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Yogurt Pasta Sauce Recipe

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Yogurt Pasta Sauce is a light, creamy alternative to traditional cream sauces made with plain yogurt, garlic, herbs, and Parmesan cheese. It creates a silky, flavorful coating for pasta that’s perfect for quick weeknight meals with a fresh, tangy finish.

Ingredients

  • Plain Greek yogurt or plain natural yogurt
  • Pasta such as penne, fusilli, spaghetti, or fettuccine
  • Garlic, minced
  • Olive oil or unsalted butter
  • Grated Parmesan cheese
  • Pasta cooking water
  • Lemon juice (optional)
  • Fresh parsley or dill, chopped
  • Salt
  • Black pepper
  • Red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta until al dente.
  2. Reserve about 1 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta.
  3. Heat the olive oil or butter in a skillet over medium-low heat and cook the garlic until fragrant.
  4. Remove the skillet from the heat to prevent the yogurt from curdling.
  5. Whisk the yogurt with a small amount of the warm pasta water until smooth.
  6. Stir the yogurt mixture into the skillet with the garlic.
  7. Add the Parmesan cheese, salt, black pepper, and lemon juice if using.
  8. Toss the cooked pasta with the sauce, adding more reserved pasta water as needed until smooth and creamy.
  9. Finish with fresh parsley or dill and red pepper flakes if desired.
  10. Serve immediately with extra Parmesan if desired.

Notes

  • Greek yogurt creates the thickest and creamiest sauce, but plain natural yogurt also works well.
  • Remove the pan from direct heat before adding the yogurt to help prevent curdling.
  • Add sautéed spinach, mushrooms, peas, or broccoli for extra vegetables.
  • Grilled chicken, shrimp, or smoked salmon make excellent protein additions.
  • Fresh basil, chives, mint, or lemon zest add extra flavor.
  • Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Reheat gently with a splash of milk or reserved pasta water. Freezing is not recommended.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://thefamilycooking.com/yogurt-pasta-sauce-recipe/