Haloumi Pasta

Transform your weeknight dinners with this vibrant and flavor-packed Haloumi Pasta, a Mediterranean-inspired dish that combines golden, seared haloumi cheese, garlic-sautéed zucchini, and burst cherry tomatoes tossed in a light, citrusy sauce. Perfectly paired with your favorite pasta shape, this recipe is infused with fragrant fresh basil and a hint of red chili flakes for a gentle kick. The creamy haloumi adds a rich, salty contrast, while a splash of pasta water binds everything together in a luscious, glossy finish. Ready in just 35 minutes, this vegetarian pasta is ideal for busy nights yet elegant enough for entertaining. Top it with a sprinkle of Parmesan for extra indulgence, and enjoy this beautifully balanced meal with Mediterranean charm!

Nutriscore Rating: 63/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:35 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 300 g pasta (e.g. penne, rigatoni, or spaghetti)
• 250 g haloumi cheese
• 250 g cherry tomatoes
• 1 zucchini
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 3 garlic cloves
• 0.5 tsp red chili flakes
• 1 tsp lemon zest
• 10 fresh basil leaves
• 0 to taste salt
• 0 to taste black pepper
• 50 g Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)

Directions

Step 1

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water before draining.

Step 2

While the pasta cooks, cut the haloumi into 1cm-thick slices, then pat the slices dry with a paper towel.

Step 3

Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add the haloumi slices and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, until golden brown. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

Step 4

In the same skillet, heat the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the garlic (minced) and red chili flakes, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 5

Slice the zucchini into thin half-moons and add them to the skillet. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until slightly softened.

Step 6

Add the cherry tomatoes (halved) to the skillet and cook for another 2-3 minutes until they start to soften and release their juices.

Step 7

Return the cooked pasta to the skillet. Toss everything together, adding a splash of the reserved pasta water to create a light sauce.

Step 8

Cut the cooked haloumi into smaller pieces or strips and fold them gently into the pasta.

Step 9

Stir in the lemon zest, roughly chop the basil leaves, and season with salt and black pepper to taste.

Step 10

Serve immediately, garnished with additional fresh basil and grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1481.5 grams (1481.5g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2150

Total Fat 130.40g	167%
Saturated Fat 58.90g	295%
Polyunsaturated Fat 4.10g
Cholesterol 263mg	88%
Sodium 10283mg	447%
Total Carbohydrate 143.40g	52%
Dietary Fiber 27.20g	97%
Total Sugars 21.80g
Protein 110.20g	220%

Vitamin D 20IU	100%
Calcium 3048mg	234%
Iron 22mg	122%
Potassium 2917mg	62%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 53.6%

Protein: 20.1%

Carbs: 26.2%