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- Spaghetti or preferred pasta - Halloumi cheese - Diced tomatoes - Onion and garlic - Grated Parmesan cheese - Fresh basil leaves - Olive oil, salt, and pepper - Dried oregano and granulated sugar Gathering the right ingredients makes cooking easy and fun. Start with 250 grams of spaghetti or your favorite pasta. Halloumi cheese, about 200 grams, is key for a tasty twist. You’ll also need one can of diced tomatoes, which gives the sauce its rich flavor. Don’t forget one small onion and two cloves of garlic for depth. For optional touches, grated Parmesan cheese adds a creamy finish. Fresh basil leaves brighten the dish and offer a pop of color. You’ll need essential cooking items too. Extra virgin olive oil helps cook the halloumi and onion. Salt and pepper enhance all the flavors. Dried oregano adds that classic Italian vibe, while a bit of granulated sugar balances the acidity of the tomatoes. Ready to dive into cooking? The full recipe is just a step away! Start by filling a large pot with water. Add a good amount of salt to the water. Bring this to a boil over high heat. When the water is boiling, add your pasta. For spaghetti, it usually takes about 8-10 minutes to cook. You want it to be al dente, which means firm to the bite. Before draining, save about half a cup of that starchy pasta water. This water will help your sauce later. After saving the water, drain the pasta in a colander and set it aside. Next, grab a non-stick skillet. Heat up some extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the halloumi slices. Cook them for about 2-3 minutes on each side. You want them to be golden brown and crispy. After cooking, take them out of the skillet and place them on a plate. Keep them warm while you work on the sauce. Now it's time for the sauce. In the same skillet, add your finely diced onion. Sauté it over medium heat for about 3-4 minutes. You want the onion to turn translucent and soft. Then add the minced garlic and cook for one more minute. This will make your kitchen smell amazing! After that, pour in the canned diced tomatoes along with their juice. Add in the dried oregano, sugar, salt, and pepper. Let the sauce simmer gently for about 10-15 minutes. Stir it occasionally, so the flavors mix well and the sauce thickens. Once your sauce is ready, it’s time to mix in the pasta. Carefully add the drained pasta into the skillet with the sauce. If it looks too thick, use some of that reserved pasta water. Slowly add it while stirring. This helps the sauce coat the pasta nicely. Toss everything together well so every piece of pasta gets covered in delicious sauce. For serving, plate your pasta generously. Then, lay the crispy halloumi slices on top. To make it look beautiful, add fresh basil leaves. If you like, sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese for an extra touch of flavor. Serve the pasta on warm plates to keep it cozy. You can even add a sprig of basil on top for that special look. Enjoy your meal! - Achieving a crispy texture: To get that perfect crispy halloumi, make sure your skillet is hot. Heat the olive oil on medium heat until it shimmers. This helps the cheese get golden and crunchy. - Preventing sticking in the skillet: Use a non-stick skillet for easy cooking. If you find your halloumi sticking, try adding a bit more oil. This will help it release easily. - Suggestions for spices and herbs: To boost flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a sprinkle of smoked paprika. Fresh or dried herbs like thyme or parsley also work well. - Adding a splash of wine or lemon juice: A splash of white wine can brighten the sauce. If you prefer, a squeeze of lemon juice adds zest and enhances the dish's freshness. - Overcooking pasta: To avoid mushy pasta, cook it until it’s al dente. This means it should be firm when you bite into it. Always check the package for timing. - Skipping the reserved pasta water: Do not forget to save some pasta water. This starchy water helps the sauce cling to the pasta. It also lets you adjust sauce thickness easily. For the complete cooking guide, check out the Full Recipe. {{image_4}} You can change the pasta type to fit your taste. Use penne, fusilli, or gluten-free pasta. Each adds a new twist. If you want different cheese, try feta or mozzarella. For protein, add cooked chicken or chickpeas for a heartier dish. Adding veggies makes this dish more colorful. Spinach wilts nicely in the sauce. Bell peppers add crunch and sweetness. You can also use seasonal herbs like thyme or rosemary. They boost flavor and freshness. Pair your pasta with a simple salad. A mix of greens and cherry tomatoes works well. Garlic bread is another great choice. It soaks up the rich sauce perfectly. For drinks, a light white wine like Sauvignon Blanc complements the meal nicely. For the full recipe, check the section above. To keep your pasta fresh, let it cool first. Place the pasta in an airtight container. This helps preserve the flavor. You can store it in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure to seal it tight to avoid dryness. When reheating, I recommend using a skillet. Add a splash of water or oil to keep it moist. Heat over low to medium heat. Stir gently to avoid sticking. You can also microwave it, but be careful not to overheat it. This can change the texture and flavor. Yes, you can freeze this pasta dish. To do this, let it cool completely first. Place it in a freezer-safe container. It can last up to three months in the freezer. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Reheat it on the stove or in the microwave. This helps maintain its taste and texture. For the best results, avoid freezing the halloumi separately. I recommend using spaghetti for its long, thin shape. It holds the sauce well. You can use other types too, like penne or fettuccine. Choose what you love! Yes, you can make this dish vegan. Substitute halloumi with a plant-based cheese. Use a vegan pasta too. This keeps the meal tasty and plant-friendly. It takes about 30 minutes to prepare this dish. You’ll spend around 10 minutes prepping. The cooking part takes about 20 minutes. It’s quick and easy! Absolutely! You can make the sauce a day ahead. Store it in the fridge. Just reheat it when you’re ready to serve with the pasta. Yes, halloumi is great for grilling! It has a high melting point. This means it gets nice and crispy on the outside while staying soft inside. Enjoy those grill marks! For the full recipe, check out the details above. This blog post covered making a delicious pasta dish with halloumi cheese. We discussed the key ingredients, cooking steps, and tips for flavor. You can customize this dish with your favorite pasta and seasonal veggies. Remember, avoid common mistakes like overcooking pasta. When you store leftovers, keep them in the fridge or freeze for later. Enjoy your cooking with these easy steps and variations to keep it fun! You now have the tools to create something tasty and unique.

Easy Halloumi Pasta with Rich Tomato Sauce

Delight your taste buds with this Easy Halloumi Pasta with Rich Tomato Sauce recipe! Perfect for busy nights, this dish features crispy halloumi, a rich tomato sauce, and simple ingredients you probably already have at home. Follow easy steps to create a satisfying meal that your family will love. Ready to impress at dinner? Click through to explore the full recipe and elevate your cooking game tonight!
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Ingredients
  

250g spaghetti or your preferred pasta

200g halloumi cheese, sliced into thick pieces

1 can (400g) diced tomatoes in juice

1 small onion, finely diced

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1 teaspoon granulated sugar

Salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste

Fresh basil leaves, for vibrant garnish

Grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for an elegant finish)

Instructions
 

Cook the Pasta: In a large pot, bring a generous amount of salted water to a rolling boil. Add in the spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Reserve ½ cup of the starchy pasta water before draining the pasta in a colander. Set the drained pasta aside.

    Prepare the Halloumi: In a non-stick skillet, heat the extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, carefully add the slices of halloumi. Cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until the halloumi is beautifully golden brown and crispy. Once cooked, remove them from the skillet and set aside on a plate.

      Make the Sauce: In the same skillet that you used for the halloumi, add the finely diced onion. Sauté over medium heat for approximately 3-4 minutes until the onion is translucent and softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until it becomes fragrant and aromatic.

        Add Tomatoes and Seasoning: Pour the canned diced tomatoes, including their juice, into the skillet along with the dried oregano, sugar, salt, and pepper. Allow the sauce to simmer gently for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. This will help the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken to your desired consistency.

          Combine Pasta and Sauce: Introduce the cooked pasta into the sauce. If the mixture seems too thick, gradually add some of the reserved pasta water, stirring until the sauce reaches the consistency that you prefer. Make sure to toss everything well so that the pasta is thoroughly coated with the vibrant sauce.

            Serve and Garnish: Plate the pasta generously, then artfully arrange the crispy halloumi slices on top. Finish the dish with fresh basil leaves and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese, if you enjoy a richer flavor.

              - Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 2-3

                Presentation Tips: Serve the pasta on warm plates to keep it cozy, and consider adding a sprig of fresh basil on top of the halloumi for an extra touch of elegance. Enjoy!