Let me tell you about my obsession with halloumi carbonara! This dish is a creamy, dreamy pasta delight that takes comfort food to a whole new level. I remember the first time I tried it at a little Mediterranean restaurant tucked away in my neighborhood. The moment I took a bite, the rich, velvety sauce enveloped the perfectly cooked spaghetti, and the golden, crispy halloumi added the most delightful bite. It was love at first taste! Trust me, the combination of the salty cheese and the creamy sauce is simply irresistible. Every time I make it, I feel like I’m transported back to that cozy little spot, and I can’t wait for you to experience this joy in your own kitchen!
Ingredients List
To whip up this delicious halloumi carbonara, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 200g halloumi cheese (diced into small cubes)
- 250g spaghetti
- 2 eggs
- 100ml cream
- 50g parmesan cheese (grated)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Don’t worry if you’re not familiar with halloumi; it’s a wonderfully versatile cheese that brings a lovely texture and flavor to this dish. Just be sure to dice it well so it gets that gorgeous golden crust when you cook it!
How to Prepare Halloumi Carbonara
Now, let’s dive into making this incredible halloumi carbonara! It’s easier than you might think, and I promise you’ll be amazed at how quickly it comes together.
Cooking the Spaghetti
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. I like to add a generous pinch of salt because it really flavors the pasta! Once the water’s bubbling, toss in 250g of spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions—usually around 8-10 minutes for that perfect al dente texture. Stir it occasionally to keep it from sticking. Before you drain it, be sure to save a little pasta water (about half a cup) for later; it’s magic for adjusting the sauce!
Sautéing the Garlic and Halloumi
While the pasta cooks, grab a large pan and heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Once it’s shimmering, add 2 cloves of minced garlic. You’ll know it’s ready when you start smelling that fragrant aroma—just a minute or so! Next, toss in the diced halloumi. Cook it for about 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s beautifully golden brown on all sides. Trust me, that crispy exterior is where the flavor lives!
Combining Ingredients
In a bowl, whisk together the 2 eggs and 100ml of cream until smooth. Once your spaghetti is perfectly cooked, drain it (remember to reserve that pasta water!) and immediately add it to the pan with the garlic and halloumi. Remove the pan from the heat to avoid scrambling the eggs! Quickly pour in the egg and cream mixture, tossing everything together until it’s all well combined. The residual heat will cook the eggs, creating that luscious, creamy sauce. If it seems too thick, just add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up!
Final Touches
Now for the best part—stir in 50g of grated parmesan cheese, seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. I love adding a little extra pepper for a kick! Serve it up immediately, garnishing with fresh herbs if you like. You’ll want to dig in right away to enjoy that creamy goodness while it’s warm!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to prepare—dinner is ready in just 25 minutes!
- Creamy and flavorful, with a rich sauce that clings to every strand of spaghetti.
- Vegetarian-friendly, making it a perfect option for meatless meals.
- Uses halloumi cheese, adding a unique twist and delightful texture that you won’t find in traditional carbonara.
Seriously, you won’t believe how these simple ingredients come together to create such a comforting and satisfying dish. It’s a must-try for any pasta lover!
Tips for Success
Alright, let’s make sure your halloumi carbonara turns out absolutely perfect! Here are some of my favorite tips to elevate this dish and impress everyone at the table:
- Use fresh halloumi: Trust me, fresh halloumi makes all the difference! It has a lovely texture and flavor that really shines in this carbonara. Check the expiration date, and look for a nice, firm cheese.
- Adjust the cream: Depending on how creamy you like your sauce, you can easily adjust the amount of cream. If you prefer a lighter sauce, feel free to use 80ml instead of 100ml, or even add a splash of reserved pasta water to thin it out.
- Herb your enthusiasm: Don’t skip the fresh herbs! A sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil right before serving adds a pop of color and freshness that brightens the dish beautifully. Plus, it makes your kitchen smell amazing!
- Give it a taste: Before you serve, make sure to taste your carbonara! Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Sometimes a little extra salt really brings out all those rich flavors.
- Serve it hot: Halloumi carbonara is best enjoyed fresh out of the pan! So, gather your friends or family around the table as soon as it’s ready to savor that creamy goodness while it’s warm.
With these tips, you’ll be well on your way to creating a stunning halloumi carbonara that’ll leave everyone asking for seconds. Enjoy your cooking adventure!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s chat about the nutritional goodness packed into this halloumi carbonara! Each serving is loaded with flavor while also providing a decent amount of nutrients. Here’s what you can expect per serving:
- Calories: Approximately 550
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Cholesterol: 150mg
These values are estimates based on the ingredients listed and can vary based on brands and serving sizes. This recipe serves 2, so it’s perfect for a cozy dinner for two or a lovely date night! Just remember, while it’s indulgent, it’s also packed with protein and flavor, making it a comforting yet satisfying meal. Enjoy every delicious bite guilt-free!
FAQ Section
Got questions about halloumi carbonara? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! Here are some common inquiries and my answers to help you out:
Can I use other cheeses?
Absolutely! While halloumi is fantastic for its unique texture, you can experiment with other cheeses like feta or even mozzarella. Just keep in mind that the flavor and texture will change a bit. Feta will add a nice tanginess, and mozzarella will give you that gooey, melty goodness!
What if I don’t have cream?
No cream? No problem! You can use milk or a dairy-free alternative like almond milk or coconut cream for a lighter version. Just be aware that the sauce may be a bit thinner, so you might need to adjust the amount or add a bit of that reserved pasta water to help it stick to the pasta.
How to store leftovers?
If you have any leftovers (which is rare, but it happens!), allow the carbonara to cool, then transfer it to an airtight container. It will keep in the fridge for about 2 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, just reheat it gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or milk to help bring back that creamy texture.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
While this dish is best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the components ahead of time! Cook the spaghetti and halloumi separately, and mix them with the sauce right before serving. This way, you’ll have a quick and easy dinner ready in no time!
Is this dish suitable for freezing?
I wouldn’t recommend freezing halloumi carbonara, as the texture of the cheese may change when thawed. It’s best enjoyed fresh, so make just enough for your meal and savor every bite!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
So, you’ve whipped up this delicious halloumi carbonara and now you have some leftovers (if that ever happens!). Here’s how to store them properly to keep that creamy goodness intact:
First, let the carbonara cool down to room temperature. This is super important because putting hot food directly in the fridge can raise the temperature and affect the other foods in there. Once it’s cooled, transfer your leftovers to an airtight container. This will help keep the flavors fresh and prevent any fridge odors from sneaking in.
Stored this way, your halloumi carbonara will last in the fridge for about 2 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, here’s my favorite reheating method: gently warm it up on the stovetop over low heat. Add a splash of water or a bit of cream to help restore that silky sauce, stirring frequently until it’s heated through. You want to avoid the microwave if you can, as it might make the halloumi rubbery, and nobody wants that!
So, whether it’s for a quick lunch or a cozy dinner, these tips will ensure your leftovers taste just as delightful as when they were freshly made. Enjoy every last bite!
Print
Halloumi Carbonara: 7 Irresistible Steps to Blissful Flavor
- 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