Crispy Halloumi Pasta Recipe

Looking for a quick and delicious dinner idea? Enter Halloumi Pasta – the ultimate solution for those busy nights when you crave something special but don’t have hours to spare in the kitchen. Picture this: golden, crispy halloumi cheese paired with fresh veggies, all smothered in a rich tomato sauce. The salty kick of the halloumi perfectly complements the sweetness of the tomatoes, creating a flavor explosion in every bite.

In just 15 minutes, you can whip up this Halloumi Pasta, making it a go-to recipe for when you need a satisfying meal in a pinch. The simplicity of the ingredients – halloumi cheese, pasta, veggies, and a few pantry staples – belies the incredible taste and texture this dish offers. Whether you’re a vegetarian looking for a hearty meal or a cheese lover in search of a new favorite, this Halloumi Pasta is sure to delight your taste buds and become a regular on your dinner rotation. So why wait? Treat yourself to this quick and easy culinary delight tonight!

Quick Benefits

• Golden and crispy halloumi adds a heavenly texture to the dish.
• Quick and easy to make in just 15 minutes, perfect for busy nights.
• Vegetarian-friendly with simple ingredients that feel like a treat.
• Versatile recipe – customize with different veggies or meats to suit your preferences.

Why You’ll Love This Crispy Halloumi Pasta Recipe Recipe

• Quick and Easy: Ready in just 15-20 minutes, perfect for busy nights when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Delicious Flavor Combination: The salty, crispy halloumi cheese pairs beautifully with the sweet cherry tomatoes and rich tomato sauce, creating a harmonious and satisfying dish.
• Vegetarian-Friendly: A great option for vegetarians, utilizing simple ingredients that are usually on hand to create a flavorful and satisfying meal.
• Customizable: Easily adaptable to suit your preferences – swap in different veggies such as spinach or zucchini, add crispy bacon for meat lovers, or use feta as a creamy alternative to halloumi.
• Versatile: Works with any pasta shape, so you can use your favorite or whatever you have on hand. Plus, you can add in quick-cooking vegetables like peas or asparagus for extra nutrients.
• Tips for Success: Helpful tips provided in the recipe to ensure the broccoli cooks perfectly, the halloumi stays crispy, and suggestions for variations to make the dish your own.

Ingredients for Crispy Halloumi Pasta Recipe

• 250g cherry tomatoes.
• 2 teaspoons sweet smoked paprika.
• 2 tablespoons olive oil.
• 450g halloumi cheese, chunked.
• 300g pasta of choice.
• 500g passata.
• 300g broccoli.
• 3 cloves garlic, crushed.
• Salt and black pepper to taste.
• 1 onion, finely chopped.

Pro Tips for Crispy Halloumi Pasta Recipe

Pro Tip 1: When frying the halloumi, make sure the pan is hot before adding the cheese to achieve that perfect golden crispiness. Let the cheese sit in the pan without moving it too much to allow it to develop that delicious crust.

Pro Tip 2: To amp up the flavor of the tomato sauce, sauté the onion and garlic until fragrant before adding the passata. This will help develop a deeper, richer taste in the sauce, enhancing the overall dish.

Pro Tip 3: Feel free to customize this Halloumi Pasta recipe by adding your favorite quick-cooking vegetables or proteins. Experiment with different veggies like spinach or zucchini, or try adding crispy bacon for an extra savory twist. Don’t limit yourself to the ingredients listed – make it your own!

How to Make Crispy Halloumi Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Step 01

In a skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of oil and fry the halloumi for 5 minutes.

Step 2: Step 02

Take out the halloumi and set it aside.

Step 3: Step 03

Begin cooking pasta in a pot of salted boiling water.

Step 4: Step 04

In the remaining oil, sauté onions and garlic.

Step 5: Step 05

Add the broccoli to the pasta after 5 minutes of cooking.

Step 6: Step 06

Combine onions with tomatoes, paprika, and passata.

Step 7: Step 07

Simmer sauce covered for 5 minutes.

Step 8: Step 08

Remove water from pasta and broccoli.

Step 9: Step 09

Mix pasta with sauce.

Step 10: Step 10

Place fried halloumi on top.

Storage Tips

Once you have prepared the halloumi pasta, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It is best to consume the dish within 2-3 days to ensure optimal taste and texture. When reheating, gently warm the pasta in a pan on low heat to prevent the halloumi from becoming rubbery.

To freeze the halloumi pasta for longer storage, portion it into freezer-safe containers or resealable bags. Make sure to cool the dish completely before freezing. The frozen pasta can last for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw the pasta overnight in the refrigerator and reheat it on the stovetop, adding a splash of water if needed to revive the sauce.

For the best taste and texture, it is recommended to enjoy halloumi pasta fresh. However, with proper storage and reheating techniques, you can still savor this delicious dish even after it has been refrigerated or frozen.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you are unable to find halloumi cheese, feta cheese can be a great substitute. While feta won’t crisp up like halloumi, it will still provide a creamy and tangy flavor that complements the dish well.

Feel free to customize the vegetables in this dish based on your preferences or what you have on hand. Quick-cooking veggies like peas or asparagus can be excellent substitutes for broccoli, adding their own unique flavors and textures to the pasta.

If you prefer a bit of meat in your pasta, crispy bacon can be a delicious addition. Simply cook the bacon until crispy, chop it up, and toss it into the pasta along with the other ingredients for an added savory element.

Serving Suggestions

Halloumi Pasta Serving Suggestions:

For a cozy night in, serve this delicious Halloumi Pasta with a side of garlic bread and a simple green salad tossed in a lemon vinaigrette. The crispy halloumi pairs perfectly with the soft bread and fresh, tangy salad, creating a well-rounded meal that is sure to satisfy your cravings.

To elevate your dining experience, consider adding a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley and a drizzle of balsamic glaze over the Halloumi Pasta just before serving. The vibrant colors and additional flavors will not only enhance the visual appeal of the dish but also add a touch of sophistication to your dinner table, making it a delightful option for a casual dinner party or a date night at home.

FAQs for Crispy Halloumi Pasta Recipe

Can I reduce the portion size of halloumi cheese in the recipe?

Yes, you can use just one pack instead of two to reduce calories and cost.

Can I use any pasta shape for this recipe?

Any pasta shape works – just adjust cooking time according to package instructions.

Can I substitute broccoli with other vegetables?

Yes, other quick-cooking vegetables like peas or asparagus work well.

Is it essential to keep an eye on pasta timing?

Keeping an eye on your pasta timing is crucial as different shapes need different cooking times to achieve the perfect texture.

Conclusion

I hope this Halloumi Pasta recipe brings a touch of joy to your dinner table, just as it has for my family. The crispy halloumi, vibrant veggies, and rich tomato sauce make for a truly delightful combination that’s both quick and satisfying. It’s a versatile dish that you can easily customize with your favorite ingredients, making it perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends.

Remember, cooking should be a fun and creative experience, so don’t be afraid to play around with this recipe. Whether you stick to the classic version or add your own twist, Halloumi Pasta is sure to become a go-to favorite in your meal rotation. So grab your ingredients, get cooking, and savor every bite of this delicious and easy-to-make dish. Enjoy your Halloumi Pasta creation!