If you’re looking for a hearty and satisfying dish that brings together spicy flavors and comforting textures, you will love Turkish Turkey Chili Pasta. This vibrant meal features ground turkey infused with aromatic spices, served over tender shell pasta, and topped with a creamy garlic yogurt sauce. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or a casual gathering with friends, this dish is sure to impress.
Why We Love This Turkish Turkey Chili Pasta Recipe
What makes Turkish Turkey Chili Pasta so special? First, it’s the perfect combination of flavors and textures. The spiced turkey brings warmth and depth, while the pasta adds a satisfying bite to each mouthful. The cooling yogurt sauce contrasts beautifully with the heat of the chili, making each serving a delightful balance of taste. Moreover, this recipe is simple enough for any home cook to master, yet elegant enough to serve on special occasions. It’s a dish that comforts as much as it excites, making it a favorite in many households.
Ingredients about Turkish Turkey Chili Pasta
To make this delicious dish, gather the following ingredients:
List of ingredients with measurements
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 1/4 cup butter
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 2 tablespoons paprika
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/8 teaspoon cayenne
- 1/4 teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 cup tomato sauce or puree
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt or plain yogurt
- 2-3 small garlic cloves, minced (you can use one for a lighter garlic flavor)
- 1/3 cup water, or as needed
- 8 ounces dry shell pasta
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
- 2 tablespoons chopped mint
How to Make Turkish Turkey Chili Pasta Directions
Creating Turkish Turkey Chili Pasta is straightforward and fulfilling. Begin by heating the olive oil in a large pan set over high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the ground turkey to the pan. Break it apart with a spatula and cook until it starts to brown. This process infuses the meat with flavor and gives it a wonderful texture. After a few minutes, add the diced onion, butter, and the various spices—kosher salt, paprika, chili powder, cumin, black pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, oregano, cayenne, and chili flakes if you choose to use them. Reduce the heat to medium-high and stir everything together until the onions become translucent and the turkey is fully crumbled and browned, which should take about five minutes.
Next, stir in the tomato paste, tomato sauce, and half a cup of water. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Allow the chili to simmer for 20 to 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. If your chili becomes too thick, feel free to add a little more water to achieve your desired consistency. Before serving, taste and adjust the seasonings if necessary. Keep the chili warm on low heat while preparing the rest of the dish.
While the chili simmers, it’s time to make your sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, minced garlic, and an additional splash of water to create a creamy sauce. Set this aside in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve.
In a large pot, bring generously salted water to a boil. Add the shell pasta and cook according to the package directions, usually about nine minutes or until they’re tender yet firm to the bite. After draining the pasta thoroughly, divide it into individual serving dishes.
To assemble your meal, spoon the hot chili generously over the pasta. Finish by dolloping your yogurt garlic sauce on top and sprinkling with fresh chopped parsley and mint, creating a wonderful blend of colors and flavors.
How to Serve Turkish Turkey Chili Pasta
To serve your Turkish Turkey Chili Pasta, start by plating up the cooked shell pasta. Ladle a generous scoop of the turkey chili over each portion, allowing the savory sauce to envelop the pasta. The contrast between the warm chili and the cool yogurt sauce adds an intriguing layer to each forkful. After spooning the yogurt sauce on top, garnish with fresh parsley and mint. Whether for a festive gathering or a cozy family dinner, don’t be afraid to add extra toppings, like additional chili flakes or a drizzle of olive oil, to enhance the presentation. You can even provide some fresh bread on the side for a delightful touch.
Expert Tips: Turkish Turkey Chili Pasta
To elevate your Turkish Turkey Chili Pasta to a whole new level, consider these expert tips. First, ensure that your spices are fresh; old spices can dull the flavors of your dish. Consider toasting spices like cumin in the pan before adding other ingredients to bring out their natural aromatic qualities. Second, don’t skimp on the garnishes! Fresh herbs like parsley and mint not only add visual appeal but also contribute fresh flavors that brighten the dish. Lastly, if you prefer a richer texture, feel free to mix in a handful of grated cheese into the chili before serving, giving it an extra creamy finish.
How to Store Turkish Turkey Chili Pasta
If you plan to make a batch of Turkish Turkey Chili Pasta ahead of time or have leftovers, storing it properly will help maintain its flavors. Allow the chili to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. The chili can stay in the fridge for up to three days, while the pasta should be stored separately to prevent it from becoming mushy. If you want to keep it for more extended storage, both the chili and pasta freeze well. Just make sure to label your containers with the date before placing them in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.
Variation of Turkish Turkey Chili Pasta
One of the most delightful aspects of this recipe is its versatility. You can easily make variations of Turkish Turkey Chili Pasta by swapping out ingredients or adding new flavors. For example, try using ground chicken or beef instead of turkey if you want a different protein. You can also add extra vegetables, such as bell peppers, zucchini, or corn, to increase the nutritional value. If you’re a fan of beans, consider folding in some black beans or kidney beans into the chili for added texture and protein. Adjusting the spice levels allows you to cater to your preference, whether you prefer a milder or spicier dish. Additionally, serve the chili over different types of pasta—for instance, penne or fusilli work great too!
FAQ
What is Turkish Turkey Chili Pasta?
Turkish Turkey Chili Pasta is a flavorful dish that combines spiced ground turkey with shell pasta, topped with a creamy garlic yogurt sauce. It’s a wonderfully satisfying meal that brings together a variety of delicious flavors.
How long does it take to make Turkish Turkey Chili Pasta?
The entire process takes around 45 minutes, including prep time and cooking. It’s a quick dish that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner yet fancy enough for special occasions.
Can I make Turkish Turkey Chili Pasta ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the chili in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors will deepen as it sits. Just remember to store the pasta separately to keep it fresh.
What can I use instead of Greek yogurt in this recipe?
If you don’t have Greek yogurt, regular plain yogurt can be used. For a dairy-free option, use coconut yogurt or a plant-based alternative that is similar in texture.
Is Turkish Turkey Chili Pasta a healthy dish?
Yes, Turkish Turkey Chili Pasta can be a healthy meal, especially when made with lean turkey and plenty of spices. You can also customize it by adding more vegetables or using whole grain pasta for added nutrients.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
You can create a vegetarian version of Turkish Turkey Chili Pasta by substituting plant-based ground meat or lentils for ground turkey. Adjust the cooking time accordingly, as vegetarian options may require less time to cook.
Turkish Turkey Chili Pasta
Ingredients
For the Chili
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1 each yellow onion, diced
- 1/4 cup butter
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 2 tablespoons paprika
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/8 teaspoon cayenne
- 1/4 teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 cup tomato sauce or puree
- 1/2 cup water
For the Yogurt Sauce
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt or plain yogurt
- 2-3 each small garlic cloves, minced
- 1/3 cup water, or as needed
For the Pasta
- 8 ounces dry shell pasta
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
- 2 tablespoons chopped mint
Instructions
Cooking the Chili
- Heat the olive oil in a large pan over high heat.
- Add the ground turkey, breaking it apart, and cook until it starts to brown.
- Add the diced onion, butter, and the spices: kosher salt, paprika, chili powder, cumin, black pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, oregano, cayenne, and chili flakes.
- Reduce heat to medium-high and stir until the onions are translucent and turkey is browned (about 5 minutes).
- Stir in the tomato paste, tomato sauce, and water, bringing it to a simmer.
- Reduce heat to medium-low and allow to simmer for 20 to 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Adjust seasoning if necessary, and keep warm.
Making the Yogurt Sauce
- In a small bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, minced garlic, and a splash of water to create a creamy sauce. Set aside in the refrigerator until serving.
Cooking the Pasta
- Bring salted water to a boil in a large pot.
- Add the shell pasta, cooking according to package directions (around 9 minutes).
- Drain the pasta thoroughly and divide into serving dishes.
Assembling the Dish
- Spoon the hot chili generously over the pasta.
- Dollop the yogurt sauce on top and garnish with fresh parsley and mint.
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