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To make your Easy Halloumi Pasta with Rich Tomato Sauce, you'll need a few simple ingredients. Gather these items to create a tasty dish that pleases everyone. - 250g spaghetti or pasta of your choice - 200g halloumi cheese, sliced - 1 can (400g) diced tomatoes - 1 small onion, finely chopped - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon sugar - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh basil leaves, for garnish - Grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving) These ingredients make a rich and flavorful meal. The halloumi cheese adds a lovely texture and taste. Diced tomatoes form the base of the sauce, creating a delicious harmony with garlic and onion. You can switch the pasta type if you prefer. Each option brings its unique charm to the dish. When picking halloumi, look for a firm texture. It should not be too soft. Fresh basil leaves add a bright finish to your plate. Grated Parmesan cheese can elevate the dish, giving it that extra touch. For the full recipe, check out the cooking instructions that follow. Enjoy cooking and savor every bite of this delightful meal! To start, boil some salted water in a large pot. This will help season the pasta. Add your spaghetti or pasta of choice and cook it. Follow the package instructions until the pasta is al dente. This means it should be firm to the bite, not mushy. When done, save ½ cup of the pasta water. Then, drain the pasta and set it aside. Next, heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Pour in some olive oil and let it warm up. Add the sliced halloumi to the skillet. Cook it for 2-3 minutes on each side. You want it to be golden brown and crispy. Once it's done, take it out of the skillet and set it aside. Now, let’s make the sauce. In the same skillet, add the finely chopped onion. Sauté it for about 3-4 minutes until it softens. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute. This will make your kitchen smell amazing! After that, pour in the canned diced tomatoes. Add the oregano, sugar, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together and let the sauce simmer for 10-15 minutes. This will help it thicken slightly. It’s time to combine everything. Add the cooked pasta to the sauce in the skillet. If the sauce seems too thick, add some of the reserved pasta water. Toss everything gently so the pasta gets coated well with the sauce. To serve, plate the pasta first. Top it off with the crispy halloumi slices. For a fresh touch, garnish with basil leaves. If you like, you can also sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese on top. This adds a nice flavor and makes the dish look even better. Enjoy your Easy Halloumi Pasta with Rich Tomato Sauce! For the full recipe, check out the earlier section. To keep halloumi crispy, cook it at medium heat. If the heat is too low, it will absorb too much moisture. Use a non-stick skillet for the best results. This helps achieve a nice golden crust without sticking. You can grill or bake halloumi as well. Grilling gives it a smoky flavor, while baking keeps it firm. Both methods work well in this dish. Just slice the cheese and cook until golden. For a richer taste, add a pinch of red pepper flakes. This brings a hint of heat. You can also mix in fresh herbs like thyme or parsley. They add brightness to the sauce and enhance the overall flavor. Consider adding bell peppers or zucchini to the sauce. Chopped mushrooms also work great. This adds texture and makes the dish more colorful. Sauté them with onions for a tasty base. Cook the pasta until al dente, which means firm to the bite. This helps it hold up in the sauce. Reserve some pasta water to adjust the sauce later if needed. This water has starch that helps the sauce cling better. When draining the pasta, do not rinse it. Rinsing removes the starch that helps the sauce stick. Just let it drain and then mix it directly into the sauce. This makes every bite flavorful. This recipe is all about balance and flavor. You can find the full recipe [here](#). {{image_2}} Incorporating spinach or kale is an easy way to boost nutrition. These greens add color and flavor to your dish. Simply add a handful while making the sauce. Cook until wilted, then mix in with the pasta. This adds a fresh taste and makes your meal even healthier. Adding chicken or shrimp gives extra protein to your meal. If you choose chicken, grill or pan-sear it first. Cut it into bite-sized pieces and toss it in with the pasta. For shrimp, sauté them in olive oil until they turn pink. Both options work well with the rich tomato sauce. If you're gluten-free, you can swap traditional pasta for gluten-free options. Many great brands offer tasty gluten-free pasta. It cooks similarly and holds the sauce well. Whole wheat pasta is another choice. It has more fiber and a nutty flavor. Both alternatives keep your dish delicious and satisfying. You can find the full recipe at the beginning of this article. Best Practices for Storing After enjoying your Easy Halloumi Pasta with Rich Tomato Sauce, let any leftovers cool down. Place them in an airtight container. This keeps the flavors fresh and prevents drying out. You can also cover the pasta tightly with plastic wrap. Timeframe for Enjoyment You can store your pasta in the fridge for up to three days. Eating it within this time ensures the best taste and quality. After three days, the sauce may lose its flavor and texture. Methods for Maintaining Texture To keep your pasta tasty, avoid high heat when reheating. Use low to medium heat. This helps preserve the halloumi's crispy texture. If it gets too hot, the cheese may turn rubbery. Microwave vs. Stovetop Microwaving is quick but might not give the best results. If you choose this method, cover the dish to prevent drying out. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between. The stovetop method is better for texture. Heat the pasta gently in a pan, adding a splash of water if needed. This keeps the sauce moist and flavorful. Remember to enjoy your Easy Halloumi Pasta with Rich Tomato Sauce while it's still fresh! It takes about 30 minutes in total to make this dish. You spend around 10 minutes preparing the ingredients. The cooking time is about 20 minutes. This quick time makes it great for busy nights. Yes, you can! If you don't have halloumi, try these options: - Feta cheese for a tangy flavor - Paneer for a mild taste - Mozzarella for creaminess Each cheese will change the dish’s flavor, so pick what you like. This dish pairs well with many sides, such as: - A simple green salad - Garlic bread for dipping - Roasted vegetables for extra nutrition These sides add variety and balance to your meal. Yes, it is perfect for meal prep! Here are some tips: - Cook the pasta and sauce in advance. - Store them separately in airtight containers. - Reheat when ready to eat for the best texture. This way, you save time and enjoy tasty meals all week. You can use any pasta you like! I recommend: - Spaghetti for a classic taste - Penne for a fun bite - Fusilli for holding the sauce well Pick your favorite, and enjoy the rich tomato sauce with it. For the full recipe, check the section above! This blog post guided you through making easy halloumi pasta with rich tomato sauce. We covered the ingredients, cooking techniques, and tips to enhance flavor. You learned how to achieve the right halloumi texture and pasta consistency. Don’t forget to explore variations for unique meals and storage tips for leftovers. Cooking can be simple and fun. Enjoy creating your dish! The process is as rewarding as the tasty result. Your kitchen will become a place of joy. Happy cooking!

Easy Halloumi Pasta with Rich Tomato Sauce

Craving a delicious dinner in a hurry? Try this Easy Halloumi Pasta with Rich Tomato Sauce! In just 30 minutes, you can whip up a delightful meal featuring creamy halloumi, vibrant tomatoes, and your favorite pasta. Perfect for busy nights, this recipe is packed with flavor and sure to impress. Ready to tantalize your taste buds? Click through to discover the full recipe and start cooking today!
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Ingredients
  

250g spaghetti or pasta of your choice

200g halloumi cheese, sliced

1 can (400g) diced tomatoes

1 small onion, finely chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1 teaspoon sugar

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

Grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)

Instructions
 

Cook the Pasta: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.

    Prepare the Halloumi: In a non-stick skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced halloumi and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side or until golden brown and crispy. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

      Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

        Add Tomatoes and Seasoning: Pour in the canned diced tomatoes, oregano, sugar, salt, and pepper. Let the sauce simmer for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly.

          Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the sauce, and if needed, add some reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency. Toss everything together so the pasta is well coated with the sauce.

            Serve: Plate the pasta and top with the crispy halloumi slices. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and grated Parmesan cheese if desired.

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