Name: Greek Yogurt Pasta Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Greek
Ingredients: 8 ounces fettuccine pasta; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter; 3 cloves garlic, peeled and minced; 1 cup plain whole milk Greek yogurt, at room temperature; ⅔ cup shredded parmesan cheese, plus more as garnish; 1 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more for pasta cooking water; ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper; ½ cup parsley, roughly chopped; 1/8 teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional

There’s something delightfully creamy and comforting about this Greek Yogurt Pasta Sauce Recipe that makes it a go-to for busy weeknights. It’s rich, tangy, and surprisingly simple to pull together, making pasta feel special without any fuss.

A black pot filled with creamy white fettuccine pasta mixed in a thick white sauce, sprinkled with small green parsley leaves scattered evenly on top and throughout the pasta. A wooden spoon with traces of the sauce rests inside the pot on the right side, partially covered by pasta. The pot is placed on a white marbled surface photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Greek Yogurt Pasta Sauce Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Greek Yogurt Pasta Sauce Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Greek Yogurt Pasta Sauce Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I’ve made this Greek Yogurt Pasta Sauce Recipe probably a hundred times, and every time it surprises me a little. It’s creamy and cheesy but lighter than a traditional cream sauce, which feels just right any season of the year.

Healthy twist: Greek yogurt adds protein and tang without the heaviness of cream.
Super quick: You can whip this sauce up in under 20 minutes, perfect when dinner’s calling.
Kid-friendly and adaptable: Mild flavors that you can easily customize with herbs or spice.
Comfort food vibe: Creamy and satisfying but without the guilt or kitchen meltdown.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Greek Yogurt Pasta Sauce Recipe plays a definite role, balancing creaminess, flavor, and texture — and many of them are staples you probably already have. Using whole milk Greek yogurt is especially key to getting that luscious, smooth sauce.

Flat lay of fresh uncooked fettuccine pasta nest, a small pat of unsalted butter on a simple white ceramic plate, three whole uncracked garlic cloves, a small white ceramic bowl of creamy whole milk Greek yogurt, a small white ceramic bowl filled with shredded parmesan cheese, a small white ceramic bowl of coarse kosher salt, a small white ceramic bowl of ground black pepper, a small white ceramic bowl of red pepper flakes, and a bunch of roughly chopped vibrant green parsley arranged harmoniously, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Fettuccine (or pasta of choice): I love wide noodles here because they hold the sauce so well, but spaghetti works just as beautifully.
Unsalted butter: Adds richness and helps mellow the garlic without overpowering.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic brings aromatic depth; don’t skip it!
Whole milk Greek yogurt: Thick and creamy, it’s vital for the tang and body of this sauce — opt for the full-fat kind for best results.
Parmesan cheese: Sharp and salty, it melts into the sauce and amps up the umami.
Kosher salt: Essential to flavor both pasta water and sauce properly.
Ground black pepper: Just a touch to balance and give a slight peppery heat.
Parsley: Freshly chopped parsley adds a bright, herbal finish that wakes up the dish.
Red pepper flakes (optional): If you like a little kick, these add a subtle warmth without overpowering.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One thing I love about this Greek Yogurt Pasta Sauce Recipe is how easy it is to tweak. Whether you want it richer, spicier, or herb-forward, it adapts effortlessly to your mood or pantry.

Variation: Sometimes I like to stir in sautéed mushrooms or spinach for extra veggies — it adds great texture and color while keeping things nutritious.
Protein boost: Toss in some grilled chicken or chickpeas for a quick protein upgrade that turns this into a complete meal.
Herb swap: If parsley isn’t your vibe, basil or dill fresh from the garden are incredible alternatives that pair well.
Spicy kick: Adding extra red pepper flakes or even a dash of smoked paprika gives the sauce a smoky warmth I adore on chilly evenings.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Greek Yogurt Pasta Sauce Recipe

A bowl of creamy white fettuccine pasta layered with smooth, white sauce coating each noodle, sprinkled with small red chili flakes and chopped green herbs on top, giving spots of red and green on the light pasta. The pasta is in a white bowl with a brown rim and a silver fork and spoon resting inside the bowl on the left side of the pasta. The background is a white marbled texture with a small bowl of green herbs peeking from the top left corner. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Cook the pasta perfectly

I always bring a big pot of water to a rolling boil and salt it generously — this is your first chance to season the pasta itself. Cook your fettuccine until just al dente, usually about 12 to 14 minutes, so it holds up well when tossed in the sauce. Don’t forget to save a cup of that starchy pasta water before draining — it’s the magic ingredient for the sauce’s smooth texture.

Step 2: Build the sauce base

Place the empty pot back on medium heat and melt the butter. Whisk in the minced garlic and cook for about a minute until fragrant and translucent—just avoid browning it to keep flavors bright. Lower the heat to low and add the Greek yogurt and parmesan. Stir constantly and gently warm the sauce, making sure it doesn’t get too hot to prevent curdling. If it seems too thick, add the reserved pasta water, one tablespoon at a time, until the sauce is silky and coats the back of a spoon.

Step 3: Combine and season

Mix the drained pasta back into the sauce pot carefully, tossing so every strand shines with that luscious sauce. Taste and season with kosher salt and black pepper, remembering you can always add more. This last step is where you balance everything perfectly, so don’t rush it!

Step 4: Garnish and serve

Transfer your pasta to a serving dish and sprinkle liberally with chopped parsley, extra parmesan cheese, and red pepper flakes if you’d like a little heat. It’s simple but feels special, and that’s part of the charm of this Greek Yogurt Pasta Sauce Recipe.

Top Tip

From cooking this sauce dozens of times, I’ve learned a few tricks that make a big difference in how silky and delicious this Greek Yogurt Pasta Sauce Recipe turns out. These tips will save you from common pitfalls and help the flavors really shine.

Keep the heat low: Greek yogurt curdles if overheated, so warming gently and stirring constantly is key.
Use pasta water wisely: Adding reserved pasta water little by little helps loosen the sauce without losing flavor.
Fresh garlic is essential: Mince the garlic finely and don’t brown it—saute just until translucent to maintain that fresh aroma.
Room temperature yogurt: Letting the yogurt come to room temp before adding prevents chilling the sauce and helps it blend smoothly.

How to Serve Greek Yogurt Pasta Sauce Recipe

Greek yogurt pasta sauce - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I personally love to keep it simple with fresh parsley and an extra sprinkle of parmesan on top—it adds color and a fresh burst that cuts through the sauce’s creaminess. Red pepper flakes are a must if I want a little warmth, but feel free to experiment with fresh basil or a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness.

Side Dishes

When I serve this Greek Yogurt Pasta Sauce Recipe, I like pairing it with a crisp green salad dressed simply with olive oil and lemon. Garlic bread or roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli also make great complements, adding crunch and variety to the meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve served this pasta in individual shallow bowls and topped each with microgreens and edible flowers for an elegant touch. Drizzling a little good-quality extra virgin olive oil over each plate right before serving adds a luxurious sheen and flavor boost.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

When I have leftovers, I pop them into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The sauce thickens as it cools, so it’s best to reheat gently to bring back that creamy consistency.

Freezing

I haven't had much success freezing this sauce directly—it tends to separate due to the yogurt. So I recommend freezing just the pasta or preparing fresh sauce for frozen pasta meals.

Reheating

Warm leftovers slowly in a skillet over low heat, stirring frequently. Add a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce back to its creamy original texture without curdling.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use low-fat Greek yogurt instead of whole milk?

Using low-fat Greek yogurt isn't recommended for this recipe because it has a different fat-to-protein ratio, which can cause the sauce to curdle or become less creamy. Stick with full-fat for the best, smooth results.

How do I prevent the Greek yogurt sauce from curdling?

The key is to keep the heat low when warming the sauce and to stir constantly. Also, bring your Greek yogurt to room temperature before adding, and avoid boiling the sauce. Adding starchy pasta water slowly also helps the sauce stay smooth.

Can I make this sauce ahead of time?

You can make the sauce ahead but don’t toss it with the pasta until just before serving. Store the sauce in the refrigerator and gently reheat it with a splash of pasta water or broth to bring back the creamy texture.

What types of pasta work best with this sauce?

Fettuccine is ideal because its broad ribbons hold the creamy sauce well. However, spaghetti, linguine, or even penne work great too. Choose your favorite pasta shape to enjoy this sauce.

Final Thoughts

This Greek Yogurt Pasta Sauce Recipe has been such a pleasant surprise for me, combining comfort and health without compromise. It’s a sauce I feel good about feeding my family and crave myself on hectic evenings. Give it a try—you might find it quickly becomes one of your weeknight heroes, too.