Pasta and Halloumi: A Delicious Duo

Pasta and halloumi make a surprisingly delightful combination! The salty, squeaky halloumi pairs perfectly with the comforting carbs of pasta, creating dishes that are both satisfying and flavorful. This article explores several delicious pasta and halloumi recipes, catering to various tastes and skill levels. We'll delve into the best ways to prepare halloumi for pasta dishes and offer tips for optimizing your culinary creations.

Why Halloumi and Pasta Work So Well Together

Halloumi's unique texture and salty taste profile make it an ideal addition to pasta dishes. Its ability to hold its shape when cooked allows it to be grilled, pan-fried, or even baked without falling apart, making it a versatile ingredient. The salty tang of halloumi complements a wide range of pasta sauces, from creamy to vibrant and fresh.

Simple and Delicious Pasta and Halloumi Recipes

Here are a few recipes to get you started:

1. Creamy Tomato and Halloumi Pasta

This recipe is a perfect weeknight meal, combining the richness of a creamy tomato sauce with the salty bite of halloumi.

Ingredients:

• 250g pasta (penne, rigatoni, or fusilli work well)
• 200g halloumi, cubed
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 400g canned chopped tomatoes
• 200ml double cream
• Handful of fresh basil, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Cook pasta according to package directions.
2. While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a pan and sauté onion and garlic until softened.
3. Add chopped tomatoes and simmer for 10 minutes.
4. Stir in double cream and season with salt and pepper.
5. Add cubed halloumi to the sauce and cook until lightly golden and slightly softened. Don't overcook!
6. Drain pasta and add it to the sauce. Toss to combine.
7. Garnish with fresh basil and serve immediately.

2. Lemon and Herb Halloumi Pasta Salad (Perfect for Summer!)

This vibrant pasta salad is perfect for warmer weather, offering a refreshing and flavorful twist on the classic pasta dish.

Ingredients:

• 250g pasta (orzo, rotini, or farfalle work well)
• 200g halloumi, grilled or pan-fried and sliced
• 1 lemon, zested and juiced
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Handful of fresh mint, chopped
• Handful of fresh parsley, chopped
• 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
• Cherry tomatoes, halved
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Cook pasta according to package directions.
2. While pasta cooks, grill or pan-fry halloumi until golden brown.
3. In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta, halloumi, lemon zest, lemon juice, olive oil, mint, parsley, red onion, and cherry tomatoes.
4. Season with salt and pepper and toss to combine.
5. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

3. Spicy Halloumi and Pesto Pasta

For those who love a little heat, this recipe combines the creaminess of pesto with the spicy kick of chili flakes and the salty halloumi.

Ingredients:

• 250g pasta (linguine or spaghetti work well)
• 200g halloumi, cubed
• 1/2 cup pesto
• 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (or more, to taste)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Cook pasta according to package directions.
2. While pasta cooks, heat a pan and add cubed halloumi. Cook until golden brown and slightly softened.
3. Drain pasta and add it to the pan with the halloumi.
4. Stir in pesto, parmesan cheese, and red pepper flakes.
5. Season with salt and pepper and toss to combine.
6. Serve immediately.

Tips for Cooking Halloumi with Pasta

• Don't overcrowd the pan: When frying or grilling halloumi, ensure you don't overcrowd the pan. This will allow the halloumi to brown properly and prevent it from steaming.
• Control the heat: Use medium heat when cooking halloumi to avoid burning.
• Add halloumi at the end: Add the halloumi to your pasta dish towards the end of the cooking process to prevent it from becoming too hard or rubbery.
• Experiment with flavors: Don't be afraid to experiment with different herbs, spices, and vegetables to create your own unique pasta and halloumi combinations.

By following these recipes and tips, you can create delicious and impressive pasta and halloumi dishes that will impress your family and friends. Remember to have fun experimenting with different flavors and combinations to find your perfect match!