Piri Piri Halloumi Pasta
A spicy, smoky, and satisfying vegetarian dish where golden halloumi cubes meet a fiery piri piri tomato sauce tossed with pasta for a quick yet flavor-packed meal.
Total Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total: 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients
For the Piri Piri Sauce:
2 tbsp olive oil
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 red chili (adjust for heat), finely chopped
1 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp dried oregano
½ tsp ground cumin
1 tbsp red wine vinegar
Juice of ½ lemon
1 tbsp tomato paste
200g (7 oz) chopped tomatoes (canned or fresh)
Salt & black pepper to taste
For the Halloumi & Pasta:
225g (8 oz) halloumi cheese, cut into 1 cm cubes
1 tbsp olive oil (for frying)
300g (10 oz) pasta (penne, fusilli, or tagliatelle work well)
Fresh parsley or coriander, chopped (optional garnish)
Extra chili flakes (optional)
Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
2. Make the Piri Piri Sauce:
In a medium saucepan, heat 2 tbsp olive oil over medium heat.
Add chopped onion and sauté for 3–4 minutes until softened.
Add garlic and red chili and cook for 1 more minute.
Stir in smoked paprika, oregano, and cumin; cook for 30 seconds.
Add tomato paste, chopped tomatoes, vinegar, and lemon juice.
Simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened.
Season with salt and pepper. Blend the sauce if you prefer it smooth.
3. Fry the Halloumi:
While the sauce is simmering, heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a non-stick pan over medium-high heat.
Add halloumi cubes and fry for 5–7 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown on all sides. Remove from heat.
4. Combine and Serve:
Toss the cooked pasta with the piri piri sauce, adding some reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
Fold in the fried halloumi cubes gently
Garnish with parsley, extra chili flakes, or a drizzle of lemon if desired. Serve hot.
Nutritional Info (Per Serving, Estimated)
Nutrient Amount
Calories 540 kcal
Protein 20g
Fat 27g
Saturated Fat 11g
Carbohydrates 50g
Fiber 5g
Sugars 6g
Sodium 850mg
Calcium 350mg
Values may vary slightly based on ingredients and portion sizes.
FAQ – Piri Piri Halloumi Pasta
Q: Can I make it less spicy?
A: Yes! Reduce or omit the chili and chili flakes. You can also use sweet paprika instead of smoked for a milder flavor.
Q: What pasta shapes work best?
A: Penne, fusilli, rigatoni, or even spaghetti. Choose a pasta that holds sauce well.
Q: Can I prepare this in advance?
A: Yes, but halloumi is best when freshly fried. Reheat gently and add a splash of water or olive oil to revive the sauce.
Q: Can I make this vegan?
A: Use a vegan halloumi alternative or swap it with crispy tofu. Make sure to check your pasta and other ingredients are vegan.
Q: What can I serve with it?
A: Serve with garlic bread, a crisp salad, or roasted vegetables for a fuller meal.
Q: Can I add veggies?
A: Absolutely! Bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, spinach, or courgettes make g
reat additions