Turkish Turkey Chili Pasta
A flavorful dish combining spiced ground turkey with shell pasta, topped with a creamy garlic yogurt sauce. Perfect for any occasion!
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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Notes
Ensure your spices are fresh for optimal flavor. Feel free to mix in grated cheese for a richer texture, and serve with fresh bread on the side.