Oh my goodness, let me tell you about Halloumi carbonara! It’s this creamy, dreamy pasta dish that’s just bursting with flavor. The first time I made it, I couldn’t believe how perfectly the salty halloumi cheese melts into the rich, creamy sauce. It’s such a delightful twist on traditional carbonara, and it’s vegetarian-friendly to boot! I often whip this up when I want a comforting meal that feels a little fancy, but doesn’t take all evening to prepare. Plus, it fits so beautifully into the Mediterranean diet with its wholesome ingredients. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll become one of your go-to weeknight dinners!
Ingredients List
- 200g halloumi cheese – this is the star of the show! Look for fresh halloumi for the best flavor.
- 250g spaghetti – I love using spaghetti, but feel free to swap in your favorite pasta shape!
- 2 eggs – these add richness and help create that creamy texture we’re after.
- 100ml cream – this is what makes it all come together, so don’t skimp on the good stuff!
- 50g parmesan cheese – freshly grated is best for that extra burst of flavor.
- 2 cloves garlic – minced for a delightful aromatic kick.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil – just enough to get that garlic sizzling and the halloumi golden.
- Salt to taste – I usually add a pinch, but feel free to adjust as you like!
- Pepper to taste – freshly cracked is always a nice touch.
How to Prepare Halloumi Carbonara
Step 1: Cook the Spaghetti
Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Once it’s at a rolling boil, add 250g of spaghetti. Cook it according to the package instructions, usually around 8-10 minutes, until it’s al dente. You want that perfect bite! When it’s done, reserve a cup of pasta water just in case we need it later, then drain the spaghetti and set it aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Garlic
In a large pan, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add 2 minced cloves of garlic. Sauté for about 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly. You want the garlic to be fragrant but not browned—burnt garlic can ruin the dish, so keep an eye on it!
Step 3: Prepare the Halloumi
Now, grab your 200g of halloumi cheese and dice it into bite-sized cubes. Carefully add the halloumi to the pan with the garlic. Cook it for about 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally until it turns golden brown and crispy on the outside. It should look delicious and have that lovely briny aroma wafting through your kitchen!
Step 4: Mix Egg and Cream
While the halloumi is cooking, whisk together 2 eggs and 100ml of cream in a bowl until well combined. This mixture is what gives our carbonara that creamy texture, so make sure it’s smooth and ready to go!
Step 5: Combine Ingredients
Once the halloumi is beautifully golden, it’s time to combine everything! Remove the pan from heat and immediately add the drained spaghetti into the pan. Then, quickly pour in the egg and cream mixture, stirring vigorously to coat the pasta. This is where the magic happens, so work fast to avoid scrambling the eggs!
Step 6: Final Touches
Now, stir in 50g of grated parmesan cheese and season with salt and pepper to taste. If the sauce seems a bit thick, you can add a splash of that reserved pasta water to loosen it up. Serve your Halloumi carbonara hot, garnished with a sprinkle of fresh herbs if you like. Trust me, you’ll want to dive right in!
Nutritional Information
Now, I want to give you a heads-up that the nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so these numbers are just estimates. Here’s a general idea of what you can expect per serving:
- Calories: 550
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Sodium: 800mg
So, while you’re enjoying this delicious Halloumi carbonara, you can also feel good about the wholesome ingredients that make it a hearty meal!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to make, perfect for weeknight dinners.
- Creamy, rich flavor that satisfies every pasta lover.
- Vegetarian-friendly, so everyone can enjoy it!
- Uses simple, wholesome ingredients you might already have.
- Adaptable—feel free to add your favorite veggies or herbs!
Tips for Success
To make your Halloumi carbonara truly shine, always opt for fresh ingredients—especially the halloumi! It makes all the difference in flavor and texture. If you find the sauce a bit too thick for your liking, don’t hesitate to adjust the cream quantity or add a splash of that reserved pasta water. It’s all about finding that perfect balance! Also, for a pop of color and flavor, serve your dish with a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or basil. It not only looks gorgeous but adds a lovely freshness to each bite. And remember, this dish is best served immediately while it’s still warm and creamy, so gather your loved ones around the table and dig in right away!
Variations
One of the best things about Halloumi carbonara is how versatile it is! You can easily switch things up by adding some fresh spinach or sautéed mushrooms for an extra veggie boost. Love a bit of heat? Toss in some red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for a spicy kick. If you’re feeling adventurous, try incorporating sun-dried tomatoes or roasted red peppers for a burst of flavor. And don’t forget about herbs—basil, oregano, or even a sprinkle of fresh dill can elevate this dish to a whole new level. The possibilities are endless!
Serving Suggestions
To make your Halloumi carbonara a complete meal, I love serving it alongside a simple mixed green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette. The freshness of the greens perfectly balances the richness of the pasta. You can also pair it with some warm, crusty garlic bread for that extra indulgence—perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce! Trust me, it’s a match made in heaven!
Print
Halloumi Carbonara: 5 Creamy Ways to Indulge Tonight
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A creamy pasta dish featuring halloumi cheese.
Ingredients
- 200g halloumi cheese
- 250g spaghetti
- 2 eggs
- 100ml cream
- 50g parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook spaghetti according to package instructions.
- In a pan, heat olive oil and sauté minced garlic.
- Dice halloumi and add to the pan, cooking until golden.
- In a bowl, whisk together eggs and cream.
- Add cooked spaghetti to the pan and remove from heat.
- Quickly mix in egg and cream mixture.
- Stir in grated parmesan and season with salt and pepper.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
- Use fresh halloumi for best results.
- Adjust cream quantity for desired consistency.
- Serve with fresh herbs if desired.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
Keywords: Halloumi carbonara, pasta, halloumi cheese