Hot Honey Halloumi Pasta is a bold, flavor-packed dish that brings together the salty crispness of fried halloumi with a spicy-sweet drizzle of hot honey, all tossed with perfectly cooked pasta. It’s a little bit indulgent, totally satisfying, and an easy weeknight dinner that feels restaurant-worthy.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love how this pasta hits every flavor note—savory, spicy, sweet, and a touch of tang. The halloumi gets golden and crispy on the outside while staying firm on the inside, making it the perfect contrast to tender pasta and silky sauce. The hot honey brings the whole dish together with a punchy, unexpected twist that makes it completely addictive.
ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
halloumi cheese, cut into cubes or slices
olive oil
garlic, minced
chili flakes or hot sauce (for heat)
honey
pasta (penne, fusilli, or your favorite shape)
reserved pasta water
lemon juice
salt and pepper
fresh basil or parsley (for garnish)
optional: grated Parmesan or red pepper flakes for serving
directions
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I cook the pasta in salted water according to package directions, then reserve about ½ cup of the pasta water and drain the rest.
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While the pasta cooks, I heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and add the halloumi. I cook until golden on each side, about 2–3 minutes per side, then remove and set it aside.
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In the same pan, I add a bit more oil if needed and sauté the garlic and chili flakes for 30 seconds until fragrant.
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I stir in the honey and lemon juice, letting it bubble slightly, then add the cooked pasta and a splash of the reserved pasta water.
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I toss everything together to coat, then return the halloumi to the pan and stir gently.
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I season to taste with salt and pepper, garnish with herbs, and serve warm. If I want more heat or sweetness, I drizzle a little extra hot honey over the top before serving.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes 2–3 servings. It takes about 10 minutes to prep and 15–20 minutes to cook, so it’s ready in around 30 minutes.
Variations
Sometimes I add sautéed spinach, cherry tomatoes, or roasted red peppers for more color and flavor. When I want a heartier version, I add toasted pine nuts or swap in gnocchi instead of pasta. I’ve also made a vegan version using plant-based cheese and agave in place of honey.
storage/reheating
I store leftovers in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, I warm it in a skillet with a splash of water or olive oil. The halloumi won’t be quite as crispy the next day, but it still tastes amazing.
FAQs
Can I use a different cheese?
Halloumi is ideal because it holds its shape when cooked. If I want a substitute, I use paneer or even tofu for a similar texture.
What kind of pasta works best?
Short pasta like penne, rigatoni, or fusilli works great for catching the sauce, but I’ve also used spaghetti or linguine with success.
How spicy is hot honey pasta?
It depends on how much chili I use. I adjust the heat to my liking, starting with a pinch of flakes and adding more if I want extra kick.
Can I make my own hot honey?
Yes, I mix honey with chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce and warm it gently. It keeps well and adds flavor to all kinds of dishes.
Is this dish good for meal prep?
It’s best fresh, but I’ve packed it for lunch and it reheats well. I just store the hot honey separately and drizzle it on after reheating.
Conclusion
Hot Honey Halloumi Pasta is a unique and flavorful twist on pasta night that always surprises and delights. The crispy cheese, spicy-sweet glaze, and tender noodles come together in a way that feels special but is so easy to pull off. Whether I’m cooking for myself or sharing with friends, this dish always earns rave reviews.
Print
Hot Honey Halloumi Pasta
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 2–3 servings
- Category: Dinner, Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Fusion, Mediterranean-Inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Hot Honey Halloumi Pasta combines crispy fried halloumi cheese with tender pasta and a bold drizzle of spicy-sweet hot honey. It’s a flavorful vegetarian dish with golden seared halloumi, garlic, chili, and lemon that comes together in just 30 minutes—perfect for weeknight dinners or when you want something unique and satisfying.
Ingredients
- 7 oz halloumi cheese, sliced or cubed
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2–1 tsp chili flakes (or 1 tsp hot sauce)
- 2 tbsp honey
- 8 oz pasta (penne, fusilli, rigatoni, or preferred shape)
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup reserved pasta water
- Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish
- Optional: grated Parmesan or extra chili flakes
Instructions
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Cook pasta according to package directions. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain.
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While pasta cooks, heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sear halloumi 2–3 minutes per side until golden and crispy. Remove and set aside.
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In the same pan, add remaining olive oil if needed. Sauté garlic and chili flakes for 30 seconds until fragrant.
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Stir in honey and lemon juice; let bubble slightly.
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Add drained pasta and a splash of pasta water. Toss to coat in the sauce.
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Return halloumi to the pan and mix gently.
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Season with salt and pepper, garnish with herbs, and serve warm. Drizzle with extra hot honey if desired.
Notes
- Add cherry tomatoes, spinach, or roasted red peppers for extra color.
- Substitute paneer or tofu if halloumi is unavailable.
- Use gluten-free pasta if needed.
- Make it vegan with plant-based cheese and agave instead of honey.
- Create your own hot honey by warming honey with chili flakes or hot sauce.
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