Creamy Halloumi Pasta with Tomatoes and Basil

Creamy halloumi pasta with tomatoes and basil is a delightful dish that brings together the rich flavors of golden halloumi, sweet cherry tomatoes, and aromatic basil. This easy stovetop recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. Its creamy sauce envelops the pasta beautifully, making it a comforting meal that everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: With only 25 minutes from start to finish, this dish is ideal for busy weeknights.
• Rich Flavor: The combination of sautéed halloumi and fresh tomatoes creates a deliciously creamy sauce that tantalizes your taste buds.
• Versatile Dish: Perfect as a main course or side dish, it pairs well with various proteins or can stand alone as a vegetarian delight.
• Fresh Ingredients: Using fresh basil and ripe tomatoes adds vibrant flavors and colors to your plate.
• Crowd-Pleaser: This creamy halloumi pasta is sure to impress family and friends at any gathering.

Tools and Preparation

To make this creamy halloumi pasta with tomatoes and basil recipe, you will need some essential kitchen tools. Having these on hand will streamline your cooking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Skillet
• Pot
• Measuring cups
• Knife
• Cutting board

Importance of Each Tool

• Skillet: A good skillet allows for even cooking of the halloumi, giving it that perfect golden-brown color.
• Pot: A sturdy pot is essential for boiling your pasta to al dente perfection.
• Knife: A sharp knife makes chopping vegetables easy and safe.
• Cutting board: A reliable cutting board provides a stable surface for all your chopping needs.

Ingredients

Creamy halloumi pasta with tomatoes and basil is a rich, simple stovetop dish made with golden halloumi cubes, sweet tomatoes, fresh basil, and a light cream sauce.

Pasta

• 8 oz short pasta

Halloumi

• 7 oz halloumi cheese, cubed

Aromatics

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Vegetables

• 1½ cups cherry tomatoes, halved

Sauce

• ½ cup heavy cream
• ¼ cup reserved pasta water

Seasoning

• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper

Garnish

• ½ cup fresh basil leaves, torn
• Optional: red pepper flakes

How to Make Creamy Halloumi Pasta with Tomatoes and Basil

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by boiling water in a large pot. Add salt to the water and cook the short pasta. Reserve ¼ cup of the cooking water before draining the pasta.

Step 2: Sauté Halloumi

In a skillet over medium heat, add olive oil. Once hot, fry the halloumi cubes until they are golden brown. Remove them from the skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Cook Garlic

In the same skillet where you cooked the halloumi, add minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.

Step 4: Add Tomatoes

Add the halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet. Cook until they soften up slightly (about 3-5 minutes).

Step 5: Create Cream Sauce

Pour in the heavy cream along with the reserved pasta water. Stir everything together until well combined.

Step 6: Combine Pasta

Add in your drained pasta into the sauce mixture. Toss everything gently to ensure every piece of pasta is coated in that creamy goodness.

Step 7: Return Halloumi & Add Basil

Return the sautéed halloumi to the skillet. Toss in torn basil leaves, mixing well.

Step 8: Final Seasoning

Season your dish with salt and black pepper. Heat through until everything is warm.

Step 9: Serve & Enjoy

Serve this creamy halloumi pasta warm. Garnish with extra basil or sprinkle some optional red pepper flakes for an added kick!

How to Serve Creamy Halloumi Pasta with Tomatoes and Basil

Creamy halloumi pasta with tomatoes and basil is a delightful dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or enjoying a cozy meal at home, these serving suggestions will elevate your dining experience.

With Fresh Garlic Bread

• Fresh garlic bread pairs perfectly with this pasta, adding a crunchy texture and savory flavor.

Topped with Grated Parmesan

• A sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese adds an extra layer of richness and complements the creamy sauce beautifully.

Served with a Side Salad

• A light side salad made with mixed greens, cucumbers, and a simple vinaigrette can balance the richness of the pasta.

Accompanied by Roasted Vegetables

• Roasted seasonal vegetables add color and nutrition, enhancing the overall flavor profile of the meal.

How to Perfect Creamy Halloumi Pasta with Tomatoes and Basil

To make your creamy halloumi pasta truly outstanding, consider these helpful tips for perfecting your dish.

• Choose Quality Ingredients: Using fresh ingredients like ripe tomatoes and high-quality halloumi can significantly enhance the flavor of your dish.

• Adjust Creaminess: If you prefer a lighter sauce, reduce the amount of heavy cream or replace it with half-and-half for less richness.

• Add Extra Herbs: Incorporate additional herbs such as oregano or thyme for more depth in flavor and aroma.

• Control Heat Carefully: When frying halloumi, ensure your skillet isn’t too hot to prevent burning while achieving that golden crust.

Best Side Dishes for Creamy Halloumi Pasta with Tomatoes and Basil

Complementing your creamy halloumi pasta with delicious side dishes can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some excellent options to consider:

1. Mixed Green Salad
   A refreshing salad made from arugula, spinach, or lettuce topped with lemon vinaigrette enhances flavors without overpowering them.

2. Grilled Asparagus
   Lightly seasoned grilled asparagus adds a crisp texture that contrasts beautifully with creamy pasta.

3. Roasted Cherry Tomatoes
   These tangy little bursts of flavor echo the tomatoes in your dish while providing an appealing visual element.

4. Crispy Potato Wedges
   Seasoned potato wedges offer a satisfying crunch that complements the soft textures of the pasta.

5. Garlic Herb Couscous
   Fluffy couscous flavored with garlic and herbs makes for an easy yet delicious side dish that pairs well with Mediterranean flavors.

6. Steamed Broccoli
   A simple side of steamed broccoli brings vibrant color to your plate while imparting essential nutrients.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making creamy halloumi pasta with tomatoes and basil, you want to ensure everything goes smoothly. Here are some common mistakes to watch out for.

• Skipping the pasta water: Many forget to reserve pasta water, which helps create a silky sauce. Make sure to set aside some before draining your pasta.

• Overcooking the halloumi: Halloumi can become rubbery if cooked too long. Fry until golden and crispy but remove it from heat promptly.

• Neglecting seasoning: Under-seasoned dishes can taste bland. Always taste and adjust salt and pepper levels before serving.

• Using low-quality ingredients: The flavor of this dish relies on fresh produce. Opt for ripe tomatoes and fresh basil for the best taste.

• Not letting it rest: Serving immediately can lead to a messy dish. Allow the pasta to sit for a minute after mixing, as this helps the flavors meld together.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store any leftovers in an airtight container.
• This creamy halloumi pasta will last up to 3 days in the fridge.

Freezing Creamy Halloumi Pasta with Tomatoes and Basil

• While not ideal, you can freeze this dish.
• Use a freezer-safe container and store for up to 2 months.

Reheating Creamy Halloumi Pasta with Tomatoes and Basil

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place pasta in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 15-20 minutes.
• Microwave: Transfer portions into microwave-safe bowls. Heat in short bursts, stirring frequently until warmed through.
• Stovetop: Add a splash of water or cream to a skillet over low heat. Stir gently until heated evenly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions regarding creamy halloumi pasta with tomatoes and basil that can help you perfect your dish.

Can I use other cheeses instead of halloumi?

You can substitute halloumi with feta or goat cheese, but keep in mind that it will change the texture and flavor slightly.

How can I make this recipe vegan?

To make a vegan version, replace halloumi with tofu or a plant-based cheese alternative. Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream for richness.

What type of pasta works best?

Short pastas like penne or fusilli are ideal as they hold onto the sauce well. However, feel free to use your favorite type!

Can I add vegetables?

Absolutely! Spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers are great additions that complement the flavors beautifully.

How spicy is this creamy halloumi pasta?

The spice level depends on whether you add red pepper flakes. You can adjust according to your preference for heat!

Final Thoughts

Creamy halloumi pasta with tomatoes and basil is a delightful dish that combines rich flavors in a quick stovetop meal. Its versatility allows you to customize it by adding various vegetables or adjusting seasonings. Give this recipe a try; it’s sure to become a favorite!