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Home » Pasta

Creamy Harissa Pasta

Published: Oct 18, 2021 · Last Updated: Oct 18, 2022 by Aimee - This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

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Creamy harissa pasta is so easy to make, but so flavorful! The addition of harissa to the tomato sauce adds a depth, flavor, and spice that takes it to the next level.

creamy harissa pasta topped with fresh basil leaves

I love pasta. It's probably our go-to meal these days. It's easy and can be customized in so many ways!

Lately, I've loved adding harissa to our pasta sauce. It's easy to do, and the pasta is ready in no time at all, making it perfect for a weeknight meal when you don't really feel like cooking but want something delicious.

Harissa can be a bit spicy, but the addition of cream helps tone it down a touch and lets the other flavors come out.

What is harissa?

Harissa originates from North Africa. It is typically made up of chilis, peppers, citrus, and spices blended with oil. It's smoky, peppery, and spicy.

You can get it in a variety of spice levels. I have the spicy version in my kitchen currently, but prefer the medium spice level.

For this recipe, I used the Mina harissa paste, but there are other brands available, of course. If you don't have harissa paste, but do have the ground spice powder, you can make your own harissa paste from powder.

harissa

Where can you buy harissa?

Harissa can be found at most grocery stores!

I got the Mina harissa sauce at Whole Foods, but it's also available at my local grocery store too. Trader Joe's also has a version of harissa sauce.

You can also buy harissa powder, which is in the spice section.

For this recipe, I highly recommend the paste/sauce version, but if all you can find is the powdered spice, you can add a couple of dashes instead. I would start with a ½ teaspoon, and then taste and adjust as needed.

If you have harissa powder, roasted harissa carrots is a fantastic recipe to try!

Can't find harissa? Here are some great harissa alternatives.

Cooking tips

  • You can increase the spice level by adding more harissa if desired. I used spicy harissa and used 1.5 tablespoons. If using medium-spice harissa paste use 2 tablespoons, and if using mild, use 2.5 tablespoons.
  • You can easily add cooked chicken or shrimp to this dish.
  • I used farfalle pasta (that looks like bowties), but penne, ziti, fettuccine, and even spaghetti will all work well in this dish.

How to store leftovers

Any leftovers can be kept in a sealed container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days.

To reheat, I prefer to spread out the leftover pasta into a baking dish and topping with mozzarella cheese. I bake it for 5 minutes at 350 degrees F, and then broil the top until the cheese is browned and crispy.

How to make the harissa pasta

First, cook your pasta according to the package directions.

While the pasta is cooking, melt the butter in a large skillet, then add the minced garlic and cook, stirring constantly so garlic doesn't burn.

Then, add the tomato sauce and harissa and cook for 3 minutes, stirring occasionally. Next, stir in the heavy cream and cook for 1 minute to heat up the cream and incorporate it.

I drain my pasta and add it directly to the skillet, stirring together so it's all coated.

cooked farfalle pasta with sauce

I like to top my pasta with freshly grated parmesan cheese or some shredded mozzarella and fresh basil leaves, but how you top yours is up to you! You could add Italian seasoning or dried oregano.

Looking for more spicy recipes?

  • Roasted cauliflower with a harissa tahini sauce
  • Peri-peri rice
  • Spicy edamame with caramelized jalapenos
  • Spicy feta dip
creamy harissa pasta topped with fresh basil leaves

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creamy harissa pasta topped with fresh basil leaves

Creamy Harissa Pasta

Recipe by Aimee
Creamy harissa pasta is so easy to make, but so flavorful! The addition of harissa to the tomato sauce adds a depth, flavor, and spice that takes it to the next level.
4.96 from 24 votes
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 5 mins
Cook Time 15 mins
Total Time 20 mins
Course Main Course, Pasta
Cuisine American
Servings 2
Calories 616 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 8 ounces dried pasta like farfalle, penne, or spaghetti
  • ½ tablespoon butter
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • 15 ounces tomato sauce
  • 1 ½ tablespoons harissa paste
  • ¼ cup heavy cream
  • parmesan or mozzarella cheese optional
  • fresh basil leaves optional
  • salt and pepper to taste

Instructions
 

  • Heat water in a large pot and cook pasta according to the package directions.
  • While pasta is cooking, peel and mince the two cloves of garlic.
  • About 5 minutes before pasta is done, melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, making sure not to burn garlic.
  • Add the tomato sauce and harissa paste. Stir to combine. Cook for 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, turning down the heat slightly if needed.
  • Add the heavy cream and stir to combine. Cook for 1-2 more minutes until sauce is hot.
  • Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  • When pasta is done, drain the pasta and then add to the sauce, stirring to coat pasta.
  • Top with cheese and fresh basil leaves if desired.

Notes

Cooking tips:
  • You can increase the spice level by adding more harissa if desired. I used spicy harissa and used 1.5 tablespoons. If using medium-spice harissa paste use 2 tablespoons, and if using mild, use 2.5 tablespoons.
  • You can easily add cooked chicken or shrimp to this dish.
  • I used farfalle pasta (that looks like bowties), but penne, ziti, fettuccine, and even spaghetti will all work well in this dish.
  • This recipe can serve 2-4, depending on hunger levels and if you serve it with a salad.

Nutrition

Calories: 616kcalCarbohydrates: 100gProtein: 19gFat: 16gSaturated Fat: 9gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 48mgSodium: 1308mgPotassium: 1033mgFiber: 8gSugar: 13gVitamin A: 1522IUVitamin C: 18mgCalcium: 79mgIron: 4mg

If nutrition info is shown, values are based on an online calculator and are estimates. Please verify using your own data.

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Comments

  1. Sherry Ronning

    October 21, 2021 at 9:25 pm

    5 stars
    My family loves your pasta recipe! It was so easy to make.

    Reply
  2. Becky

    October 19, 2021 at 12:28 pm

    5 stars
    This is right up my alley! Thank you for the recipe!

    Reply
  3. Alejandra

    October 19, 2021 at 11:52 am

    5 stars
    I have harissa but not very many recipes to use it in. This pasta looks so delicious, excited to try it for dinner!

    Reply
  4. sarah johnson

    October 19, 2021 at 11:22 am

    5 stars
    Seriously I can't believe how versatile harissa is...Is there anything it's not good with? It's my all-time favourite condiment. Such a great recipe! ♥️

    Reply
  5. Lauren

    October 19, 2021 at 10:53 am

    5 stars
    I love how the cream mellows out the spicy harissa flavor!

    Reply
  6. Helen

    October 19, 2021 at 10:28 am

    5 stars
    Lovely warming winter comfort food - and perfect for using up that jar of harissa.

    Reply
  7. Megan

    October 19, 2021 at 8:44 am

    5 stars
    The extra spice is so good when you want something more than tomato sauce. Even my teen enjoyed it!

    Reply
  8. Jenn

    October 19, 2021 at 7:55 am

    5 stars
    This is comfort food in a bowl, and it was easy to make, too! Delish!

    Reply
  9. Mandy Applegate

    October 19, 2021 at 2:24 am

    5 stars
    Harissa pasta was a big hit in my house last night - what a great recipe!

    Reply
  10. Linda

    October 19, 2021 at 1:50 am

    5 stars
    What a delicious way to enjoy pasta! So creamy, comforting, and flavorful

    Reply
  11. Donna

    October 19, 2021 at 12:06 am

    5 stars
    Love the addition of the harissa, definitely adds an extra depth of flavor that is just delicious!

    Reply
  12. laura

    October 18, 2021 at 10:07 pm

    5 stars
    Oh I love harissa paste, and this pasta recipe is to die for!

    Reply
  13. Kathy Hester

    October 18, 2021 at 8:08 pm

    5 stars
    I love harissa but never thought to use it in pasta. I can't wait to make this!

    Reply
  14. Sachi

    October 18, 2021 at 7:04 pm

    5 stars
    I love harissa, and never thought to flavor my pasta with it. What a great recipe!

    Reply
  15. Anne

    October 18, 2021 at 3:12 pm

    5 stars
    Looks delicious, what a fun way to spice up pasta.

    Reply
  16. Robin Donovan

    October 18, 2021 at 3:07 pm

    5 stars
    I love this recipe! I use my own homemade harissa paste and it's so good!

    Reply
    • foodbanjo

      October 18, 2021 at 6:58 pm

      I haven't attempted to make my own harissa paste! Sounds like a fun next project. :)

      Reply
  17. Kim

    October 18, 2021 at 2:58 pm

    5 stars
    This was so simple and delicious. Thanks!!

    Reply
  18. Cindy

    October 18, 2021 at 12:54 pm

    5 stars
    Oooh spicy and delicious!

    Reply
  19. Lynn Polito

    October 18, 2021 at 9:48 am

    5 stars
    What a simple and delicious recipe!

    Reply

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