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 or other pasta such as spaghetti; 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 just something so satisfying about a creamy pasta sauce that feels indulgent but still fresh. This Greek Yogurt Pasta Sauce Recipe is exactly that—a luscious, tangy sauce that’s quick to whip up and delightfully different from the usual cream or tomato-based options.

The image shows a black bowl filled with creamy fettuccine pasta mixed with white sauce, giving the noodles a smooth, shiny texture. There are small green parsley leaves sprinkled on top, adding a fresh bit of color. The edges of the bowl have some creamy sauce marks, suggesting the pasta has been freshly stirred. A wooden spoon is placed inside the bowl on the right side, partially covered with sauce. The bowl is set 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 can’t tell you how often this Greek Yogurt Pasta Sauce Recipe has saved my weeknight dinners. It’s creamy and comforting, but the yogurt adds a subtle tang that keeps it light and bright—perfect for when you want something delicious without feeling weighed down.

Simple ingredients: It uses pantry staples like garlic, butter, and Parmesan, with Greek yogurt as the star, making it easy and accessible.
Quick to prepare: This sauce comes together in under 20 minutes, so you can have a satisfying dinner fast.
Versatile flavor: The tanginess of the yogurt pairs beautifully with herbs and red pepper flakes for a little kick.
Healthier creamy option: Greek yogurt keeps this pasta sauce creamy without the heaviness and extra calories of heavy cream.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Greek Yogurt Pasta Sauce Recipe plays a role—bringing creaminess, flavor, or texture that together create a sauce that clings perfectly to your noodles. I always recommend picking a good quality Greek yogurt and Parmesan to really boost the flavor.

Flat lay of a small nest of fresh uncooked fettuccine pasta, two tablespoons of gleaming unsalted butter on a white ceramic plate, three whole peeled garlic cloves, a small white bowl filled with creamy plain whole milk Greek yogurt, another small white bowl heaped with shredded pale parmesan cheese, a small white bowl containing coarse kosher salt crystals, a tiny white bowl holding ground black pepper, a bunch of vibrant green roughly chopped parsley leaves, and a pinch of bright red pepper flakes in a white ceramic bowl, all arranged with perfect symmetry, 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 pasta: The wide noodles are perfect for holding onto the creamy sauce, but spaghetti or penne works great too.
Unsalted butter: Adds richness and helps mellow the garlic’s bite.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic infuses the butter with savory flavor—don’t skip it!
Plain whole milk Greek yogurt: This is the star of the recipe, delivering creaminess with a tangy twist; make sure it’s at room temperature to blend smoothly.
Parmesan cheese: A sharp, nutty addition that melts beautifully into the yogurt—a key for luscious sauce.
Kosher salt & ground black pepper: Essential for seasoning to balance the flavors just right.
Parsley: Freshness and a pop of color—it brightens the finished dish.
Red pepper flakes (optional): Adds a nice gentle heat if you’re feeling adventurous.

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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

I love tweaking this Greek Yogurt Pasta Sauce Recipe depending on what I have on hand or the mood I’m in. It’s a great base that responds well to extras, so go ahead and play around — you might just create your own favorite version.

Variation: Sometimes I add sautéed mushrooms or spinach directly into the sauce for extra veggies and texture—it’s like a creamy, cozy upgrade.
Make it vegan: Swap the butter for olive oil and try using a dairy-free yogurt alternative, but keep in mind the sauce might not be quite as rich.
Add protein: Grilled chicken or shrimp tossed in makes it a complete meal, perfect for weeknight suppers.

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

A bowl filled with creamy white fettuccine pasta covered with a light sauce, sprinkled with chopped green herbs and small red chili flakes on top. The pasta strands are tangled and soft, resting in a white ceramic bowl with a brown rim. Two vintage silver forks lie crossed inside the bowl on the left side of the pasta. The bowl is set on a white marbled surface, and a small part of a bowl with more green herbs is visible in the upper left corner. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Pasta Prep

Start by bringing a large pot of generously salted water to a boil—this is key to seasoning your pasta from the inside. Cook your fettuccine or preferred pasta until just al dente; for me, that’s usually about 12-14 minutes. Be sure to save a cup of the pasta water before draining — that starchy water is pure gold for adjusting the sauce texture later!

Step 2: Build the Sauce Base

Using the now-empty pasta pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Toss in your minced garlic and cook just until it’s fragrant and translucent—about a minute—to avoid bitterness. Lower the heat here so the garlic doesn’t brown; gentle warmth is what keeps the sauce smooth.

Step 3: Combine Yogurt & Cheese

On low heat, whisk in the room-temperature Greek yogurt and Parmesan cheese. Keep stirring to melt the cheese and warm the yogurt, but don’t rush or turn up the heat or it could curdle. Add reserved pasta water little by little, just a tablespoon at a time, until your sauce reaches that perfect silky consistency. Don’t be shy about tasting and adjusting the salt and pepper here!

Step 4: Toss & Serve

Return the drained pasta to the pot and gently toss everything together to make sure all those noodles get luxuriously coated. Then transfer to a serving dish, sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley, a little extra Parmesan, and some red pepper flakes if you want that touch of heat. Serve right away and watch how quickly it disappears!

Top Tip

Over the years, I learned a few things that make this Greek Yogurt Pasta Sauce Recipe foolproof and silky every time. The right temperature and patience are everything when working with yogurt in a sauce.

Use full-fat, room-temp Greek yogurt: It blends and warms smoothly without separating, which makes the finished sauce creamy and smooth.
Low and slow warming: Keep the heat low when stirring yogurt and cheese so the sauce doesn’t curdle or become grainy.
Pasta water magic: Don’t forget to reserve that pasta water! It’s the secret weapon for thinning the sauce to the perfect consistency without watering down flavor.
Season incrementally: Seasoning before adding pasta and again after helps balance the flavors perfectly throughout.

How to Serve Greek Yogurt Pasta Sauce Recipe

Greek Yogurt Pasta Sauce - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I’m all about simple garnishes that add color and a final boost of flavor. Fresh parsley is a must for me—its brightness contrasts beautifully with the creamy sauce. Plus, a little extra Parmesan grated on top adds nutty richness. For heat lovers, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes takes it up a notch.

Side Dishes

This pasta sauce pairs perfectly with a crisp green salad or roasted veggies like asparagus or Brussels sprouts. I also enjoy it alongside some garlicky bread for scooping up any leftover sauce—trust me, you won’t want to waste a drop.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party, I like serving the pasta in shallow bowls with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and a few basil leaves scattered on top for a fresh, elegant look. You can also sprinkle toasted pine nuts or walnuts to add crunch and a bit of earthiness—always a crowd-pleaser!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The sauce thickens as it chills, so it’s important to loosen it up gently when reheating to keep that creamy texture.

Freezing

Freezing isn’t my first choice with this Greek Yogurt Pasta Sauce Recipe because the texture can change when thawed, sometimes becoming grainy. If you do freeze it, do so in a tight container and thaw slowly in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat the sauce gently over low heat on the stove, stirring frequently. Add a splash of pasta water or broth to restore the silky consistency. Avoid the microwave if possible, as it’s harder to control heat and can curdle the sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use low-fat or non-fat Greek yogurt in this sauce?

For the creamiest texture and best flavor, I really recommend using full-fat Greek yogurt at room temperature. Low-fat or non-fat versions can be more watery and tend to curdle when heated, which changes the smoothness of the sauce.

How do I prevent the sauce from curdling?

The key is to keep your heat low and warm the sauce slowly while stirring constantly. Using full-fat Greek yogurt at room temperature also helps. Avoid boiling the sauce once the yogurt is added.

Can I use this sauce with other types of pasta?

Absolutely! While I love it with fettuccine or spaghetti, this sauce works beautifully with penne, rigatoni, or even pasta shells — just pick whatever shape you like best that will hold onto the sauce.

What sides pair well with Greek Yogurt Pasta Sauce Recipe?

I find simple greens like arugula or a mixed salad work best to balance the richness. Roasted veggies or garlic bread also complement the creamy pasta nicely for a fuller meal.

Final Thoughts

This Greek Yogurt Pasta Sauce Recipe is one of those gems that I love sharing with friends because it’s simple yet special. It manages to feel indulgent without the heaviness and comes together quickly with ingredients you probably already have. I’m confident once you try it, you’ll have a new go-to sauce that feels fresh, creamy, and totally comforting all at once—enjoy cooking!