Courgette Rigatoni With Crispy Halloumi: A Deliciously Simple Recipe

Courgette Rigatoni with Crispy Halloumi is an excellent dish that combines the rich textures of pasta with the unique taste of courgette and the delightful crunch of halloumi cheese. This recipe is not only delicious but also simple to prepare, making it perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a leisurely weekend meal. Here’s a closer look at how to create this dish, ensuring you enjoy every bite. 🍽️

<div style="text-align: center;"> <img src="https://tse1.mm.bing.net/th?q=Courgette+Rigatoni+With+Crispy+Halloumi" alt="Courgette Rigatoni With Crispy Halloumi"> </div>

Ingredients You'll Need 🥗

To create this savory dish, gather the following ingredients:

<table> <tr> <th>Ingredient</th> <th>Quantity</th> </tr> <tr> <td>Rigatoni pasta</td> <td>300g</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Courgettes (zucchini)</td> <td>2 large</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Halloumi cheese</td> <td>200g</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Olive oil</td> <td>3 tbsp</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Garlic</td> <td>2 cloves</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Red chili flakes</td> <td>1 tsp</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Fresh basil leaves</td> <td>to taste</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Salt and pepper</td> <td>to taste</td> </tr> </table>

Preparing the Courgette and Pasta 🍝

1. Cook the Rigatoni: Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rigatoni and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta, reserving a cup of the pasta water for later use.

2. Prepare the Courgettes: While the pasta cooks, wash and slice the courgettes into thin rounds or half-moons, depending on your preference.

3. Sauté the Courgettes: In a large frying pan, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the courgettes and sauté for about 5-7 minutes, until they are soft and slightly golden. Add the minced garlic and red chili flakes, and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Season with salt and pepper.

<div style="text-align: center;"> <img src="https://tse1.mm.bing.net/th?q=Courgette+Rigatoni+Cooking" alt="Cooking Courgette Rigatoni"> </div>

Crispy Halloumi Preparation 🧀

1. Slice the Halloumi: While the courgettes are cooking, cut the halloumi cheese into thick slices.

2. Fry the Halloumi: In another frying pan, heat the remaining olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the halloumi slices and fry for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn golden brown and crispy. Remove from the pan and set aside on a paper towel to drain any excess oil.

<div style="text-align: center;"> <img src="https://tse1.mm.bing.net/th?q=Fried+Halloumi" alt="Fried Halloumi"> </div>

Bringing It All Together 🌟

1. Combine Pasta and Courgettes: Once the rigatoni is cooked and drained, add it to the pan with the sautéed courgettes. Toss everything together gently, adding a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to help coat the pasta.

2. Add Fresh Basil: Chop fresh basil leaves and sprinkle them over the pasta. Give it another gentle mix to incorporate all the flavors.

3. Serve with Halloumi: Plate the courgette rigatoni and top with the crispy halloumi slices. For an extra kick, feel free to drizzle some olive oil or add more red chili flakes on top.

<div style="text-align: center;"> <img src="https://tse1.mm.bing.net/th?q=Plated+Courgette+Rigatoni" alt="Plated Courgette Rigatoni With Crispy Halloumi"> </div>

Tips for Success 📝

• Texture Matters: To achieve the perfect crispy halloumi, ensure your pan is hot enough before adding the cheese. This will help to create a golden crust while keeping the cheese soft inside.
• Pasta Alternatives: Feel free to substitute rigatoni with another type of pasta, such as penne or fusilli, depending on your preference.
• Extra Flavor: Consider adding some lemon zest or juice for a refreshing twist that complements the courgettes beautifully.

Conclusion 🍽️

Courgette Rigatoni with Crispy Halloumi is a delightful dish that brings together simplicity and flavor in a way that will impress your family and friends. The creamy texture of halloumi combined with the sautéed courgettes makes for an unforgettable culinary experience. Enjoy your cooking adventure and relish every bite of this scrumptious meal!