Irresistible Creamy Halloumi Pasta with Tomato Sauce Recipe

Whipping up a delightful halloumi pasta brings pure culinary magic to your kitchen tonight.

Cheese lovers will adore this Mediterranean-inspired dish bursting with vibrant flavors.

Fragrant tomato sauce creates a rich backdrop for crispy, golden halloumi cubes.

Fresh herbs and simple ingredients combine effortlessly in this quick weeknight meal.

Mediterranean cooking rarely feels this luxurious and straightforward.

creamy textures and zesty notes promise a dining experience that satisfies deeply.

You’ll want to savor every single bite of this irresistible pasta creation.

Creamy Halloumi Pasta with Tomato Sauce Savory Fusion

• Crispy golden halloumi pairs beautifully with rich tomato sauce, creating a mouthwatering combination that'll make taste buds dance with joy.
• Adaptable recipe works great as a comforting family dinner, impressive date night meal, or casual gathering with friends, satisfying different dining scenarios.
• Minimal cleanup required since you'll use the same skillet for cooking halloumi and preparing sauce, making this recipe a convenient and stress-free cooking experience.

What You Need for Halloumi Pasta

• Pasta: A pasta type that holds sauce well and provides the base for this creamy dish.
• Halloumi Cheese: A firm, salty cheese that becomes crispy when pan-fried and adds a delightful texture to the pasta.
• Crushed Tomatoes: The foundation of the rich and flavorful sauce that coats the pasta.

• Garlic, Oregano, Salt, Pepper: Classic seasonings that build depth and enhance the overall flavor profile of the sauce.

• Fresh Basil, Parmesan Cheese: Herbs and cheese that provide a fresh and savory finishing touch to the dish.

• Olive Oil, Pasta Water: Essential for cooking the halloumi and adjusting the sauce consistency.

Step-by-Step Halloumi Pasta with Tomato Sauce

Step 1: Boil the Pasta

Fill a large pot with water and sprinkle in some salt.

Bring the water to a rolling boil and drop in your pasta.

Cook it until it’s perfectly tender, following the package guidelines.

Before draining, scoop out a cup of the starchy pasta water – this liquid gold will be your secret weapon later.

Step 2: Crisp Up the Halloumi

Grab a skillet and drizzle in some olive oil.

Heat it up over medium flame.

Slide in your halloumi slices and let them sizzle.

Watch for that gorgeous golden-brown color, flipping them after 2-3 minutes.

Once they’re beautifully crisp, transfer them to a plate and set aside.

Step 3: Craft the Vibrant Sauce

• Minced garlic
• Crushed tomatoes
• Dried oregano
• Salt
• Black pepper

Let these ingredients dance together, simmering for 10-15 minutes.

The sauce will become rich and fragrant, with flavors melding perfectly.

Step 4: Marry the Pasta and Sauce

Pour the cooked pasta into the simmering sauce.

Toss everything together until each strand is beautifully coated.

If the sauce feels too thick, splash in some of that reserved pasta water to create a silky, smooth consistency.

Step 5: Assemble and Garnish

Gently fold the crispy halloumi into the pasta.

Sprinkle fresh basil leaves on top and add a shower of Parmesan cheese if you’re feeling extra indulgent.

Serve hot and enjoy your culinary masterpiece!

Pro Tips for Halloumi Pasta Perfection

• Save a cup of starchy pasta water to help thicken and bind the sauce, creating a silkier texture that perfectly coats each pasta strand.
• Pat halloumi dry before cooking to achieve a gorgeous golden-brown crust, ensuring maximum crispiness and preventing soggy cheese pieces.
• Gradually add reserved pasta water if the tomato sauce feels too thick, creating a smooth, clingy sauce that embraces the pasta beautifully.
• Toast oregano briefly in the pan before adding tomatoes to release its aromatic oils, intensifying the overall taste profile of the dish.
• Substitute halloumi with paneer or firm mozzarella if halloumi is unavailable, maintaining a similar texture and melting characteristics.

Storing and Reheating Halloumi Pasta

• Store leftover pasta in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Keep the halloumi separate from the sauce to maintain its crispy texture.
• Transfer cooled pasta to a freezer-safe container, removing as much air as possible. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Place pasta in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle a few drops of water to prevent drying. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to ensure even warming.
• Warm pasta in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of pasta water or olive oil to restore moisture and prevent sticking. Gently stir until heated through and serve immediately.

Pairing Suggestions for Halloumi Pasta

• Pair with Vibrant Mediterranean Rosé: Choose a crisp, light rosé wine from Cyprus or Greece to complement the salty halloumi and bright tomato sauce, enhancing the Mediterranean flavors.
• Serve with Crusty Garlic Bread: Create a perfect side by toasting rustic sourdough bread with garlic and olive oil, providing a crunchy texture that absorbs the rich tomato sauce.
• Match with Fresh Herb Salad: Prepare a simple green salad with arugula, parsley, and mint, dressed in lemon vinaigrette to cut through the creamy pasta and add refreshing contrast.
• Complement with Cucumber Tzatziki: Prepare a cool, tangy tzatziki dip with Greek yogurt, cucumbers, and dill, offering a smooth, cooling element that balances the warm, cheesy pasta.

Creative Twists on Halloumi Pasta

• Vegetarian Protein Swap: Replace halloumi with firm tofu or tempeh, pressed and pan-fried for a similar crispy texture and protein boost.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta made from rice, quinoa, or chickpea flour to accommodate celiac or gluten-sensitive diets.
• Mediterranean Herb Variation: Enhance the sauce with fresh chopped rosemary, thyme, and a splash of white wine for deeper Mediterranean flavors.
• Spicy Kick Version: Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the tomato sauce for those who enjoy a fiery element in their pasta dish.

FAQs

• What is halloumi cheese, and why is it special in this pasta dish?

Halloumi is a semi-hard, brined cheese from Cyprus that has a high melting point, allowing it to be grilled or fried without losing its shape. In this pasta, it provides a crispy, salty texture that perfectly complements the tomato sauce.

• Can I substitute halloumi with another cheese?

While halloumi is unique, you can use paneer or queso fresco as alternatives. These cheeses have similar properties and can be fried or grilled without melting completely.

• Is this pasta dish suitable for vegetarians?

Yes, this recipe is completely vegetarian. It features pasta, halloumi cheese, tomato sauce, and herbs, making it an excellent meat-free meal that’s both satisfying and flavorful.

• How can I make this dish more protein-rich?

Consider adding white beans, chickpeas, or tofu to increase protein content. You can also sprinkle nutritional yeast or add a handful of nuts for extra protein and texture.

Creamy Halloumi Pasta with Tomato Sauce Recipe

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4.6 from 34 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 2 1x

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Description

Creamy halloumi pasta brings Mediterranean magic to your dinner table, blending salty cheese with rich tomato sauce. Hearty ingredients and simple techniques make this dish a delightful culinary journey you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 200 grams (7 ounces) pasta (spaghetti, penne, or your choice)
• 200 grams (7 ounces) halloumi cheese, sliced
• 1 can (400 grams/14 ounces) crushed tomatoes

Seasoning and Herbs:

• 1 tablespoon dried oregano
• Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste

Cooking and Garnish Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
• 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese (optional)

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Instructions

1. Fill a spacious pot with salted water and bring to a rolling boil at high heat. Cook pasta until al dente, carefully preserving 1 cup of starchy cooking liquid before straining.
2. Meanwhile, warm olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high temperature. Arrange halloumi slices and sear for 2-3 minutes per side until achieving a rich golden-brown crust. Transfer seared cheese to a separate plate.
3. Using the identical skillet, reduce heat to medium and introduce minced garlic. Sauté until aromatic, approximately 45-60 seconds. Incorporate crushed tomatoes, infusing with oregano, salt, and cracked pepper.
4. Allow tomato mixture to gently simmer for 10-15 minutes, allowing flavors to harmonize and sauce to slightly thicken. Stir occasionally to prevent scorching.
5. Introduce drained pasta directly into the simmering sauce, thoroughly coating each strand. Adjust sauce consistency by gradually adding reserved pasta water until reaching desired texture.
6. Delicately fold golden-crusted halloumi into pasta, ensuring even distribution. Scatter fresh basil leaves and optional Parmesan cheese across the top before serving immediately.

Notes

• Make sure to salt the pasta water generously to enhance the overall flavor of the dish.
• Pat the halloumi dry before cooking to achieve a perfect golden-brown crust and prevent excess moisture.
• Use a non-stick skillet when cooking halloumi to prevent sticking and ensure even browning.
• Consider using vegetable broth instead of pasta water for a richer, more complex sauce flavor.
• For a gluten-free version, swap regular pasta with gluten-free alternatives like zucchini noodles or chickpea pasta.
• To add extra protein, incorporate grilled chicken or crispy chickpeas alongside the halloumi.
• Experiment with different herbs like thyme or rosemary to create unique flavor variations.
• If halloumi is too salty, soak slices in cold water for 30 minutes before cooking to reduce sodium content.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 2
• Calories: 570
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 900mg
• Fat: 28g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 63g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 25g
• Cholesterol: 60mg