Greek Yogurt Pasta with Lemon Parmesan Sauce

Do you love alfredo sauce but hate all the extra fat and calories? If that's the case, you're going to love this lightened up Greek yogurt pasta recipe! Made with protein-packed yogurt in place of high-fat heavy cream, this garlic parmesan sauce is the perfect healthy alternative to classic alfredo. Add the creamy sauce to your favorite pasta to make a quick and easy dinner for the entire family in under 30 minutes.

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Reasons Why You'll Love This Recipe

When it comes to dinner, who doesn't love a dish that's indulgent, flavorful, and easy to make? This Greek Yogurt Pasta with Lemon Parmesan Sauce delivers all that and more. Not only does it satisfy cravings for creamy pasta without the guilt, but it also makes healthy eating feel downright delicious. Here's everything you'll love about this irresistible recipe.

• It's a Healthier Take on Alfredo Sauce: Traditional Alfredo sauce is rich and delicious, but it's usually loaded with heavy cream and butter, which can quickly add up in calories and fat. This recipe swaps the heavy cream for full-fat Greek yogurt, which is packed with protein and significantly lighter in unhealthy fats. You get that same creamy texture and indulgent flavor without the guilt.
• Greek Yogurt Adds a Protein Boost: Greek yogurt isn't just a healthier substitute for heavy cream-it's also a fantastic source of protein. A single serving of this dish has significantly more muscle-building protein than your average pasta dinner. It's an easy way to work more protein into your diet while still satisfying your carb-loving side.
• The Flavors Are Bright and Tangy: This pasta isn't just creamy; it's also bursting with vibrant flavors. The zest and juice of fresh lemon create a tangy kick that complements the richness of the Greek yogurt and Parmesan. The result? A balanced, refreshing sauce that's ideal for spring and summer dinners.
• It Only Takes 30 Minutes to Make: Dinner doesn't have to be complicated to be delicious. This Greek Yogurt Pasta comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for weeknights. The simple ingredients and step-by-step process mean you can whip this up even after a long day.
• The Ingredients Are Simple and Pantry-Friendly: Cavatappi pasta, olive oil, butter, garlic, lemon, Greek yogurt, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper are all you need for this recipe. Chances are, many of these ingredients are already in your kitchen. No complicated shopping list or exotic items required!

What Do I Need to Make Greek Yogurt Pasta?

On top of being healthy and packed with flavor, you can whip up a light and creamy pasta dish with a tangy lemon garlic sauce using just a handful of simple ingredients! To make your own Greek yogurt pasta, you'll need:

• Cavatappi pasta
• Olive oil
• Butter
• Garlic
• Lemon
• Full-fat Greek yogurt
• Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper
• Fresh basil or parsley for garnish

How Do I Make Greek Yogurt Pasta?

Ready in under 30 minutes, this deliciously creamy pasta is the perfect option for a quick weeknight meal! And the best part is that you can prepare it in just three quick and easy steps. Follow these simple instructions to make your own Greek yogurt pasta sauce at home for dinner tonight.

Step One: Prepare the Pasta

Start by bringing a large pot of water to a boil, then add the pasta and a pinch of salt. Cook the pasta until al dente, then drain the noodles and reserve around ½ cup of pasta water.

Step Two: Make the Sauce

In a large skillet, warm the olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add the chopped garlic and saute for around one minute, until fragrant. Stir in the lemon zest and juice, then reduce the heat to low. Add the Greek yogurt to the pan, along with the salt and pepper. Allow the sauce to simmer while stirring quickly to combine all the ingredients into a smooth sauce.

Step Three: Add the Pasta

When the sauce is well blended, add the pasta to the pan and toss to coat the noodles in the sauce. Stir in the parmesan cheese with a splash of reserved pasta water. Continue adding more water, as needed, to thin the sauce. Garnish with chopped herbs before serving.

How Do You Store this Pasta Recipe?

This simple dish is packed with flavor, which means everyone is going to eat it up! But if you happen to have some leftovers when dinner is through, you should transfer them to an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator. The pasta will stay good for up to three days.

The pasta can be reheated in the microwave. Or pour the leftovers into a small saucepan and warm over medium low heat until cooked through. If the pasta becomes to dry, add a small amount of water or broth to the pan and stir to mix to loosen the sauce.

Yogurt Pasta Recipe Ideas

Since this basic pasta dish is prepared with a creamy Greek yogurt sauce, it's very easy to customize. Try these simple ideas for additions and substitutions as you're preparing your own family dinner to change things up.

• Add some protein to the pasta dinner. This recipe may be a great option for a meatless meal, but there is no reason you can't add some protein to the mix! Cooked chicken, grilled fish or shrimp all make great protein additions to create a full meal all in one pan.
• Mix in different cheeses.  When you're preparing a homemade sauce for your pasta, parmesan is a classic cheese option. But you can add even more cheesy Italian flavor by mixing in some Romano or gruyere instead of (or in addition to) the parmesan cheeses.
• Try a different type of pasta. Cavatappi pasta is a great option for this dish because of its fun shape. But if you don't have any cavatappi on hand, you can replace it with any type of pasta, including fettuccini, farfalle (bow tie), penne, elbow macaroni, or fusilli. 
• Stir in some vegetables. When you're preparing dinner for your family, you really can't go wrong by adding vegetables! And since this basic recipe is prepared with a creamy sauce, the veggie possibilities are endless! Try adding some peas, broccoli or cauliflower florets, asparagus, kale, spinach, or chopped bell peppers.

Why Did My Greek Yogurt Pasta Sauce Curdle?

There's nothing worse than attempting to make a rich, creamy pasta sauce only to end up with a curdled mess! And that may happen if you don't use the correct type of Greek yogurt when preparing this sauce recipe. The key to getting a smooth and creamy sauce is to use full-fat yogurt as you're cooking. If there's not enough fat in the yogurt you're using, it could start to curdle as it heats up.

Perfect Pairings for Greek Yogurt Pasta 

Greek Yogurt Pasta with Lemon Parmesan Sauce is the ultimate healthy comfort food. With its creamy, tangy base and a hint of citrusy brightness from the lemon, this dish is a fantastic alternative to calorie-heavy Alfredo. But if you're wondering what to serve alongside this delectable pasta to create an unforgettable meal, we've got you covered. Here are some perfect pairings to complement your lightened-up pasta dish.

1. Caprese Salad with Spinach
2. The Best Italian Salad Recipe
3. Garlic Rolls Recipe with Fresh Herbs
4. Lemon Chicken and Asparagus 
5. Oven Roasted Sausage and Vegetables