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.
