Who would’ve thought Greek yogurt could be the unexpected hero in a pasta dish? I’ve always been a sucker for creamy sauces, but this one – oh, this one – takes comfort to another level. It’s like your favorite cozy sweater, reimagined for your taste buds, with a dash of health-conscious magic.
Steps
- Cook pasta according to the package instructions until it reaches an al dente texture. Remember to salt the water for optimal flavor, then drain the pasta, keeping aside some of the cooking water.
- In the pot used for pasta, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until it becomes fragrant, ensuring it doesn’t brown.
- Lower the heat and incorporate the Greek yogurt, stirring until well blended. Return the pasta to the pot, tossing it in the sauce until fully coated.
- If the sauce is too thick, gradually add reserved pasta water, one tablespoon at a time, until the desired consistency is achieved. Stir in the lemon zest and juice, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve the pasta topped with freshly grated parmesan cheese and garnish with chopped chives or parsley, if desired.
Ingredients
- 1 pound fettuccine or macaroni
- 4 ounces unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 16 ounces full-fat Greek yogurt
- 1 small lemon, zest and juice (approximately 3 tablespoons juice)
- 2 ounces freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh chives or parsley for garnish (optional)
- Kosher salt and black pepper, to taste
Nutritional Values
Calories: 2892 kcal | Carbohydrates: 360 g | Protein: 114 g | Fat: 108 g | Saturated Fat: 66 g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 6 g | Monounsaturated Fat: 24 g | Trans Fat: 6 g | Cholesterol: 288 mg | Sodium: 588 mg | Potassium: 1770 mg | Fiber: 12 g | Sugar: 30 g | Vitamin A: 3072 IU | Vitamin C: 6 mg | Calcium: 924 mg | Iron: 6 mg
FAQ
- Can I use regular yogurt instead of Greek yogurt for this pasta dish?
- While regular yogurt can be used, Greek yogurt is recommended due to its thicker consistency and richer, creamier texture, which enhances the sauce.
- Is it possible to make this dish gluten-free?
- Yes, you can easily make this dish gluten-free by using gluten-free pasta. The sauce will complement any type of pasta, including gluten-free and low-carb varieties.
- What can I use as a substitute for Parmesan cheese?
- You can substitute Parmesan with similar cheeses like Pecorino Romano or crumbled feta. However, avoid using pre-packaged cheese in a green container, as it won’t provide the same flavor or texture.
- Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh lemon juice?
- It is recommended to use fresh lemon juice for the best flavor. Bottled lemon juice may not offer the same tangy freshness.
- How can I make this dish more filling?
- To make the meal heartier, consider serving it with Greek Grilled Chicken or adding a side of classic Greek Salad to incorporate more vegetables.
Tips
- Opt for Full-Fat Yogurt: Using full-fat Greek yogurt ensures a creamy and rich sauce, which is crucial for achieving the best texture and flavor in this pasta dish.
- Enhance with Fresh Lemon: To get the most out of your dish, use fresh lemon juice and zest rather than bottled lemon juice for a brighter and more authentic taste.
- Reserve Pasta Water: Remember to save some of the pasta cooking water before draining, as you can use it to adjust the consistency of the sauce to your liking.
- Experiment with Cheeses: While Parmesan is recommended, feel free to experiment with other cheeses like Pecorino Romano or feta to add a different flavor profile to your dish. Avoid using pre-grated cheese in a can as it won’t deliver the same quality.
Equipment
- Saucepan – For melting butter and cooking the garlic.
- Zester – To zest the lemon.
- Garlic Press – For mincing garlic (if you don’t want to do it by hand).
- Cheese Grater – For grating Parmesan cheese.
- Pasta Pot – A large pot for cooking the pasta.
- Colander – For draining the pasta.
- Measuring Spoons – To measure ingredients like lemon juice and pasta water.
