Description
This Turkish Pasta is an easy, creamy, spice-kissed pasta dish made with tomato paste, dried mint, and cumin. Inspired by a TikTok favorite, it’s perfect for busy weeknights and packed with bold, satisfying flavor.
Ingredients
8 oz pasta (penne, rotini, or farfalle work best)
2 tbsp olive oil
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp tomato paste
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp cumin
½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
1 tsp dried mint
½ tsp oregano
1 cup chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
¼ cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
Salt & pepper to taste
Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)
Optional protein:
½ lb ground beef or turkey, or 1 can chickpeas (drained)
Instructions
1. Cook pasta according to package instructions. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water and set aside. Drain pasta.
2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté chopped onion for 5 minutes until soft. Add garlic and cook 1 more minute.
3. If using ground meat, add it now and cook until browned. Drain excess grease.
4. Stir in tomato paste, paprika, cumin, red pepper flakes, mint, and oregano. Cook 1 minute to bloom the spices.
5. Pour in broth and bring to a gentle simmer. Add chickpeas now, if using. Simmer for 5–7 minutes.
6. Stir in heavy cream. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Add cooked pasta and toss to coat in sauce. Use reserved pasta water to loosen if needed.
8. Serve hot, topped with Parmesan and herbs if desired.
Notes
Use gluten-free pasta to make it gluten-free.
Add chopped spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini for extra veggies.
For vegan: use coconut or cashew cream, skip Parmesan, and use veggie broth.
Blooming the spices in oil makes the flavor much richer—don’t skip that step!
Try a squeeze of lemon before serving to brighten up the dish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Turkish Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 540mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 13g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: Turkish pasta, tomato cream pasta, easy weeknight dinner, TikTok pasta, creamy pasta recipe