Bright, flavorful, and unapologetically crave-worthy, Halloumi Pasta is that rare weeknight meal that’s as impressive as it is speedy. Combining the iconic golden sear of halloumi cheese with vibrant tomatoes and aromatic herbs, each bite delivers a glorious medley of squeaky, salty richness, tender pasta, and a hint of Mediterranean sunshine. If you’re hunting for a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that brings new life to a classic comfort dish, look no further—this Halloumi Pasta will absolutely become your new obsession.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The best part about Halloumi Pasta is that its bold flavors bloom from a handful of simple ingredients. Each element plays a starring role, adding color, texture, or a burst of flavor that transforms this meal into magic.
- Halloumi Cheese: This firm, grillable cheese doesn’t melt, making it perfect for crisping up and adding a deliciously salty, chewy bite.
- Penne or Rigatoni: These shapes hold the sauce and bits of cheese in every bite, but feel free to use your favorite pasta.
- Cherry Tomatoes: Roasted or sautéed, their natural sweetness adds brightness and juicy bursts of flavor.
- Garlic: Just a couple cloves infuse everything with warm, savory notes.
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Enhances flavor and helps caramelize the halloumi and tomatoes.
- Fresh Basil: Torn leaves scattered on top balance the richness with herbal freshness.
- Lemon Zest: A zippy finishing touch that lifts the whole dish.
- Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: Optional, but they give a welcome flicker of heat.
- Salt & Black Pepper: The essentials for seasoning every layer just right.
How to Make Halloumi Pasta
Step 1: Prep the Halloumi
Start by slicing your halloumi into bite-sized cubes or thick batons. Drying the cheese with a paper towel beforehand ensures you’ll get that signature golden crust. This little move makes all the difference when it comes time to sear!
Step 2: Sear the Halloumi
Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then add your halloumi pieces. Avoid crowding the pan, and let the cheese cook undisturbed until it’s deeply golden before flipping. Once crisped on all sides, transfer the halloumi to a plate for later. The aroma alone will have you sneaking a taste!
Step 3: Create the Tomato Sauce
In the same skillet, add a bit more olive oil and toss in sliced garlic. Once fragrant, add your cherry tomatoes and a pinch of salt. Let the tomatoes soften and burst, their juices mingling with garlicky oil to create a simple, rustic sauce. If you love a little kick, sprinkle in crushed red pepper flakes now.
Step 4: Cook the Pasta
While the sauce is coming together, boil your pasta in well-salted water according to package instructions until al dente. Save a cup of pasta water before draining—this starchy liquid is the secret to glossy, clinging sauce.
Step 5: Bring It All Together
Add the drained pasta and seared halloumi back into the pan with the tomato sauce. Toss gently, adding enough reserved pasta water to loosen things up and bring everyone together. Finish with torn basil, lemon zest, and plenty of black pepper. Give it one last toss and get ready for compliments!
How to Serve Halloumi Pasta
Garnishes
A final shower of fresh basil leaves adds vibrant color and herbal lift, while extra lemon zest brings sparkle to each bite. For a restaurant-worthy touch, a drizzle of good olive oil or a pinch of flaky sea salt just before serving elevates every plate.
Side Dishes
Serve your Halloumi Pasta with a crisp green salad—think arugula, cucumber, and red onion—or some garlic-rubbed, charred bread to mop up all those saucy edges. A chilled glass of Sauvignon Blanc or sparkling water with lemon doesn’t hurt either!
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party, try mounding the Halloumi Pasta in a shallow serving bowl and nestling in whole roasted tomatoes or extra basil sprigs on top. You can also plate individual servings with a wedge of lemon for squeezing and a final dusting of black pepper for added flair.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once completely cool, leftover Halloumi Pasta can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors only deepen overnight, making your lunch the next day that much more tempting!
Freezing
Freezing isn’t ideal for halloumi, as its signature texture can change, but if you must, portion the pasta in containers and freeze up to one month. Let it thaw in the fridge before reheating for best results.
Reheating
Warm leftovers gently in a skillet over medium heat, splashing in a bit of water or extra olive oil to loosen the sauce. The halloumi will soften but retain its delightful chew, keeping the dish as satisfying as day one.
FAQs
Can I substitute another cheese for halloumi?
While halloumi is the star thanks to its sturdy, grillable texture, you can get a similar effect with paneer or a good-quality feta, though the flavor and squeaky chew won’t be quite the same.
Is Halloumi Pasta vegetarian?
Absolutely! Halloumi Pasta is completely vegetarian, provided your halloumi is made with vegetarian rennet. Always check the label if you’re cooking for strict vegetarians.
Which pasta shape works best?
Short shapes like penne, rigatoni, or fusilli are ideal because they capture bits of cheese and tomato, but even spaghetti or tagliatelle works in a pinch. It’s hard to go wrong!
Can I add more veggies?
Definitely! Zucchini, spinach, or roasted bell peppers are delicious additions. Just sauté or roast them before tossing with the pasta and sauce.
How spicy is Halloumi Pasta?
The level of heat is entirely up to you! Crushed red pepper flakes add a gentle warmth, but can be skipped if you prefer a milder dish or amped up if you like things zesty.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re out to wow your family or just looking for a fast weeknight treat, this Halloumi Pasta brings flavor-packed comfort right to your table. Give it a whirl—once you taste those golden cheese bites mingled with juicy tomatoes and pasta, you’ll want to revisit this dish again and again!
Print
Halloumi Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delicious and easy-to-make Halloumi Pasta recipe that combines the rich and salty flavors of halloumi cheese with al dente pasta in a flavorful tomato sauce.
Ingredients
For the Halloumi:
- 250g halloumi cheese, sliced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
For the Pasta:
- 300g pasta of your choice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (400g) crushed tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
Instructions
- Prep the Halloumi: Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the sliced halloumi and cook until golden brown on both sides. Remove from pan and set aside.
- Cook the Pasta: Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Make the Sauce: In the same pan, sauté garlic until fragrant. Add crushed tomatoes, oregano, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes.
- Combine: Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and toss to coat. Add the cooked halloumi and gently mix.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh basil leaves and serve hot. Enjoy!
Notes
- You can add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- Feel free to customize with your favorite herbs and spices.
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