The Best Yogurt Pasta (Macarona bi Laban) Recipe You’ll Love

Mediterranean kitchens have long celebrated this creamy yogurt pasta that blends tangy and comforting flavors.

Cultures across the Middle East adore this simple yet remarkable dish.

Cold yogurt creates a silky sauce that coats each pasta strand perfectly.

Subtle garlic and mint bring depth to the classic recipe.

Fresh ingredients make this meal shine with minimal effort.

Home cooks appreciate how quickly these ingredients come together in one delightful plate.

You’ll love how this recipe offers a cool, refreshing twist on traditional pasta preparations.

What Makes Yogurt Pasta So Refreshing

• Boost Flavor Complexity: Yogurt pasta transforms simple ingredients into a tangy, creamy dish with surprising depth of taste.
• Master Quick Comfort Cooking: Prepare this Mediterranean-inspired recipe in minimal steps, requiring just basic kitchen skills and common pantry items.
• Family-Friendly Meal Solution: Appeals to all ages with its mild, adaptable flavor profile and smooth texture that kids and adults will enjoy equally.
• Customize with Ease: Add optional ingredients like toasted pine nuts or fresh mint leaves to personalize the dish and elevate its gourmet appeal.

Ingredients for Yogurt Pasta (Macarona bi Laban)

• Pasta: A staple ingredient that serves as the base of this creamy Middle Eastern dish.
• Yogurt: The key component that creates the signature tangy and creamy sauce for the pasta.

• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall flavor of the dish.
• Dried Mint, Fresh Mint Leaves: Provides a refreshing herbal note to the pasta.
• Garlic: Adds a pungent and aromatic flavor to the yogurt sauce.

• Olive Oil: Helps to create a smooth and rich texture in the yogurt sauce.
• Lemon Juice: Brings a bright, citrusy tang to balance the creamy yogurt.
• Pine Nuts: Offers a nutty crunch and additional depth to the final dish.

Steps to Make Creamy Yogurt Pasta at Home

Step 1: Boil Pasta to Perfection

Cook pasta in salted water following package directions. Drain the pasta, keeping a small amount of cooking water on the side for later use.

Step 2: Create Magical Yogurt Sauce

• Yogurt
• Olive oil
• Minced garlic
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Lemon juice (optional)

Whisk all ingredients until smooth and well combined.

Step 3: Marry Pasta and Sauce

Gently fold the cooked pasta into the yogurt mixture.

Ensure each pasta strand gets coated with the creamy sauce. If the sauce feels too thick, splash in some reserved pasta water to achieve a silky consistency.

Step 4: Sprinkle Dried Mint Magic

Scatter dried mint over the pasta and stir gently to distribute the herbal flavor throughout the dish.

Step 5: Add Crunchy Pine Nut Topping

Heat a dry skillet and toast pine nuts until they turn golden brown.

Sprinkle these nutty gems over the pasta for a delightful crunch.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Finish by scattering fresh mint leaves on top.

Serve the pasta immediately while it’s warm and creamy.

Tips for the Best Yogurt Pasta Experience

• Whisk the yogurt sauce thoroughly to ensure smooth, even distribution over each pasta strand, preventing clumpy or uneven coverage.
• Gradually add reserved pasta water to achieve the perfect creamy consistency, creating a silky sauce that clings beautifully to the noodles.
• Adjust minced garlic quantity based on personal preference, allowing you to dial up or tone down the aromatic punch.
• Watch pine nuts closely while toasting, as they can quickly burn; stir constantly and remove from heat the moment they turn golden brown for optimal flavor and crunch.
• Use fresh mint leaves as a final garnish to brighten the dish, adding a vibrant, aromatic touch that elevates the entire pasta experience.

Fun Swaps for Yogurt Pasta Flavor

• Vegan Yogurt Pasta: Replace dairy yogurt with coconut or almond yogurt for a plant-based version. Use nutritional yeast instead of pine nuts for a cheesy flavor.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap traditional pasta with gluten-free pasta made from rice, quinoa, or chickpea flour. Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Spicy Mediterranean Variation: Add red pepper flakes or harissa paste to the yogurt sauce. Incorporate roasted red peppers and kalamata olives for extra Mediterranean flair.
• Protein-Packed Upgrade: Mix in grilled chicken, chickpeas, or crumbled feta cheese to increase protein content. Top with additional herbs like parsley or za'atar for extra flavor.

Pairings to Enjoy With Yogurt Pasta Dishes

• A chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio complements the tangy yogurt sauce, cutting through its creamy texture and enhancing the garlic and lemon notes.
• Cucumber, tomato, and parsley salad with olive oil dressing provides a refreshing contrast to the rich, creamy pasta, balancing the meal's flavors and adding crunch.
• Herb-marinated chicken kebabs offer a protein-packed side that harmonizes with the pasta's light, zesty profile, creating a complete and satisfying Mediterranean-inspired meal.

Storing Yogurt Pasta for Next Time

• Store leftover yogurt pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Cover tightly to prevent drying out and absorption of other food odors.
• Warm gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk or pasta water to restore creamy texture. Stir frequently to prevent sticking and ensure even heating.
• Place pasta in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle a few drops of water, and cover with a damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly.
• Avoid freezing this dish, as yogurt-based sauces tend to separate and lose their smooth consistency when thawed, compromising the pasta's texture and flavor.

FAQs

• What makes yogurt sauce creamy and tangy?

The yogurt’s protein structure and natural acidity create a smooth, rich texture while providing a bright, slightly sour flavor that coats the pasta perfectly.

• Can I use Greek yogurt instead of regular yogurt?

Yes, Greek yogurt works great and will make the sauce even thicker and creamier due to its higher protein content and strained consistency.

• Is this dish considered healthy?

Absolutely! The recipe combines protein-rich yogurt, whole grain pasta, olive oil, and herbs, offering a balanced meal with good nutritional value and lower fat content compared to cream-based pasta sauces.

• Do I need special skills to make this recipe?

No, this dish is incredibly simple and beginner-friendly. It requires basic cooking skills like boiling pasta and whisking ingredients, making it perfect for home cooks of all experience levels.

Yogurt Pasta (Macarona Bi Laban) Recipe

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4.6 from 11 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Middle Eastern comfort calls for macarona bi laban, a creamy yogurt pasta dancing with tangy simplicity. Garlic-infused sauce and golden pasta create a delightful harmony you’ll savor from first bite to last.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 250 grams (8.8 ounces) pasta (penne or elbow macaroni)
• 2 cups plain yogurt (full-fat)

Seasoning and Flavoring:

• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon dried mint
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Garnish and Cooking Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon pine nuts
• Fresh mint

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Instructions

1. Boil pasta in salted water according to package directions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and retain 1/4 cup of pasta water.
2. Create a creamy sauce by vigorously whisking yogurt with olive oil, crushed garlic, seasoning, and lemon juice until smooth and well-integrated.
3. Gently fold cooked pasta into the yogurt mixture, ensuring each strand is evenly coated. Adjust sauce consistency by gradually incorporating reserved pasta water.
4. Sprinkle dried mint throughout the pasta, stirring to distribute the herb’s aromatic flavor evenly.
5. For enhanced texture and nuttiness, carefully toast pine nuts in a dry skillet over medium heat until golden brown, approximately 2-3 minutes.
6. Scatter toasted pine nuts over the pasta and garnish with fresh mint leaves for a vibrant, aromatic finish. Serve immediately while warm to enjoy optimal flavor and texture.

Notes

• Adjust yogurt thickness by mixing in reserved pasta water for a silky, smooth sauce that clings perfectly to every pasta strand.
• Toast pine nuts carefully to enhance their nutty flavor, watching closely to prevent burning and create a delightful crunchy texture.
• Experiment with Greek yogurt for extra tanginess or use plant-based yogurt to make the dish vegan-friendly and accommodate dietary restrictions.
• Choose fresh mint leaves for a vibrant, aromatic finish that brightens the creamy pasta and adds a refreshing summer-like quality to the dish.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: Middle Eastern

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 324 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 2.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 43 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 12 g
• Cholesterol: 10 mg