Delicious Baked Tomato Pasta With Harissa and Halloumi

Ingredients:

For the Pasta:

• 12 ounces (340g) dried pasta (such as penne or fusilli)
• Salt, for boiling water

For the Tomato Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 can (14 ounces/400g) diced tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons harissa paste
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

For the Topping:

• 7 ounces (200g) halloumi cheese, sliced
• Fresh basil leaves, torn (for garnish)
• Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven:

   • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Cook the Pasta:

   • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
   • Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente.
   • Drain the pasta and set it aside.

3. Prepare the Tomato Sauce:

   • In a large oven-safe skillet or saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
   • Add the chopped onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes.
   • Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
   • Add the diced tomatoes and harissa paste to the skillet, stirring to combine.
   • Season the sauce with salt and black pepper to taste.
   • Let the sauce simmer for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken slightly.

4. Combine Pasta and Sauce:

   • Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the tomato sauce, tossing to coat the pasta evenly.

5. Prepare the Topping:

   • Arrange the sliced halloumi cheese on top of the pasta and sauce mixture.

6. Bake the Pasta:

   • Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the halloumi cheese is golden and bubbly.

7. Garnish and Serve:

   • Once baked, remove the skillet from the oven.
   • Garnish the baked pasta with torn fresh basil leaves.
   • Serve hot, optionally with grated Parmesan cheese on top.

8. Enjoy:

   • Serve your Baked Tomato Pasta With Harissa and Halloumi immediately, and savor the flavorful combination of spicy harissa, tangy tomatoes, and creamy halloumi cheese.

This recipe promises a delightful fusion of flavors and textures, making it a perfect dish for a cozy dinner or entertaining guests. Enjoy creating and indulging in this delicious baked pasta!