Easy and Flavorful Pasta Dish
Having a jar of ready-made pasta sauce in your pantry can be a lifesaver for this simple five-ingredient recipe. The jarred pasta sauce serves as a perfect base, and in this recipe, harissa paste not only adds heat but also brings a smoky and savory depth. This versatile baked pasta dish is easily customizable: you can experiment with different sauce flavors to create a creamy texture or a spicier arrabbiata style.
The Magic of Halloumi and Fresh Herbs
Grating halloumi cheese ensures its firm, salty essence is evenly distributed throughout the pasta. A generous amount of fresh dill adds a refreshing touch, but you can substitute parsley or chives for a different flavor profile. This dish is perfect for a weeknight meal, combining ease and flavor to make your dinner both simple and satisfying.
Ingredients
Yield: 4 to 6 servings
- Salt
- 1 pound of penne, fusilli, farfalle, or any other shaped pasta
- 1 (24-ounce) jar of marinara sauce
- 3 tablespoons of harissa paste (see Tip)
- 8 ounces of halloumi cheese (or feta), coarsely grated
- 1 cup of chopped fresh dill (including leaves and stalks)
- Extra-virgin olive oil, for serving
Nutritional Information
Per serving (6 servings):
- 460 calories
- 13 grams of fat
- 6 grams of saturated fat
- 0 grams of trans fat
- 4 grams of monounsaturated fat
- 2 grams of polyunsaturated fat
- 67 grams of carbohydrates
- 5 grams of dietary fiber
- 8 grams of sugars
- 17 grams of protein
- 934 milligrams of sodium
Note: The nutritional values provided are estimates by Edamam and are based on the available ingredients and preparation method. They are not a substitute for professional nutritional advice.
Preparation
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Cook the Pasta: Boil a large pot of salted water. Add the pasta and cook for 2 minutes less than the minimum recommended cooking time on the package. (For example, if the package suggests 10 to 12 minutes, cook for 8 minutes.) Reserve 1 cup of the pasta cooking water before draining.
- Mix the Sauce: In the same pot, combine the marinara sauce, harissa, and the reserved pasta cooking water. Mix well, then add the pasta, two-thirds of the grated halloumi, and three-quarters of the dill. Stir to coat the pasta evenly, then transfer to a large 8-by-12-inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Bake the Pasta: Sprinkle the remaining halloumi on top and bake until the sauce bubbles around the edges and the cheese turns golden and melts, typically 15 to 20 minutes.
- Serve: When serving, drizzle with olive oil and garnish with the remaining dill.
Tip
If harissa is not available, substitute it with other spice pastes like Sriracha, sambal oelek, or a pinch of crushed red pepper.