Hey, foodies! If you’re in the mood for a quick, creamy, and utterly delicious pasta dish, then you need to try this Creamy Pasta with Sweet Chilli Halloumi. It’s a perfect combo of savory, spicy, and creamy goodness that will have you coming back for seconds. Plus, it’s simple to make, making it a fantastic option for busy weeknights or when you’re craving something comforting. With reduced-fat halloumi and a burst of sweet chilli sauce, this recipe serves 2 and packs a punch of flavor. Let’s dive into this scrumptious recipe!
Method
Coating and Frying Halloumi
Begin by coating the halloumi slices with 1 tablespoon of sweet chilli sauce. This will give the halloumi a sweet and spicy kick. Next, heat a frying pan over medium heat and lightly spray it with frylight. Once the pan is hot, add the halloumi slices and fry them for about 2–3 minutes on each side, or until they turn golden brown and crispy. Make sure to keep an eye on the halloumi, as it can burn quickly. Once cooked, set the crispy halloumi aside to rest while you prepare the pasta and sauce.
Boiling the Pasta
While frying the halloumi, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once the water is boiling, add the farfalle pasta and cook according to the package instructions (typically about 10 minutes) until al dente. Once the pasta is cooked, save a ladleful of pasta water and then drain the pasta. Set it aside to be added to the sauce later.
Preparing the Sauce
While the pasta is boiling, take a separate pan and add the cream cheese, semi-skimmed milk, sweet chilli sauce, and half of the 50% fat cheese. Place the pan on medium heat and stir the ingredients together, allowing them to melt and combine into a smooth, creamy sauce. Let the sauce simmer for a few minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent it from sticking to the pan. The sweet chilli sauce will blend with the cream cheese, creating a rich, flavorful base for the pasta.
Adding Spinach and Pasta Water
Once the sauce has simmered for a few minutes and is nice and creamy, stir in the spinach. The spinach will wilt quickly in the heat, adding a fresh, green element to the sauce. Next, add the reserved ladleful of pasta water to the sauce. This helps to loosen the sauce and ensures it will coat the pasta evenly. Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste, making sure it’s perfectly seasoned to your liking.
Combining the Pasta with the Sauce
Add the drained pasta to the sauce and give everything a good stir, ensuring the pasta is fully coated with the creamy sauce. Once the pasta is coated, stir in the remaining cheese. The cheese will melt into the sauce, making it even creamier and adding an extra layer of flavor.
Serving and Garnishing
To serve, divide the creamy pasta between two plates. Top each plate with the crispy sweet chilli halloumi slices and a generous sprinkle of parmesan. The crispy halloumi adds texture and a burst of flavor, while the parmesan enhances the richness of the dish. Serve immediately, and enjoy the comforting, flavorful pasta with a sweet and spicy twist!
Necessary Tools
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Frying pan
- Stirring spoon
- Ladle for pasta water
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Strainer to drain the pasta
- Serving bowls
Creamy Pasta with Sweet Chilli Halloumi A Flavorful Delight
Cuisine: MediterraneanDifficulty: Easy2
servings10
minutes15
minutes25
minutesIngredients
125g reduced-fat halloumi, cut into 1cm slices
2 tbsp sweet chilli sauce
180g (dry weight) farfalle pasta
50g lightest cream cheese
90ml semi-skimmed milk
35g 50% fat cheese
Handful of spinach
Salt + pepper to taste
Parmesan for topping
Directions
- Start by coating the halloumi slices in 1 tbsp of sweet chilli sauce. Then, fry the slices in a pan with a bit of frylight for a few minutes on each side until they turn golden and crispy. Once done, set the halloumi aside.
- Boil a pot of water and cook the farfalle pasta according to the package instructions.
- While the pasta is cooking, take a separate pan and combine the cream cheese, semi-skimmed milk, sweet chilli sauce, and half of the 50% fat cheese.
- Simmer the sauce on low for a few minutes, stirring occasionally.
- When the pasta is cooked, save a ladle of pasta water, then drain the pasta.
- Stir the spinach into the sauce mixture, adding the ladle of pasta water along with some salt and pepper to taste.
- Add the drained pasta to the sauce, stirring in the remaining cheese.
- Serve the pasta and top with the crispy sweet chilli halloumi and a sprinkle of parmesan. Enjoy the creamy, cheesy goodness!
Notes
- When frying the halloumi, be sure to watch it closely as it can burn quickly if left unattended. Keep the heat on medium to avoid overcooking.
- Don’t forget to save some pasta water before draining the pasta! It helps create a silky, smooth sauce that sticks to the pasta just right.
- If you want a creamier sauce, feel free to add a little extra cream cheese or milk, but keep in mind that it will alter the overall consistency.
Serving Suggestions
This creamy pasta with sweet chilli halloumi is perfect when served alongside a fresh green salad for a light, balanced meal. You can also pair it with a side of garlic bread or toasted pita for extra crunch. For those who love a bit more heat, try adding some extra chili flakes to spice things up!
Fun Fact
Halloumi, often referred to as “the grill cheese,” originates from Cyprus and has a unique texture that makes it perfect for grilling or frying. It’s high in protein, which makes it a great alternative for vegetarians looking for a satisfying meat-free meal!
Conclusion
There you have it – a quick, creamy, and oh-so-delicious pasta dish with sweet chilli halloumi! It’s packed with flavor and sure to become a new favorite in your recipe rotation. With its balance of savory, spicy, and creamy elements, this dish is perfect for any time of day. Enjoy!
