You'll love this Cypriot-inspired, intensely flavourful pasta, made in minutes using halloumi, courgette, aubergine and fresh cherry tomatoes.
On a family vacation in Cyprus, we stopped at traditional Cypriot restaurant, Pithari Tavern and enjoyed a really delicious, intense pasta dish made with halloumi. It held joyful memories for us all, so I have since created my own version.
The result is a fantastic dish, perfect for eating for lunch or dinner. Here's how to make it.
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 325 g (1⅔ cups) fresh cherry tomatoes halved
- 1 striped aubergine (eggplant) diced
- 1 courgette (zucchini) diced
- 250 g (8.8 oz) halloumi cheese diced (vegetarian if required)
- 1 tsp mixed dried herbs
- 75 ml (⅓ cup) red wine
- 275 g (1⅓ cup) penne pasta
- Salt and pepper
Equipment
Instructions
Put the pasta on to boil in plenty of salted water. Heat up the olive oil in a pan, then chuck in the cherry tomatoes.
Fry for a minute until they just start to soften.
Add the aubergine, courgette, halloumi and herbs.
Keep frying for a few minutes until it all starts to caramelise and the flavour of the tomatoes has intensified.
Add the wine and bring to a simmer to let the alcohol boil off for a minute, then mix well and season to taste.
Drain the cooked pasta a stir into the sauce.
Serve and enjoy!
What's your favourite ever pasta meal?
Print this halloumi pasta recipe
Intensely Flavourful Cherry Tomato and Halloumi Pasta
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 325 g (1⅔ cups) fresh cherry tomatoes halved
- 1 striped aubergine (eggplant) diced
- 1 courgette (zucchini) diced
- 250 g (8.8 oz) halloumi cheese diced (vegetarian if required)
- 1 tsp mixed dried herbs
- 75 ml (⅓ cup) red wine
- 275 g (1⅓ cup) penne pasta
- Salt and pepper
Instructions
- Put the pasta on to boil in plenty of salted water.
- Heat up the olive oil in a large pan over a medium heat, then chuck in the cherry tomatoes.
- Fry for a minute, then add the aubergine, courgette, halloumi and herbs.
- Keep frying for 5-10 minutes until it all starts to caramelise and the flavour of the tomatoes has intensified, then pour in a good glug of white wine.
- Let the alcohol boil off for a minute, then mix well and season to taste.
- Drain the pasta and stir into the sauce, then serve.
Video
Nutrition
Pin this vegetarian halloumi pasta
More delicious pasta dishes to try
For more tempting pasta dishes, check out my pasta section. Here are some ideas to get you started.
6 FUN recipes to make with kids - a FREE family baking eBook!
Have a free copy of my family baking eBook! With 6 easy recipes and bonus activities to get kids into the kitchen - and keep them busy for hours!
Elizabeth says
I'm such a fan of halloumi - have pinned this recipe to try later! Gorgeous!
Helen @ Fuss Free Flavours says
Fantastic Emily, I ate so much halloumi in Cyprus, a great idea to use it in a veggie packed pasta sauce.
Camilla says
My whole family loves Halloumi so I know they absolutely love this dish - bookmarked!
Peter @ Feed Your Soul Too says
Love the addition of the halloumi!
Emily Leary says
Thank you - it really makes the dish special.
Margot⚓Coffee & Vanilla says
Oh, that looks amazing! I'm loving this recipe Emily, I'm a big fan of halloumi cheese, especially grilled.
Emily Leary says
Thank you - yes it takes on the most gorgeous texture and salty flavour when cooked, doesn't it? I am craving some right now!
Sisley White says
This looks so good. I love a good pasta and I will have to try it. It looks like a lovely villa too x
Emily Leary says
Thanks so much. Yes it was a gorgeous place to stay - we will certainly be going back!
Molly Kumar says
What a beautiful looking dish and their's nothing like making a quick meal on holiday n then devouring it with a glass of wine :) Simply Blissful !
Emily Leary says
Thanks! Yes, I totally agree - I loved cooking during our break. It has turned me into a big advocate of villa breaks!