Smokey Halloumi Pasta Bake Recipe: A Hearty Family Favorite

Creamy pasta meets smoky cheese in this mouthwatering halloumi pasta bake that promises pure comfort on a plate.

Mediterranean flavors dance through every delectable bite of this smokey halloumi pasta bake recipe.

Crispy golden edges of halloumi contrast beautifully with tender pasta shells nestled in a rich, velvety sauce.

Aromatic herbs and a golden-brown cheese topping elevate this dish from simple to spectacular.

Each forkful delivers a perfect balance of textures and robust flavors that will transport you straight to a sunny Mediterranean kitchen.

Quick to prepare and guaranteed to impress, this pasta bake turns an ordinary weeknight meal into a culinary celebration.

Serve hot and watch as everyone at the table comes back for seconds.

Smokey Halloumi Pasta Bake Details

• Whip up this delightful pasta bake with minimal kitchen skills, perfect for beginners wanting a tasty meal without complex techniques.
• Combine zucchini, halloumi, and smokey paprika for a mouthwatering dish that delivers maximum taste with minimal effort.
• Ideal for busy weeknights, family dinners, or casual gatherings, this recipe adapts easily to different preferences and hunger levels.
• Featuring gooey cheddar and salty halloumi, this bake provides a rich, creamy texture that cheese enthusiasts will absolutely adore.

Halloumi Pasta Bake Ingredients

• Halloumi Cheese: A firm, salty cheese that adds a rich, tangy flavor and crispy texture to the pasta bake.
• Pasta: The hearty base of the dish that provides a satisfying and filling foundation.
• Zucchini: A fresh vegetable that adds moisture, nutrition, and a subtle green color to the bake.

• Tomatoes, Pepper: Create a vibrant and slightly spicy sauce that coats the pasta and brings depth to the dish.
• Onion, Garlic: Aromatic ingredients that provide a robust and savory flavor base.

• Paprika, Oil, Salt: Spices and cooking essentials that enhance the overall taste and help develop a golden, smoky profile.
• Cheddar Cheese: A melty topping that adds a rich, creamy finish to the pasta bake.

Equipment for Pasta Bake

• Large Pot: Essential for boiling pasta with plenty of salted water.
• Roasting Pan: Needed to bake and assemble the entire dish, preferably greased.
• Frying Pan: Perfect for cooking onions, garlic, zucchini, and halloumi.
• Wooden Spoon: Great for stirring ingredients while cooking base and sauce.
• Colander: Used to drain partially cooked pasta quickly and efficiently.
• Measuring Spoons: Helps accurately measure paprika and other seasonings.
• Cheese Grater: Optional for grating fresh cheddar cheese if needed.

Halloumi Pasta Bake Steps

Step 1: Fire Up The Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 200C (390F).

Get your pasta dancing in salted water for a quick 5-minute warmup, then drain and set aside.

Step 2: Sizzle The Base

• Chopped onions
• Minced garlic
• Paprika

Sauté for a minute to wake up those flavors.

Slide in zucchini and halloumi, letting them sear and turn golden for 3-5 minutes.

Step 3: Create The Sauce

Tumble in tomatoes and pepper, coaxing them to a bubbly simmer.

Fold the half-cooked pasta into this vibrant mix, letting everything mingle and get acquainted.

Step 4: Build The Masterpiece

Slide the entire mixture into a greased roasting pan.

Shower the top with cheddar cheese and a sprinkle of extra paprika for that final flavor punch.

Step 5: Bake To Perfection

Send the pan into the hot oven for 10 minutes.

Watch for the cheese to transform into a bubbling, golden blanket that signals your delicious creation is ready to devour.

Pasta Bake Cooking Tips

• Slightly undercook pasta before baking to prevent mushiness and ensure perfect al dente consistency when it finishes in the oven.
• Fry halloumi quickly on medium-high heat to achieve golden edges without burning, creating delicious crispy texture.
• Increase paprika amount or use smoked paprika for deeper, richer smokiness throughout the dish.
• Drain zucchini after cooking or pat with paper towels to remove excess moisture and maintain sauce thickness.
• Swap cheddar with mozzarella or parmesan for different flavor profiles and melting characteristics.

Halloumi Bake Variation Ideas

• Vegan Veggie Delight: Replace halloumi with firm tofu or plant-based cheese, use nutritional yeast instead of cheddar for a dairy-free version.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap regular pasta with gluten-free penne or zucchini noodles to accommodate wheat-sensitive diets.
• Spicy Mediterranean Kick: Add red chili flakes, swap paprika with smoked chipotle powder, and include kalamata olives for extra flavor complexity.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Use cauliflower rice or spiralized vegetables instead of pasta, reducing overall carbohydrate content while maintaining the dish's rich taste profile.

Serving Halloumi Pasta Bake

• Pasta Night Party Platter: Arrange the baked dish in a rustic ceramic serving dish, sprinkled with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and herbal freshness.
• Weekend Brunch Companion: Serve alongside a crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the rich, smoky flavors of the halloumi pasta bake.
• Protein Power-Up: Add grilled chicken strips or crispy bacon bits on top for extra protein and a delightful textural contrast to the creamy, cheesy pasta.
• Mediterranean Mezze Spread: Complement the dish with quick sides like Greek olives, cucumber tzatziki, and warm pita bread to create a complete Mediterranean-inspired meal.

Storage for Halloumi Pasta Bake

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Transfer cooled pasta bake to freezer-safe containers. Wrap tightly and freeze for 2-3 months. Label with the date for easy tracking.
• Place individual portions on a microwave-safe plate. Cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until thoroughly warmed.
• Preheat oven to 180C (350F). Spread pasta in an oven-safe dish, sprinkle extra cheese on top. Cover with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through.

FAQs

• What makes halloumi unique in this pasta bake?

Halloumi is a semi-hard cheese from Cyprus that doesn’t melt completely when heated, giving it a distinctive chewy texture and ability to hold its shape during cooking, making it perfect for this baked pasta dish.

• Can I use a different type of cheese if halloumi is unavailable?

You can substitute halloumi with firm cheeses like paneer or queso fresco that also maintain their shape when cooked, though the flavor profile will be slightly different.

• Is this pasta bake suitable for vegetarians?

Yes, this recipe is completely vegetarian, featuring halloumi cheese, zucchini, and tomatoes as the main ingredients without any meat components.

Smokey Halloumi Pasta Bake Recipe

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4.5 from 11 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Smokey halloumi pasta bake blends Mediterranean flavors with comforting pasta goodness. Cheese lovers will savor the rich, golden layers of grilled halloumi melting into a hearty, herb-infused sauce.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 300 grams (10.6 ounces) dried pasta
• 250 grams (8.8 ounces) halloumi cheese, cubed
• 160 grams (5.6 ounces) mature cheddar cheese, grated
• 800 grams (28.2 ounces) canned chopped tomatoes

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 1 large zucchini, cubed
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Oils and Seasonings:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil, plus extra for greasing
• 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
• Salt and black pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Ignite the oven to 200C (390F), ensuring a hot environment for the pasta bake’s transformation.
2. Immerse pasta in salted water, cooking for 5 minutes until slightly underdone. Drain and set aside, preserving a hint of firmness.
3. In a skillet, warm oil and sauté onions and garlic with a sprinkle of paprika, releasing aromatic flavors for 1 minute.
4. Introduce zucchini and halloumi to the pan, allowing them to caramelize and develop a golden exterior over 3-5 minutes.
5. Pour in tomatoes and pepper, creating a vibrant sauce that bubbles with intensity. Gently fold the partially cooked pasta into the mixture.
6. Transfer the robust combination to a greased roasting pan, spreading evenly to ensure consistent cooking.
7. Generously crown the dish with cheddar cheese and a final dusting of paprika, promising a crispy, flavorful finish.
8. Slide the pan into the preheated oven, baking for 10 minutes until the cheese melts and forms enticing golden bubbles.

Notes

• Boost Flavor Experiment with smoked paprika or chipotle powder to intensify the smoky undertones and create a more complex taste profile.
• Cheese Alternatives Swap halloumi with feta or plant-based cheese for dietary restrictions, ensuring similar texture and saltiness.
• Veggie Flexibility Customize the dish by adding roasted bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms to increase nutritional value and provide extra depth.
• Make-Ahead Magic Prepare the pasta bake in advance and refrigerate, allowing flavors to meld. Just add an extra 5-10 minutes to baking time when cooking from cold.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 577
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 30g
• Saturated Fat: 14g
• Unsaturated Fat: 16g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 58g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 24g
• Cholesterol: 70mg