This comforting Mediterranean-inspired pasta combines tender noodles with a creamy yogurt sauce and deeply caramelized onions. It is simple, rustic, and surprisingly luxurious, relying on slow-cooked onions and tangy yogurt to create layers of flavor with minimal ingredients.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
It uses simple pantry ingredients but delivers rich, satisfying flavor
The caramelized onions add natural sweetness without any added sugar
Yogurt creates a creamy sauce without using cream
It comes together easily while still feeling special and hearty
It is comforting, filling, and perfect for both lunch and dinner
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
400 g dried pasta (such as penne, fusilli, or rigatoni)
3 tablespoons olive oil
3 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
1 teaspoon salt, plus more for pasta water
2 cups thick Greek-style yogurt
1/2 cup reserved pasta cooking water
1 cup finely grated hard cheese (such as kefalotyri, pecorino-style, or aged sheep’s milk cheese)
Directions
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced onions and reduce the heat to medium-low. Season lightly with salt and cook, stirring frequently, until the onions are soft, deeply golden, and caramelized, about 20 to 30 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside with their cooking juices.
While the onions cook, bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Add enough salt so the water tastes well-seasoned. Add the pasta and cook until fully tender rather than al dente.
Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta. In a large bowl, whisk the yogurt with 1/4 cup of the reserved pasta water until smooth. Add more pasta water gradually if needed to create a creamy, pourable sauce.
Toss the hot, drained pasta with the yogurt mixture until evenly coated.
Serve immediately, topping each portion generously with grated cheese and spoonfuls of the caramelized onions along with their flavorful oil.
Servings and timing
Servings: 4
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes
Variations
Add sautéed mushrooms for extra depth and earthiness
Stir in a pinch of dried chili flakes for gentle heat
Use whole wheat pasta for a heartier texture
Add fresh herbs such as parsley or dill before serving
Replace part of the yogurt with labneh for an even thicker sauce
Storage/Reheating
This dish is best enjoyed fresh. If storing leftovers, keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of water to loosen the sauce. Avoid overheating to prevent the yogurt from separating.
FAQs
Can I use regular yogurt instead of Greek yogurt?
Yes, but it should be strained for about 2 hours to remove excess liquid and achieve a thicker consistency.
What type of pasta works best for this recipe?
Short pasta shapes that hold sauce well, such as penne or fusilli, are ideal.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
The onions can be caramelized in advance, but the pasta and yogurt sauce are best prepared just before serving.
Is this dish vegetarian?
Yes, as long as the cheese used is vegetarian-friendly.
Can I use a different type of onion?
Yes, red or sweet onions can be used, though the flavor will be slightly different.
How do I prevent the yogurt from curdling?
Mix it with warm pasta water first and avoid high heat once combined with the pasta.
Can I reduce the amount of onions?
You can, but the onions are a key flavor component and add natural sweetness.
What cheese pairs best with this dish?
A sharp, aged cheese made from sheep’s or cow’s milk works best.
Can I add protein to this recipe?
Yes, cooked chickpeas or lentils pair well and keep the dish balanced.
Is this recipe suitable for kids?
Yes, it has mild flavors and a creamy texture that many children enjoy.
Conclusion
This pasta with yogurt and caramelized onions is a beautiful example of how simple ingredients can create something deeply comforting and memorable. With its creamy texture, sweet onions, and savory cheese, it is a dish you will want to return to again and again for its ease, warmth, and timeless flavor.
A simple yet luxurious Mediterranean-inspired pasta dish made with creamy Greek yogurt, deeply caramelized onions, and sharp cheese. It’s a comforting and satisfying vegetarian meal that comes together with minimal ingredients.
Ingredients
400 g dried pasta (such as penne, fusilli, or rigatoni)
3 tablespoons olive oil
3 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
1 teaspoon salt, plus more for pasta water
2 cups thick Greek-style yogurt
1/2 cup reserved pasta cooking water
1 cup finely grated hard cheese (such as kefalotyri, pecorino-style, or aged sheep’s milk cheese)
Instructions
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced onions, reduce heat to medium-low, season with salt, and cook, stirring frequently, until onions are deeply golden and caramelized, about 20–30 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside with their oil.
Meanwhile, bring a large pot of water to a boil. Salt generously, then cook the pasta until fully tender (not al dente).
Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta cooking water, then drain pasta.
In a large bowl, whisk the yogurt with 1/4 cup of the reserved pasta water until smooth. Add more water if needed for a pourable sauce.
Toss the hot pasta with the yogurt mixture until evenly coated.
Serve immediately, topped with grated cheese and generous spoonfuls of caramelized onions and their oil.
Notes
Use full-fat Greek yogurt for best texture and flavor.
Caramelize onions slowly for maximum sweetness and depth.
Do not overheat the yogurt sauce to avoid curdling.
Pasta shapes like penne or fusilli work best to catch the sauce.
Serve immediately for optimal creaminess and flavor.
