This joyful, family-friendly twist on the viral Turkish pasta brings together tender turkey chili, tangy garlic yogurt, and open-shaped pasta for a comforting bowl that feels special but is still totally approachable. Perfect for anyone looking for cooking, easy recipes that taste gourmet without the fuss.
Step 1: Brown the turkey
Start with 1 pound of ground turkey in a skillet over high heat with a few tablespoons of olive oil. Break the meat up with a spatula and cook until the pieces develop a bit of brown color. With lean turkey, the goal is not to dry it out but to build flavor through browning. When the turkey looks nicely crumbled and has some color, reduce the heat slightly and move to the next step.
Step 2: Add aromatics, butter, and spices
Turn the heat to medium-high and add a diced onion along with most of the remaining ingredients. Key seasonings include:
- Salt
- A generous knob of butter — this replicates the paprika butter finish used in the original Turkish pasta but folded in up front for convenience
- Paprika, chili powder, freshly ground black pepper
- Ground cumin, dry oregano, garlic powder, and plenty of onion powder
- Cayenne for heat and Turkish chili flakes such as Aleppo for a fruity, mild kick
Stir and cook until the butter melts and the onions become soft and translucent. Taste and adjust seasoning early and often. As one helpful note suggests, the final seasoning and sauce thickness are up to the cook.
Step 3: Turn it into a chili with tomatoes and simmer
Spoon in some tomato paste and about 1 cup of tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes along with a splash of water to loosen. Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer, stirring occasionally, for about 20 minutes or until the onions are sweet and the flavors have melded. If the chili reduces too much, add a splash of water and continue cooking until the desired sauciness is reached. This flexible approach keeps this dish within the realm of cooking, easy recipes while letting the cook control texture and spice.
Step 4: Make the garlicky yogurt sauce
While the chili simmers, make the simple but essential garlic yogurt sauce. Combine finely crushed garlic with plain Greek-style yogurt and a big splash of cold water. Whisk slowly at first to avoid splashing. Adjust with more water until the sauce is pourable but still creamy. This tangy, very garlicky sauce is the key bright note that lifts the whole dish.
Step 5: Cook the pasta and assemble
Cook open-shaped pasta such as shells in generously salted water according to package directions. Drain well, then place a serving of pasta in a bowl and spoon over as much turkey chili as desired. Drizzle the garlic yogurt sauce on top and finish with a generous pinch of freshly chopped herbs like Italian parsley and mint. If using shells, serving with a spoon is highly recommended to get pasta, chili, and sauce in every bite.
Variations, tips, and serving ideas
- Want more body? Add a can of beans to the chili for extra texture and protein.
- Adjust the thickness by adding water during simmering. Season to taste rather than guessing.
- Use shells, orecchiette, or any open-shaped pasta to cradle the chili and sauce.
- If preparing ahead, cool the chili and refrigerate. Reheat gently before serving and finish with the yogurt sauce just before plating.
- For extra authenticity, finish with a small spoonful of paprika butter on top, but folding the butter in early saves a step.
"You are after all the boxcar willy of how to do this very simple turkey chili." — a reminder that the cook controls the final result
Savor it soon
This Turkish turkey chili pasta is an easy, flavorful addition to the repertoire of cooking, easy recipes. It captures the spirit of deconstructed manti but without the labor, making dinner feel impressive and cozy at the same time. Try it for a weeknight meal or a relaxed weekend supper and enjoy the pleasing balance of spiced turkey, tangy garlic yogurt, and tender pasta.
Turkish Turkey Chili Pasta — cooking, easy recipes for a cozy weeknight. There are any Turkish Turkey Chili Pasta — cooking, easy recipes for a cozy weeknight in here.
