Hey there, fellow food lovers! If you’re in the mood for something that packs a punch of flavor, this Hot Honey Cajun Chicken and Halloumi Pasta is exactly what you need. It’s got the perfect balance of heat from the Cajun spices, sweetness from the honey, and that amazing creamy texture from the lightest Philadelphia. Plus, with the deliciousness of halloumi and juicy chicken, this dish will surely become a favorite. Let’s dive into the details!
Method
Prep the Ingredients
Before you start cooking, gather and prepare all your ingredients. Begin by chopping the onion, pepper, and garlic. Slice the halloumi into small cubes and cut the chicken breast into bite-sized pieces. Having everything ready will make the cooking process smooth and quick.
Cook the Vegetables & Halloumi
Heat a few sprays of olive oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. Add the diced onion and peppers to the pan, stirring occasionally. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until they begin to soften and become golden. Next, add the halloumi cubes. Fry them for another 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the halloumi becomes golden and crispy on the edges. This step adds a rich, savory flavor to the dish, with the halloumi adding a delightful texture.
Cook the Chicken
Once the vegetables and halloumi are cooked to a nice golden color, it’s time to add the chicken. Add the sliced chicken breast pieces to the pan with the vegetables and halloumi. Stir frequently to ensure the chicken is cooked evenly. Let the chicken cook for about 6-8 minutes until it’s browned and fully cooked through. This step ensures the chicken is tender and flavorful, perfectly complementing the crispy halloumi and veggies.
Boil the Pasta
While the chicken is cooking, bring a separate saucepan of water to a boil. Add the pasta to the boiling water and cook according to the package instructions, usually around 8-10 minutes, depending on the type of pasta you’re using. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside. The pasta will absorb the delicious sauce later on, so make sure it’s cooked al dente for the best texture.
Create the Sauce
With the chicken, vegetables, and halloumi ready, it’s time to make the sauce. Add the minced garlic, paprika, Cajun seasoning, and chili purée (or chili flakes) to the pan. Stir everything together for about 1-2 minutes until the garlic becomes fragrant. Then, add the tomato purée, honey, and Philadelphia cream cheese. Stir everything well, letting the ingredients mix into a smooth sauce. To help the sauce come together, add a ladle of pasta water and stir continuously. Allow the mixture to simmer for a few minutes until it thickens to a creamy consistency, ensuring the flavors are well-blended.
Combine the Pasta and Sauce
Once the sauce has thickened, it’s time to bring the pasta into the mix. Add the cooked and drained pasta directly into the pan with the sauce. Stir the pasta into the sauce, making sure it’s completely coated in the creamy, flavorful mixture. The pasta should absorb the sauce, creating a rich and satisfying dish.
Serve and Enjoy
Once everything is mixed and the sauce is perfectly thickened, it’s time to plate up. Spoon the hot, flavorful pasta onto plates and serve immediately. You can garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or basil for an added touch of freshness and color. Enjoy your delicious Hot Honey Cajun Chicken & Halloumi Pasta, bursting with flavor in every bite!
Necessary Tools
- Large frying pan
- Saucepan for boiling pasta
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Knife and chopping board
- Ladle (for pasta water)
- Measuring spoons
- Serving plates
Hot Honey Cajun Chicken and Halloumi Pasta A Spicy, Sweet Twist on Comfort Food!
Cuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy2
servings10
minutes20
minutes30
minutesIngredients
200g pasta
A few sprays of olive oil
1 small onion, diced
1 pepper (I used half red, half orange)
60g halloumi
250g chicken breast
2 cloves of garlic, minced
1/2 tsp paprika
1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
1/2 tsp chili purée (or chili flakes)
1 tbsp tomato purée
1 tbsp honey
40g lightest Philadelphia cream cheese
Directions
- Prep the Ingredients Start by chopping up your onion, pepper, and garlic. Cut the halloumi into small cubes and slice the chicken breast into bite-sized pieces.
- Cook the Vegetables & Halloumi Heat a few sprays of olive oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Add the diced onion, chopped peppers, and halloumi cubes. Cook, stirring occasionally, until they’re golden and softened.
- Cook the Chicken Once the veggies and halloumi are cooked, add the chicken pieces to the pan. Stir and cook until the chicken is browned and cooked through.
- Boil the Pasta While the chicken cooks, bring a saucepan of water to a boil and cook your pasta according to the package instructions.
- Create the Sauce Add the minced garlic, paprika, Cajun seasoning, chili purée, and tomato purée to the pan with the chicken, veggies, and halloumi. Stir in the honey and Philadelphia cream cheese. Add a ladle of pasta water to help thicken the sauce. Let it simmer until the sauce thickens to your liking.
- Combine Drain the pasta and toss it into the pan with the sauce. Stir everything together, making sure the pasta is evenly coated in the creamy, flavorful sauce.
- Serve Plate up the pasta and serve hot. You’re ready to enjoy this spicy, sweet dish!
Notes
- Be careful not to overcook the halloumi. It should be golden and crispy, but not burnt. Keep an eye on it as it fries.
- When adding the pasta water to the sauce, be sure to add it gradually to get the perfect sauce consistency. Too much water can make the sauce too runny.
- Adjust the spice levels to your liking. If you’re sensitive to heat, you can reduce the amount of Cajun seasoning or chili purée.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair this dish with a light salad for a fresh contrast to the richness of the pasta.
- A side of garlic bread would complement the Cajun flavors perfectly.
- Top with some fresh parsley or basil for an added burst of color and flavor.
Fun Fact
Halloumi cheese is known for its high melting point, which is why it becomes crispy and golden when fried, adding a delicious texture to any dish. It’s a favorite in many Mediterranean dishes!
Conclusion
This Hot Honey Cajun Chicken & Halloumi Pasta is the perfect balance of flavors spicy, sweet, creamy, and savory all in one bite. It’s quick, easy, and sure to impress anyone at the table. I love how it comes together in one pan, making cleanup a breeze. If you’re craving a hearty and flavorful dish, this one’s definitely a winner!
