Hot Honey Halloumi Pasta

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A Sweet, Spicy, and Savory Vegetarian Delight

Looking for a bold vegetarian dish that doesn’t skimp on flavor or comfort? This Hot Honey Halloumi Pasta is a brilliant combination of heat, sweetness, creamy richness, and that signature squeaky, salty bite of golden-fried halloumi. It’s the kind of dish that feels indulgent while staying fairly simple and fast — perfect for a busy weeknight dinner or a showstopper vegetarian meal that even meat-eaters will love.

This recipe has taken the online food community by storm, and it’s not hard to see why. It uses a short list of accessible ingredients, requires only one skillet, and comes together in about 20 minutes. Whether you’re a halloumi lover or trying it for the first time, this creamy, spicy, and slightly sweet pasta dish will have you coming back for more.

 Ingredients (US Cup Measurements)

  • 8 oz halloumi cheese (approx. 225g)
  • 1½ tablespoons honey
  • 1 teaspoon dried chili flakes
  • 4 oz extra light cream cheese (approx. ½ cup)
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 vegetable stock cube
  • 8.8 oz dried pasta (approx. 250g)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Reserved pasta water (as needed)

 Instructions

Stage 1: Prepare Hot Honey

  1. In a small bowl, combine 1½ tablespoons honey with 1 teaspoon dried chili flakes.
  2. Stir well and set aside to infuse while preparing the rest of the ingredients. This step allows the chili flakes to flavor the honey, giving the dish its signature kick.

Stage 2: Cook the Pasta

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
  2. Add 8.8 oz dried pasta and cook according to package directions (usually 8-10 minutes).
  3. Reserve about 1 cup of the pasta water before draining the pasta.
  4. Set both pasta and reserved water aside.

Stage 3: Fry the Halloumi

  1. Slice the 8 oz halloumi into ½-inch thick pieces. If desired, pat dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture for better browning.
  2. Heat a dry non-stick skillet over medium heat.
  3. Place halloumi slices into the pan and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown.
  4. Once browned, pour the prepared hot honey over the halloumi in the pan.
  5. Toss the slices to coat evenly and cook for an additional 1 minute.
  6. Remove halloumi from the pan and set aside.

Stage 4: Make the Creamy Sauce

  1. In the same skillet, add 4 oz cream cheese (about ½ cup).
  2. Stir over medium heat until melted and smooth.
  3. Crumble in 1 vegetable stock cube.
  4. Add ½ teaspoon smoked paprika, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
  5. Gradually add the reserved pasta water, a few tablespoons at a time, stirring continuously until a glossy, creamy sauce forms. Aim for a sauce that clings to the back of a spoon.

Stage 5: Combine and Serve

  1. Add half of the hot honey-coated halloumi slices back into the skillet with the sauce.
  2. Toss in the cooked pasta and stir well until everything is evenly coated.
  3. Plate the pasta and top with the remaining halloumi slices.
  4. Optionally, drizzle with a little extra honey or garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or basil.

 Prep Time & Calories

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Calories: Approximately 484 kcal per serving (based on 2 servings)

 Tips for Success

  • Let the honey infuse: The longer the chili flakes steep in the honey, the more intense and flavorful your hot honey will be.
  • Dry halloumi for best sear: Halloumi has a high moisture content. Drying it before frying ensures a beautiful golden crust.
  • Mind the salt: Halloumi and vegetable stock are naturally salty. Taste the sauce before adding extra salt.
  • Use good-quality pasta: A sturdy pasta like rigatoni, penne, or fusilli holds the sauce well.
  • Make it gluten-free: Substitute with gluten-free pasta if desired.
  • Customize the heat: Add more or less chili flakes depending on your spice preference. A pinch of cayenne or hot sauce can also enhance the kick.

 Serving Suggestions

This dish is rich and comforting enough to stand on its own, but here are a few sides and additions you could consider:

  • A crisp green salad with a citrus vinaigrette to balance the richness.
  • Roasted vegetables like zucchini or cherry tomatoes.
  • A slice of crusty garlic bread or warm naan to mop up the sauce.

 Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving, Approximate)

  • Calories: 484 kcal
  • Protein: 19g
  • Carbohydrates: 52g
  • Fat: 23g
  • Saturated Fat: 12g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Sodium: 690mg

 Final Thoughts

Hot Honey Halloumi Pasta is a modern fusion dish that merges Mediterranean-style cheese with creamy, spicy, sweet flavors in a distinctly comforting way. Halloumi brings the chew and the salt. Hot honey brings the sweet fire. And the cream cheese sauce pulls everything together with silky richness.

Whether you’re looking to impress dinner guests or indulge in a solo dinner that tastes like a restaurant-level meal, this pasta delivers. Best of all, it’s quick enough to whip up on a weeknight and fancy enough for a weekend treat.

Give it a try and you may just find yourself making it again and again. It’s not just a meal; it’s a flavor experience.

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