Creamy harissa pasta will be your new favorite if you love pasta with a little kick. It combines simple ingredients like pasta, butter, garlic, tomato sauce, harissa paste, heavy cream, and optional cheese and basil for a flavorful meal that’s easy to make.
This dish stands out because it balances the spicy heat of harissa with a smooth, creamy sauce that clings to every bite. It’s a perfect quick dinner that feels special without needing a lot of fancy ingredients or time.
You just need a few kitchen staples – pasta, harissa paste, cream, garlic, tomato sauce, and some basics like salt, pepper, and butter. Adding cheese and fresh basil turns it from everyday to something a bit more indulgent.
What Is Creamy Harissa Pasta?
This dish combines the spicy, smoky flavors of harissa with a smooth, rich sauce. I love this dish because it balances heat with creaminess, making every bite comforting yet exciting.
Harissa is a North African chili paste made from roasted peppers, garlic, and spices like cumin and coriander. It adds a bold kick that wakes up simple pasta.
The creamy part usually comes from ingredients like cream, yogurt, or a plant-based alternative. I mix it with harissa to mellow the spice while keeping the sauce thick and luscious.
It’s simple to prepare but always feels a little special. It works great with penne, rigatoni, or any pasta shape that holds sauce well.
This dish fits any meal, whether a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend treat. It’s spicy, creamy, and satisfying.
Ingredients
- 8 oz. of dried pasta
- ½ tbsp of butter
- 2 cloves of garlic
- 15 oz. of tomato sauce
- 1 ½ tbsp of harissa paste
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- Fresh basil leaves, optional
- Mozzarella or parmesan cheese, optional
- salt and pepper to taste
How To Make Creamy Harissa Pasta?
- First, start boiling water in a big pot and cook the pasta just like the package says. While that’s happening, peel and finely chop two cloves of garlic.
- Approx. 5 minutes before the pasta is ready, melt some butter in a large pan over medium heat. Then add the garlic and cook it for about a minute, stirring constantly so it doesn’t burn.
- Next, pour in tomato sauce and harissa paste. Stir everything together and let it cook for three minutes, stirring now and then. If the sauce gets too hot, turn the heat down a bit.
- Then, add heavy cream and mix it in well. Let it heat through for a minute or two until the sauce feels warm and creamy.
- Season with salt and pepper to suit your taste.
- Finally, drain the pasta and toss it right into the sauce, mixing it well so every piece gets coated. You can finish with some cheese and fresh basil leaves on top. It adds a nice touch!
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Amount per serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 616 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 100 g |
| Protein | 19 g |
| Fat | 16 g |
| Fiber | 8 g |
| Sodium | 1308 mg |
| Sugar | 13 g |
Serving And Pairing Ideas
Serving Suggestions
I like to top the pasta with fresh herbs like chopped parsley or cilantro for brightness. A squeeze of lemon juice adds a subtle tang that cuts through the creaminess. For texture, toasted pine nuts or slivered almonds work well.
Adding crumbled feta or dollops of ricotta enriches the dish without competing with the harissa. If you want more protein, grilled chicken or sautéed shrimp fits perfectly.
Serve the pasta warm, but it’s just as tasty at room temperature. I recommend a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil before serving to enhance the flavor.
Best Side Dishes
I pair this creamy, spicy pasta with crisp, refreshing sides to balance the heat. A simple cucumber and tomato salad with a light vinaigrette adds crunch and acidity.
Roasted or steamed vegetables, like asparagus or broccolini, complement the rich sauce and add a healthy component. For bread, a crusty baguette or garlic naan helps scoop up the creamy sauce.
If you want to keep it light, a lemony arugula salad with shaved Parmesan provides peppery notes that brighten the plate. These sides round out the meal without overshadowing the pasta’s bold flavor.
Storage And Reheating Tips
I store creamy harissa pasta in an airtight container to keep it fresh. It stays good in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make sure to cool it down before sealing to avoid sogginess.
If I want to freeze it, I divide the pasta into portions. I put them in freezer-safe containers or bags, removing excess air. Frozen pasta lasts about 1 month without losing much flavor.
When reheating, I prefer the stove or microwave. On the stove, I add a splash of water or cream to loosen the sauce. Heat gently over medium-low until hot.
If I need to use a microwave for reheating, I cover the container loosely to trap steam. I usually heat 1 minute at a time, stirring in between intervals to heat evenly.
To prevent drying out the sauce or changing the texture, avoid overheating. If the sauce thickens too much, I add a little olive oil or cream to restore creaminess.
Reheating tips:
- Add liquid (water or cream) if the sauce thickens
- Stir frequently when microwaving
- Heat gently on the stove to keep the creaminess
Common Mistakes To Avoid
One mistake I often see is rushing the pasta cooking time. Undercooked pasta can feel tough, while overcooked pasta turns mushy and loses its bite. I always check the pasta a minute before the package suggests to keep it al dente.
Another error is adding too much harissa at once. Harissa packs a spicy punch, so I start with a small amount and gradually add more. This way, I control the heat and avoid overwhelming the creamy sauce.
Finally, not seasoning enough can dull the flavors. I taste my sauce often and add salt or lemon juice if needed. The balance of salty, spicy, and creamy makes all the difference in this dish.
Conclusion
I love how creamy harissa pasta brings together Bold flavors with simple ingredients. The spice from harissa pairs perfectly with the smoothness of the sauce, creating something both comforting and exciting.
Making this dish is easy and quick, perfect for busy days when I want a tasty meal without a lot of fuss. Plus, it’s versatile – you can add veggies, protein, or keep it simple.
If you enjoy a little heat and creaminess, this recipe is a great way to switch up your pasta routine. I always have a jar of harissa on hand now.
I think you’ll find it quick, satisfying, and a nice change from plain pasta dishes. Give it a shot and adjust the spice level to your taste!
Just one more thing, if you need a light dessert after this dish, I recommend the sesame and tahini cookies.
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