If you’re a fan of bold flavors and creamy pasta dishes, you’re going to LOVE this creamy Cajun halloumi pasta! The combination of tender halloumi, a punch of cajun seasoning, and creamy cheese is absolutely irresistible. It’s a one-pan wonder that’s quick to prepare, packs in tons of flavor, and is perfect for a cozy dinner. Trust me, it’s a recipe you’ll want to try over and over again! Let’s dive right into how you can make this mouthwatering dish.
Method
Fry the Halloumi
Start by heating a few sprays of olive oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Once the pan is hot, add the sliced halloumi and sprinkle it with a little Cajun seasoning. Fry the halloumi for about 2-3 minutes on each side, until it turns golden brown and crispy. Once done, remove the halloumi from the pan and set it aside for later. The crispy halloumi will add a wonderful texture to the creamy sauce later on.
Cook the Veggies
Using the same pan, add a bit more oil if needed, and toss in the diced onion and pepper. Fry them for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they soften and start to caramelize. This helps bring out their natural sweetness. Once the veggies are softened, add the crushed garlic, salt, and pepper. Stir the mixture for another minute to allow the garlic to become fragrant and slightly golden.
Simmer the Sauce
Next, pour in the 800ml of water and add the vegetable stock pot. Stir to dissolve the stock. Then, add the paprika, Cajun seasoning, and tomato purée. Give everything a good mix to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. The combination of the Cajun spices and tomato purée will create a rich, flavorful base for the pasta.
Add the Pasta
Once the sauce is simmering, stir in the uncooked pasta. Make sure the pasta is submerged in the sauce to soak up all the flavorful liquid. Allow the pasta to simmer for about 20 minutes, or until it is nearly cooked through. Stir the pasta occasionally to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pan. As the pasta cooks, the sauce will thicken and reduce, which is exactly what you want for a creamy consistency.
Finish the Sauce
With just a few minutes left on the timer, stir in half of the cooked halloumi, the yoghurt, and the cream cheese. Stir the mixture gently but thoroughly to ensure that the sauce becomes smooth and creamy. The yoghurt and cream cheese will melt into the sauce, creating a rich, velvety coating for the pasta. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if necessary.
Serve
Once the pasta is fully cooked and the sauce has thickened to your liking, it’s time to serve! Plate the creamy pasta on serving dishes, and top each plate with the remaining crispy halloumi slices. The contrast of the warm, creamy pasta and the crispy halloumi will elevate the dish. Enjoy!
Necessary Tools
- Frying pan or skillet
- Cooking pot
- Knife and chopping board
- Stirring spoon
- Measuring spoons
- Ladle or large spoon for serving
Creamy Cajun Halloumi Pasta A Flavorful, Creamy Delight!
Cuisine: American, EuropeanDifficulty: Easy3
servings10
minutes30
minutes40
minutesIngredients
A few sprays of olive oil
225g halloumi, sliced
1 onion, diced
1 pepper, diced
3 cloves garlic, crushed
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
1 tsp paprika
1 tbsp tomato purée
800ml water + 1 vegetable stock pot
300g uncooked pasta
50g lightest cream cheese
40g natural yoghurt
Directions
- Fry the Halloumi
Start by heating a few sprays of olive oil in a frying pan. Once the pan is hot, add the sliced halloumi and sprinkle it with a little Cajun seasoning. Fry the halloumi until it’s golden and crispy on both sides, then set it aside. - Cook the Veggies
In the same pan, add a little more oil if needed, and fry the diced onion and pepper until they’re softened and slightly caramelized. Add the crushed garlic, salt, and pepper, and cook for another minute. - Simmer the Sauce
Now, pour in the water and vegetable stock pot, followed by the paprika, Cajun seasoning, and tomato purée. Stir everything together and bring it to a simmer. - Add the Pasta
Once the sauce is simmering, stir in the uncooked pasta. Let it simmer for about 20 minutes or until the pasta is almost cooked through and the sauce has thickened. - Finish the Sauce
With just a few minutes left, stir in half of the cooked halloumi, the yoghurt, and the cream cheese. Continue stirring until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy, coating the pasta. - Serve
Serve the creamy pasta on plates and top with the remaining crispy halloumi slices. Enjoy!
Notes
- Make sure the halloumi is cooked until it’s golden and crispy. This gives it the best flavor and texture when combined with the creamy sauce.
- Stir the pasta regularly to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
- If the sauce thickens too much before the pasta is fully cooked, simply add a splash of water to loosen it up.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair this dish with a side salad for extra crunch and freshness.
- For an extra touch of creaminess, serve with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese.
- If you’re feeling adventurous, add a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or basil to top it off!
Fun Fact
Halloumi is a Cypriot cheese that’s known for its ability to hold up when fried or grilled! It’s a perfect addition to dishes like this, where it adds a savory and crispy texture.
Conclusion
This creamy Cajun halloumi pasta is the ultimate comfort food, with a creamy, spicy kick that everyone will love. It’s easy to make, packed with flavor, and perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. The combination of crispy halloumi, creamy cheese, and zesty Cajun seasoning is nothing short of delicious. Trust me, once you try it, this will become a regular in your dinner rotation. Enjoy!
