cooks. Once it starts browning, add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant - about 1 minute.
Here comes the magic - add 1 tablespoon of Arabic 7 spices blend, salt, and pepper. This incredible spice mix contains coriander, cinnamon, cloves, cumin, cardamom, black pepper, and nutmeg. It's not just delicious - these spices are packed with health benefits!
Keep cooking for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until all the water evaporates and the beef is beautifully browned and aromatic. Don't rush this step - letting the moisture evaporate completely intensifies the flavors, but don't let the meat get dry!
Make the Paprika Butter
In a small pan, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Stir in 2 teaspoons of sweet paprika powder and cook for 1 minute to bloom the spice and bring out its gorgeous color and flavor. Set aside for assembly.
Assembly - The Beautiful Finale
Now for the fun part! In a large serving tray or platter (family-style is the way to go), gently mix the drained pasta with the yogurt sauce until every shell is beautifully coated in that creamy goodness.
Layer the aromatic spiced beef right on top, creating an attractive mound in the center. Sprinkle the toasted pine nuts all over for that perfect crunch. Drizzle the gorgeous red paprika butter in artistic swirls across the dish.
Finally, garnish generously with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Look at those beautiful colors - this is comfort food at its absolute finest!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
Healthier than carbonara - All the creaminess with yogurt instead of heavy cream and eggs
Quick and satisfying - Ready in just 35 minutes for busy weeknights
Authentic flavors - Traditional Middle Eastern comfort food passed down through generations
Family favorite - The perfect balance of familiar pasta with exotic spices
Nutritious and delicious - Protein from beef and yogurt, plus beneficial spices
One-pan cooking - Less cleanup, more time enjoying your meal
Pro Tips
Turkish/Arabic yogurt substitute - These yogurts are more acidic than Greek yogurt, giving the perfect tangy flavor. If unavailable, use Greek yogurt with less fat plus 100ml water and 2 teaspoons lemon juice to replicate that signature tang and consistency
Don't skip the beef stock - Cooking pasta in stock instead of plain water adds incredible depth
Let the beef water evaporate - This concentrates flavors and prevents watery sauce
Toast pine nuts carefully - They burn quickly but add essential crunch and nutty flavor
Toast the paprika - Cooking it in butter for a minute releases its full flavor and color
Serve immediately - This dish is best enjoyed fresh and warm
About Arabic 7 Spices
This magical spice blend is a cornerstone of Middle Eastern cooking, containing coriander, cinnamon, cloves, cumin, cardamom, black pepper, and nutmeg. Beyond incredible flavor, these spices offer amazing health benefits - anti-inflammatory properties, digestive support, and antioxidants.
Find it at Middle Eastern grocery stores, online, or make your own blend! It's perfect for grilled meats, roasted vegetables, and rice dishes too.
Perfect Pairings
This pasta pairs beautifully with a simple cucumber and tomato salad or pickled vegetables. For a complete Middle Eastern feast, serve alongside hummus, tabbouleh, or fattoush salad.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of water to restore the creamy texture. The flavors actually develop even more overnight!
Enjoy every bite of this creamy, comforting pasta that brings the warmth of Middle Eastern tradition to your table! Once you try this healthier alternative to heavy cream sauces, you'll find yourself making it again and again. Don't forget to share your own spice level preferences and family reactions - I love hearing how this recipe becomes part of your regular rotation!
