Hot Honey Halloumi Pasta

Description

Hot Honey Halloumi Pasta

This vegetarian hot honey halloumi pasta blends the creaminess of halloumi with the sweet-spicy kick of hot honey for an irresistible flavor combo. This easy, healthy dish will bring warmth and excitement to your dinner table!

225g halloumi
1.5 tbsp honey
1 tsp dried chili flakes
120g light cream cheese
Pinch of sea salt and black pepper
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
1 vegetable stock cube
250g dried pasta

Directions:
1. Mix honey and chili flakes.
2. Boil pasta as per instructions, save some water.
3. Slice and fry halloumi until golden, then coat in spicy honey.
4. Remove halloumi. In same pan, mix cream cheese with paprika, stock cube, salt, and pepper.
5. Stir in pasta water until creamy, then add pasta and halloumi.

Prep Time: 10 mins
Kcal: 405

Step-by-Step Guide

Follow these detailed instructions for perfect results every time.

1. Prepare the Hot Honey: In a small bowl, combine 1.5 tablespoons of honey with 1 teaspoon of dried chili flakes. Stir well and set aside to let the flavors infuse.
2. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 250g of dried pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Before draining, reserve at least 1 cup of the starchy pasta water. Drain the pasta and set aside.
3. Cook the Halloumi: While the pasta cooks, slice 225g of halloumi into 1/2-inch thick pieces or cubes. Heat a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the halloumi and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until deeply golden brown. Remove the pan from heat and immediately pour the prepared hot honey over the halloumi, tossing gently to coat. Transfer the coated halloumi to a plate.
4. Make the Sauce: In the same skillet (no need to wash it), reduce the heat to low. Add 120g of light cream cheese, 1/2 teaspoon of smoked paprika, 1 crumbled vegetable stock cube, a pinch of sea salt, and black pepper. Stir constantly for 1-2 minutes until the cheese begins to melt.
5. Combine Everything: Slowly add the reserved pasta water to the skillet, a few tablespoons at a time, stirring continuously until a smooth, creamy sauce forms. You may not need all the water. Add the drained pasta and toss to coat in the sauce. Gently fold in the hot honey halloumi and serve immediately.

Serving Suggestions

This rich and flavorful pasta is versatile. For a complete meal, serve it alongside a simple arugula salad with a lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness. It also pairs beautifully with roasted vegetables like cherry tomatoes or asparagus. Garnish with fresh herbs like chopped parsley or basil for a pop of color and freshness.

How-to Summary

Create a quick hot honey glaze. Cook pasta, reserving water. Pan-fry halloumi until golden, then toss in the honey glaze. In the same pan, make a creamy sauce with cream cheese, paprika, and stock, thinning it with pasta water. Combine sauce, pasta, and halloumi.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can I make this dish ahead of time? Halloumi is best served immediately after cooking to maintain its texture. You can prepare the hot honey and measure ingredients ahead, but cook and assemble just before serving.
• What can I use instead of halloumi? For a similar salty, firm texture, try pan-fried extra-firm tofu or seasoned chickpeas. For a dairy-free option, use a vegan “halloumi” style cheese.
• How can I adjust the spice level? Control the heat by reducing the chili flakes in the honey or using a milder chili powder. You can also serve extra chili flakes on the side for individuals to add.
• My sauce is too thick. What should I do? Simply add more of the reserved pasta water, one tablespoon at a time, and stir until you reach your desired creamy consistency.
• Can I use a different type of pasta? Absolutely. Short pasta shapes like rigatoni, penne, or fusilli work best to catch the creamy sauce and chunks of halloumi.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Not reserving pasta water: The starchy water is essential for creating a silky, emulsified sauce. Never skip this step.
• Overcrowding the pan when frying halloumi: Cook in batches if necessary to ensure the halloumi gets a proper sear and doesn’t steam.
• Adding the halloumi back too early: Fold the honey-coated halloumi in at the very end to prevent it from becoming soggy in the sauce.
• Using high heat for the sauce: Keep the heat low when melting the cream cheese to prevent it from separating or burning.

Conclusion

This Hot Honey Halloumi Pasta is a testament to how simple ingredients can create an extraordinary meal. The combination of salty, fried cheese with a sweet and spicy glaze, all wrapped in a creamy paprika sauce, is truly irresistible. It’s a quick, vegetarian dinner that delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort, guaranteed to become a new weeknight favorite.