Hey there, pasta lovers! Amelia here, and I’m about to share a recipe that’s become my absolute favorite for those evenings when you want something impressive but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. This Chorizo and Halloumi Pasta is what I like to call my “secret weapon” for dinner parties – it’s got that perfect balance of spicy chorizo, salty halloumi, and creamy tomato sauce that’ll make everyone think you’ve been cooking all day!
Why You’ll Love This Chorizo and Halloumi Pasta
As someone who’s always experimenting with different pasta recipes, I can tell you this dish is something special. The combination of spicy chorizo and squeaky halloumi cheese creates a flavor explosion that’s simply irresistible. Plus, it’s ready in just 30 minutes – perfect for those busy weeknight dinners when you’re juggling work, family, and everything in between!
What You’ll Need
For the Pasta:
- 8.8 oz (250 g) pasta
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- ½ lb (250 g) chorizo sausage, sliced
- 1 shallot, finely chopped
- 1 red pointed pepper, sliced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- ½ lb (225 g) halloumi cheese, cubed
- ½ tbsp dried oregano
- 2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 cup (200 ml) tomato sauce (passata)
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt & pepper to taste
Let’s Make Some Magic!
- First things first – get that pasta cooking! Make it al dente and remember to save a cup of that starchy pasta water (trust me, it’s liquid gold for creating the perfect sauce texture).
- While your pasta is doing its thing, let’s get that chorizo sizzling in olive oil. Just 2-3 minutes until it starts releasing its gorgeous red oils. (Fun fact: this is when your kitchen starts smelling like heaven!)
- Time for the aromatics! Toss in your shallot, pepper, and garlic. Give them about 3 minutes to soften and become fragrant. If you’re looking for more healthy sides to complement this dish, a simple green salad works wonderfully!
- Now for my favorite part – add those cubes of halloumi, oregano, and smoked paprika. The halloumi will start to get slightly golden and irresistibly chewy.
- Pour in your tomato sauce and that reserved pasta water. Let everything simmer for 3 minutes until you’ve got a creamy, dreamy sauce.
- Finally, toss in your cooked pasta and fresh parsley. Give everything a good stir, and voilà!
Pro Tips from My Kitchen to Yours
- Don’t skip saving that pasta water! It’s essential for creating that silky smooth sauce we’re after.
- If you love healthy pasta dishes, you can lighten this up by using whole grain pasta and turkey chorizo.
- The halloumi might seem fancy, but trust me, it’s worth seeking out. It adds this amazing salty, chewy texture that makes this dish unique.
Common Questions I Get
Q: Can I make this vegetarian?
A: Absolutely! Try using a plant-based chorizo alternative – there are some great ones available now.
Q: How long will leftovers keep?
A: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors actually get even better overnight!
Q: Is this spicy?
A: It depends on your chorizo, but generally, it’s mild to medium. Feel free to adjust the heat by choosing a milder chorizo or adding some red pepper flakes if you like it hot!
A Little Story…
You know what? This recipe actually came about during one of those “what’s in the fridge?” moments. I had some chorizo left from making healthy breakfast burritos and a block of halloumi that was begging to be used. Sometimes the best recipes come from these impromptu cooking sessions!
This pasta dish has become my go-to when I’m hosting dinner parties or need a quick but impressive meal. It’s got that perfect balance of being both casual and sophisticated – just like those moments when you’re catching up with friends over a good meal, wearing your comfy pants but still feeling fancy!
Remember, cooking should be fun and flexible. Don’t stress too much about getting everything perfect – this recipe is pretty forgiving, and that’s what makes it so wonderful for both beginners and experienced cooks alike.
So, are you ready to give this Chorizo and Halloumi Pasta a try? I’d love to hear how it turns out in your kitchen! Share your creations with us on Instagram @healthi_recipes – seeing your versions always makes my day!