Viral High Protein and Low Carb Turkish Pasta
If you haven’t tried Turkish pasta yet, you’re seriously missing out. This recipe is rich, tangy, and loaded with delicious flavors—but with my signature twist! I gave it a high-protein, low-carb makeover using Kaizen Pasta(because we love a good protein boost), and it’s honestly next-level good.
Viral Turkish Pasta
This Turkish pasta comes together in just 15 minutes—perfect for busy weeknights or whenever you’re craving something rich and comforting without spending hours in the kitchen.
Here’s what makes it special: You start with perfectly spiced ground beef, seasoned with just the right mix of curry powder, sweet paprika, and garlic powder for bold, warm flavors that hit all the right flavor notes.
Then, there’s the creamy garlic yogurt sauce—cool, tangy, and a little zesty from a touch of lemon juice. It balances the richness of the beef beautifully.
But we’re not done yet. A drizzle of buttery, smoky paprika butter sauce takes this dish to a whole new level, giving you that perfect hint of indulgence in every bite.
And to top it off? Juicy cherry tomatoes, lots of finely chopped fresh parsley, and a squeeze of lemon to brighten everything up.
Layer all this goodness over your favorite pasta—whether you go for Kaizen high-protein pasta or your own favorite—and you’ve got a dish that’s bursting with flavor, texture, and next-level satisfaction. It’s quick, easy, and guaranteed to impress.
Why You’ll Love It
There are many things to love about this Turkish recipe, but here are a few of the best selling points:
- Ready in just 25 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute dinners.
- With Kaizen Pasta, you get a hearty meal that’s packed with protein and low in carbs, without sacrificing flavor.
- Spiced ground beef, tangy garlic yogurt sauce, and smoky butter sauce come together for a flavor explosion in every bite.
- Use your favorite pasta—chickpea, brown rice, or classic shapes like fusilli—and make it your own if that is more your thing.
- The creamy yogurt sauce balances the richness of the beef, while fresh parsley and cherry tomatoes add a refreshing finish.
Turkish Pasta Dish Ingredients
(Note: These are the recipe’s starring ingredients, but you can find all the ingredients in the recipe card below!)
- Kaizen Pasta: The backbone of this dish. High in protein and low in carbs, it’s perfect for turning a viral classic into a guilt-free, satisfying meal.
- Ground Beef: A flavorful base for the delicious Turkish-style meat sauce. You’ll season it with bold spices like sweet paprika and curry powder to take it to the next level.
- Greek Yogurt: The hero of the creamy garlic yogurt sauce, balancing the spice and adding a cool, tangy flavor to every bite.
- Butter Sauce: A drizzle of melted butter mixed with sweet paprika gives this dish a rich, smoky finish that ties all the flavors together.
- Cherry Tomatoes & Fresh Parsley: These fresh toppings add a burst of color, juicy sweetness, and herbaceous flavor to brighten up the dish.
Ingredient Swaps & Additions
While this dish is perfect as is, you could make it your own with the following swaps and additions:
Swaps
- Kaizen Pasta: Swap with your favorite pasta — any kind will do!
- Ground Beef: Use ground lamb or lean ground turkey.
- Greek Yogurt: Replace with strained yogurt, coconut yogurt, or sour cream for a dairy-free or tangier alternative.
- Sweet Paprika: Smoked paprika adds a deeper, smoky flavor.
- Cherry Tomatoes: Diced fresh tomatoes or roasted red peppers can offer a similar burst of freshness.
Additions
- Red Pepper Flakes: Sprinkle for a spicy, warm finish that pairs perfectly with the yogurt and butter sauces.
- Fresh Mint: Chop and sprinkle on top for a refreshing twist.
- Feta Cheese: Crumble some over the top for added creaminess and tang.
- Vegetables: Toss in fresh veggies such as roasted zucchini, sautéed spinach, or chopped bell peppers to pack in some extra nutrients.
- Lemon Zest: A sprinkle of zest adds a bright, citrusy note to elevate the dish.
How to Make High Protein Low Carb Turkish Pasta
The steps are simple, and I’m outlining them below, but be sure to scroll to the bottom of the page to view the full, printable recipe card. You can also watch how it comes together in my Instagram reel!
Step 1 – Cook the Beef
In a large frying pan over medium heat, sauté ground beef with spices like curry powder, sweet paprika, and garlic powder. Add diced onion and cook until browned and crispy, breaking the meat into small pieces as it cooks to create a delicious Turkish-style meat sauce.
Step 2 – Cook the Pasta
Boil your preferred pasta in a large pot of salted water, following the cooking instructions on the package. Drain and set aside, reserving a cup of pasta water to adjust the sauce later if needed.
Step 3 – Make the Butter Sauce
In a small sauté pan, melt butter over low heat and stir in sweet paprika for a smoky, butter sauce with a rich, nutty flavor. Set aside to drizzle over your dish during assembly.
Step 4 – Prepare the Yogurt Sauce
Mix Greek yogurt with minced garlic, a squeeze of fresh lemon juice, and a pinch of salt in a bowl. Stir until smooth and creamy, creating a tangy garlic yogurt sauce to complement the beef.
Step 5 – Assemble and Serve
Layer a serving of pasta, a generous spoonful of the yogurt sauce, the meaty ragout sauce, and a drizzle of the butter sauce. Top with cherry tomatoes, chopped parsley, and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a pop of color and heat. Serve immediately and enjoy this vibrant Turkish pasta dish!
What to Serve with Turkish Pasta
Some yummy additions to this recipe would include:
- Mediterranean Cucumber Salad (Salad Shirazi)
- Lasagna Stuffed Mushrooms with Ricotta
- Air Fryer Pasta Bake
- 10 Low Carb Mediterranean Recipes
- 7 Low Carb Middle Eastern Recipes
FAQ
Absolutely! While I used Kaizen pasta for its high-protein, low-carb benefits, you can swap it with any other pasta alternative, or the real deal, if you prefer.
To prevent the garlic yogurt sauce from separating, make sure your yogurt is at room temperature before mixing in the garlic and lemon juice. Stir it gently to maintain its creamy texture.
If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, try a plant-based butter or a small amount of olive oil infused with sweet paprika for that same nutty flavor.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a wide heavy pan over medium-low heat, adding a splash of hot water or broth to bring back the sauce’s creamy consistency.
For an extra kick, add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes or drizzle with pul biber oil. Aleppo pepper is another great option to enhance the dish’s Turkish food authenticity.
How to Store
To store your Turkish pasta dish, let it cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. You can store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. For the best results, keep the pasta and sauces (yogurt and butter) separate to preserve their texture and flavor.
When reheating, warm the meaty sauce in a wide heavy pan over medium-low heat. Add a splash of hot water or broth to loosen it up, making sure it maintains its rich, creamy consistency.
Reheat the pasta by tossing it directly into the sauce, and gently warm the garlic yogurt sauce to avoid curdling—don’t let it overheat.
Freezing is not recommended for this dish as the yogurt sauce may separate when thawed, impacting its creamy texture. However, the meat mixture can be frozen separately for up to 2 months, making future prep easier.
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More Recipes You’ll Love
- Mediterranean Cucumber Salad (Salad Shirazi)
- Lasagna Stuffed Mushrooms with Ricotta
- Air Fryer Pasta Bake
- 10 Low Carb Mediterranean Recipes
- 7 Low Carb Middle Eastern Recipes
High Protein Turkish Pasta (Low Carb)
If you haven’t tried Turkish pasta yet, you’re seriously missing out. This recipe is rich, tangy, and loaded with delicious flavors—but with my signature twist!
Ingredients
For the pasta:
- 8 ounces of Kaizen pasta (or your favorite pasta)
- 1 tablespoon salt (for boiling water)
For the meat sauce:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 tablespoon curry powder
- 1 tablespoon sweet paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the yogurt sauce:
- 2 cups Greek yogurt
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- Juice of half a lemon
- Pinch of salt
For the butter sauce:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
For garnish:
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
- Red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Boil 8 ounces of pasta in a large pot of salted water until al dente, according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of the pasta water.
- In a large frying pan over medium heat, cook 1 pound of ground beef with 1 tablespoon curry powder, 1 tablespoon sweet paprika, and 1 teaspoon garlic powder. Add the diced yellow onion and cook until the beef is browned and slightly crispy. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- In a medium bowl, mix 2 cups of Greek yogurt, 2 minced garlic cloves, the juice of half a lemon, and a pinch of salt. Stir until smooth and creamy.
- Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a small sauté pan over low heat. Stir in 1 teaspoon of sweet paprika until combined. Set aside for drizzling.
- Layer the cooked pasta, a spoonful of the yogurt sauce, and a portion of the meat sauce in serving bowls. Drizzle with the butter sauce and top with halved cherry tomatoes and chopped parsley. Add red pepper flakes for heat, if desired.
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