Halloumi Pasta with Tomatoes, Courgettes, and Olives Recipe

Introduction

This halloumi pasta is a delightful combination of salty cheese, fresh vegetables, and vibrant Mediterranean flavors. It’s an easy, satisfying dish perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a casual lunch with friends.

A white bowl filled with ridged penne pasta coated in a red tomato sauce, mixed with small chunks of grilled chicken and halved cherry tomatoes, all sprinkled with green chopped herbs on top. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface with a beige cloth napkin to the side, and part of another bowl with the same pasta is visible in the bottom left corner. Two clear ribbed glasses of water sit nearby, with a soft pink background and wooden chair back slightly out of focus behind. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

  • 250g wholemeal penne
  • 1 tsp rapeseed oil
  • 120g halloumi, halved through the seam and cut into cubes
  • 325g baby plum tomatoes on the vine, halved
  • 320g courgettes, cut into cubes
  • 3 garlic cloves, finely grated
  • 400g can chopped tomatoes
  • 6 pitted Kalamata olives, quartered
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 10g parsley, chopped

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Boil the pasta according to the packet instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. Step 2: Meanwhile, heat the rapeseed oil in a large, deep non-stick pan over medium heat. Add the halloumi cubes and fry, stirring occasionally, for about 3 minutes until browned. Remove the halloumi from the pan and set aside on a plate.
  3. Step 3: Add the halved baby plum tomatoes to the pan and cook for 1-2 minutes until they begin to soften. Transfer these tomatoes to the plate with the halloumi.
  4. Step 4: Add the courgettes and grated garlic to the pan. Stir-fry briefly until fragrant, then pour in the canned chopped tomatoes. Stir in the quartered Kalamata olives and dried oregano. Cover and simmer for 10 minutes.
  5. Step 5: Add the drained pasta to the pan and toss it together with the sauce. Stir in the browned halloumi, softened baby plum tomatoes, and chopped parsley. Mix well to combine.
  6. Step 6: Serve half of the pasta immediately. Allow the remaining portion to cool, then cover and refrigerate for up to three days.

Tips & Variations

  • For extra flavor, add a splash of balsamic vinegar or a pinch of chili flakes to the sauce while it simmers.
  • You can swap courgettes for chopped bell peppers or zucchini if preferred.
  • If you want a creamier sauce, stir in a spoonful of crème fraîche or Greek yogurt just before serving.

Storage

Store any leftover halloumi pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, warm it gently in a pan over medium heat with a splash of water to keep it moist, stirring occasionally until piping hot.

How to Serve

A white shallow bowl filled with rigatoni pasta covered in a red tomato sauce. The pasta is mixed with pieces of chicken, small cherry tomatoes, and sprinkled with fresh green herbs. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface with a soft pink background. Next to the bowl are two clear glasses with water and part of another white shallow bowl with the same pasta dish is shown. A yellow cloth napkin is partially visible behind the main bowl. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular pasta instead of wholemeal?

Yes, you can use any type of pasta you prefer. Wholemeal adds extra fiber and a nuttier flavor, but regular pasta works just as well in this recipe.

Is halloumi suitable for grilling instead of frying?

Absolutely. Grilling halloumi can add a smoky flavor and great texture. Just be careful not to overcook it to avoid toughness.

Print
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Halloumi Pasta with Tomatoes, Courgettes, and Olives Recipe


  • Author: Hailey
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Description

A vibrant and wholesome Halloumi Pasta featuring wholemeal penne, golden-fried halloumi cubes, sweet baby plum tomatoes, tender courgettes, and a rich tomato sauce flavored with garlic, olives, and oregano. This flavorful Mediterranean-inspired dish is perfect for a comforting weeknight meal and includes tips for easy reheating.


Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

  • 250g wholemeal penne

Main Ingredients

  • 1 tsp rapeseed oil
  • 120g halloumi, halved through the seam and cut into cubes
  • 325g baby plum tomatoes on the vine, halved
  • 320g courgettes, cut into cubes
  • 3 garlic cloves, finely grated
  • 400g can chopped tomatoes
  • 6 pitted Kalamata olives, quartered
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 10g parsley, chopped

Instructions

  1. Cook pasta: Boil the wholemeal penne following the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. Fry halloumi: Heat the rapeseed oil in a large, deep, non-stick pan over medium heat. Add the halloumi cubes and fry, stirring occasionally for 3 minutes, until golden brown. Remove from the pan and place on a plate.
  3. Cook baby plum tomatoes: Add the halved baby plum tomatoes into the same pan and cook for 1-2 minutes until softened. Then, transfer them onto the plate with the halloumi.
  4. Prepare the sauce base: Add the courgette cubes and grated garlic to the pan. Stir-fry briefly to soften the courgettes and release the garlic aroma.
  5. Simmer sauce: Pour in the canned chopped tomatoes and stir in the quartered Kalamata olives and dried oregano. Cover the pan and let it simmer gently for 10 minutes to develop the flavors.
  6. Combine and serve: Drain the cooked pasta and toss it into the pan with the tomato sauce. Add back the fried halloumi, softened baby plum tomatoes, and sprinkle with chopped parsley. Mix everything well. Serve half immediately and refrigerate the rest for up to three days. To reheat, warm in a pan over medium heat with a dash of water until piping hot.

Notes

  • You can substitute rapeseed oil with olive oil for extra Mediterranean flavor.
  • To keep halloumi crispy, fry it just before serving.
  • For a spicier twist, add red chili flakes while simmering the sauce.
  • This dish can be prepared ahead and stores well in the refrigerator for up to three days.
  • Reheat gently with a splash of water to prevent drying out.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Mediterranean

Keywords: halloumi pasta, wholemeal penne, Mediterranean recipe, vegetarian pasta, tomato sauce, quick dinner

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