Name: **Arabic Pasta** Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Ingredients: 8 ounces penne or elbow pasta; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 small onion, finely chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1/2 pound ground beef or ground chicken; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander; 1/2 teaspoon paprika; 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional); 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional); 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes; 1 tablespoon tomato paste; 1/2 cup water; 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley or cilantro; 1/2 cup plain yogurt (for serving)

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

If you’re craving a comforting meal with bold, aromatic flavors, you have to try Arabic Pasta. This dish is a genius fusion of perfectly cooked pasta and the classic warmth of Middle Eastern spices, all tied together in a rich tomato sauce and crowned with fresh herbs and an optional creamy dollop of yogurt. Arabic Pasta delivers the best of both worlds: the familiar coziness of pasta night and the exotic flair of Middle Eastern cuisine, making it an irresistible, crowd-pleasing favorite you’ll want to share with everyone at your table.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Arabic Pasta is how it transforms humble pantry staples into something extraordinary. Every ingredient in this recipe brings a touch of flavor, depth, or texture, so don’t skip any of these little stars – they’re the secret to that irresistible final bite!

Pasta: Choose penne or elbows for their sauce-grabbing grooves, but any short pasta works if that’s what you have.
Olive Oil: A touch of olive oil adds richness and helps carry the spices into every bite.
Onion: Finely chopped onion creates a sweet, aromatic base that anchors the sauce.
Garlic: Fresh garlic adds a punchy depth and lovable zest in the background.
Ground Beef or Chicken: Either one lends satisfying protein; get creative with what you have, or try lentils for a vegetarian twist.
Ground Cumin: The essential earthy spice that defines a classic Middle Eastern flavor profile.
Ground Coriander: Adds a gentle citrusy note that beautifully brightens the sauce.
Paprika: Brings a pop of color and mild, sweet smokiness to every forkful.
Ground Cinnamon (optional): Just a pinch infuses warmth and subtle intrigue—highly recommended if you want that authentic flair.
Black Pepper: For a lively bite that keeps things interesting.
Salt: A must for seasoning; enhances every other ingredient in the dish.
Red Pepper Flakes (optional): Adds a touch of heat—adjust it to your liking or leave it out for a milder dish.
Tomato Sauce or Crushed Tomatoes: The rich, satisfying heart of the sauce; either option works great.
Tomato Paste: Intensifies the tomato flavor and thickens the sauce.
Water: Just enough to achieve the perfect sauce consistency.
Chopped Fresh Parsley or Cilantro: Sprinkled at the end for brightness, color, and fresh flavor (choose your favorite or try both!).
Plain Yogurt (for serving, optional): Adds a creamy coolness that balances out the spices—so satisfying!

How to Make Arabic Pasta

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by cooking your pasta in a big pot of well-salted boiling water until it’s just al dente—this gives your Arabic Pasta the perfect bite. Drain the pasta and set it aside, ready to soak up all those lovely flavors later.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for 3–4 minutes until it turns soft and fragrant, hinting at the delicious sauce to come. Stir in the minced garlic and let it cook for just 30 seconds, releasing its irresistible aroma.

Step 3: Brown the Meat

Add your ground beef or chicken to the skillet, breaking it into bite-sized crumbles as it cooks. Keep stirring until the meat is beautifully browned and fully cooked—this adds richness and hearty depth to your Arabic Pasta.

Step 4: Add the Spices

Now the magic happens! Sprinkle in the cumin, coriander, paprika, cinnamon (if using), black pepper, salt, and red pepper flakes. Cook this spice mix for a minute to bloom those bold flavors. Stir in the tomato paste and let it sizzle for a minute, deepening the sauce’s color and intensity.

Step 5: Simmer the Sauce

Pour in the tomato sauce (or crushed tomatoes) and water, then stir everything together. Let the sauce gently simmer for 10–15 minutes. During this time, the sauce thickens and the flavors meld into that signature Middle Eastern comfort you’ll taste in every spoonful.

Step 6: Combine and Finish

Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the sauce and toss everything until the pasta is beautifully coated. Let it cook for another 2–3 minutes to let all those delicious flavors marry. Just before serving, fold in the chopped parsley or cilantro for a burst of freshness and color.

Step 7: Serve

Spoon the Arabic Pasta generously into bowls, and if you love a creamy touch, top each serving with a spoonful of plain yogurt. This final flourish mingles coolness with spice, making every bite pure comfort.

How to Serve Arabic Pasta

Garnishes

A scattering of fresh parsley or cilantro makes Arabic Pasta pop with color and gives each plate a fragrant finish. For even more pizzazz, try a small dusting of extra paprika on top, or a drizzle of good olive oil for shine. The optional dollop of plain yogurt isn’t just pretty—it tempers the warmth of the spices and adds a dreamy creaminess you’ll keep coming back for.

Side Dishes

Arabic Pasta is delightfully hearty on its own, but it sings alongside a crisp cucumber-tomato salad or a platter of pickled vegetables. Flatbreads like pita are perfect for swiping up every last saucy bite, and grilled veggies or a bowl of lentil soup round out a beautiful Middle Eastern-inspired meal.

Creative Ways to Present

To turn Arabic Pasta into a showstopping centerpiece, try serving it in a large, shallow platter, topped with a mountain of herbs and a swirl of yogurt. For special occasions, portion the pasta into individual ramekins, sprinkle lightly with feta or toasted pine nuts, and broil briefly for a golden finish. Little touches like colorful napkins or hand-painted plates bring extra Middle Eastern flair to your table.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Arabic Pasta keeps beautifully! Just let it cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to 3 days. As the flavors mingle, they become even richer and more satisfying, making this pasta a next-day treat you’ll look forward to.

Freezing

If you’d like to freeze Arabic Pasta for future meals, let it cool, then pack it into freezer-safe containers (portion-sized, if you prefer). It will keep its flavor and texture for about 2 months. Thaw gently in the fridge overnight before reheating for the best result.

Reheating

To reheat, place Arabic Pasta in a saucepan or microwave-safe bowl and add a splash of water to loosen the sauce if needed. Warm it gently over medium-low heat on the stovetop, or microwave in short bursts, stirring in between, until piping hot. Top with fresh herbs or a new swirl of yogurt to refresh the flavors.

FAQs

Can I make Arabic Pasta vegetarian?

Definitely! Simply skip the ground meat and swap in cooked lentils, mushrooms, or a hearty plant-based mince. The rest of the flavors and textures will shine just as beautifully.

Which type Main Course

Short tubular shapes like penne or elbow pasta are classic choices for Arabic Pasta because their ridges and curves catch the sauce so well, but feel free to use any pasta you love or have on hand.

Can I use ground lamb instead of beef or chicken?

Absolutely! Ground lamb is fantastic here and adds an extra layer of richness and authentic Middle Eastern flair. Just follow the same steps as you would with beef or chicken.

Is this recipe spicy?

Arabic Pasta is mild as written, with plenty of fragrant spices but just a touch of heat. For more spice, add a pinch more red pepper flakes or serve with harissa or your favorite hot sauce at the table.

What other toppings go well with Arabic Pasta?

You can get creative! Try a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts, crumbled feta cheese, or even a squeeze of lemon juice for extra brightness. Chopped cucumbers or a spoonful of zhoug sauce add a refreshing contrast, too.

Final Thoughts

There’s something magical about the way Arabic Pasta brings together comfort, zest, and vibrant Middle Eastern flavors in one bowl. It’s a guaranteed dinner win, so go ahead and make it—it might just become your new favorite way to enjoy pasta night!

Arabic Pasta Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 27 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Arabic Pasta is a flavorful Middle Eastern twist on classic pasta, featuring spiced meat in a savory tomato sauce. This easy-to-make dish is hearty and satisfying, perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta:

8 ounces penne or elbow pasta

Sauce:

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 pound ground beef or ground chicken
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1/2 cup water
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley or cilantro

Optional:

1/2 cup plain yogurt (for serving)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Cook the Pasta: Cook pasta according to package instructions in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Prepare the Sauce: In a skillet, sauté onion in olive oil until softened. Add garlic, then ground meat and cook until browned. Add spices, tomato paste, tomato sauce, and water. Simmer until thickened.
Combine and Serve: Add cooked pasta to the sauce, toss to coat, and heat through. Stir in parsley or cilantro. Serve hot, topped with plain yogurt if desired.