There’s something absolutely magical about a dish that combines crispy cheese, tangy lemon, and perfectly cooked pasta. Every bite takes me back to cozy dinners with friends, laughter echoing around the table. And the best part? This crispy halloumi pasta with lemon zest is not just delicious; it’s also incredibly easy and quick to whip up!
Why You’ll Love Crispy Halloumi Pasta with Lemon Zest
- Fast
- Easy
- Giftable
- Crowd-pleasing
Ingredients
- 200g pasta of your choice: Spaghetti or penne work beautifully in this dish.
- 250g halloumi cheese: This is the star of the show, adding a delightful crisp and saltiness.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: For frying the halloumi and adding flavor.
- 2 cloves garlic: Minced for that aromatic touch.
- Zest of 1 lemon: Brightens up the dish with its fresh flavor.
- Juice of 1 lemon: Adds a zesty kick that complements the cheese.
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes: Halved for sweetness and color.
- 1 handful fresh basil leaves: Torn for a fragrant finish.
- Salt and pepper: To taste, enhancing all the flavors.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Optional, but who can resist a sprinkle of cheese?
How to Make Crispy Halloumi Pasta with Lemon Zest
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook your pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Remember to reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining!
- Prepare the Halloumi: In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the sliced halloumi. Cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy. Remove the halloumi and set aside.
- Sauté the Garlic and Tomatoes: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Toss in the halved cherry tomatoes and cook for 3-4 minutes until they start to soften.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the tomatoes and garlic. Pour in the lemon juice and zest, and toss everything together. If it seems a bit dry, don’t hesitate to add some reserved pasta water to achieve your desired consistency.
- Add Halloumi and Basil: Gently fold in the crispy halloumi and torn basil leaves. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve: Divide the pasta among serving plates. If you like, sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese and enjoy your delicious crispy halloumi pasta with lemon zest!
Substitutions & Additions
Feel free to get creative! Here are some ideas:
- Swap halloumi for feta cheese for a different flavor profile.
- Add spinach or arugula for extra greens.
- Use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta to suit your dietary preferences.
- Consider adding a dash of chili flakes for a spicy kick.
Tips for Success
- Be careful not to overcook the halloumi; you want it crispy, not rubbery!
- Reserve more pasta water if you prefer a saucier dish.
- This dish is perfect for meal prep; just store the halloumi separately to keep it crispy.
How to Store Crispy Halloumi Pasta with Lemon Zest
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. When reheating, add a splash of water to help revive the pasta and keep it from drying out.
FAQs
- Can I make this dish vegan? Yes! You can substitute the halloumi with crispy tofu and skip the cheese for a delicious vegan version.
- What can I serve this pasta with? It pairs wonderfully with a light salad or some crusty bread to soak up all that flavor.
- Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh basil? Absolutely! Just use about a teaspoon of dried basil instead.
This crispy halloumi pasta is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. For more delicious recipes, check out the One Pot Smoky BBQ Meatball Pasta or the Pineapple Cream Cheese Pound Cake for treats you will love!
Happy cooking, and don’t forget to share your creations with me! And if you’re looking for more inspiration, be sure to follow us on Pinterest.
Crispy Halloumi Pasta with Lemon Zest
There's something absolutely magical about a dish that combines crispy cheese, tangy lemon, and perfectly cooked pasta. Every bite takes me back to cozy dinners with friends, laughter echoing around the table. This crispy halloumi pasta with lemon zest is not just delicious; it's also incredibly easy and quick to whip up!
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook your pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Remember to reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining!
- Step 2: In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the sliced halloumi. Cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy. Remove the halloumi and set aside.
- Step 3: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Toss in the halved cherry tomatoes and cook for 3-4 minutes until they start to soften.
- Step 4: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the tomatoes and garlic. Pour in the lemon juice and zest, and toss everything together. If it seems a bit dry, don’t hesitate to add some reserved pasta water to achieve your desired consistency.
- Step 5: Gently fold in the crispy halloumi and torn basil leaves. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Step 6: Divide the pasta among serving plates. If you like, sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese and enjoy your delicious crispy halloumi pasta with lemon zest!
Notes
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. When reheating, add a splash of water to help revive the pasta and keep it from drying out.
