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.
Ingredients
Scale
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)
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Allow tomato mixture to gently simmer for 10-15 minutes, allowing flavors to harmonize and sauce to slightly thicken. Stir occasionally to prevent scorching.
- 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.
- 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