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.
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.
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, these 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:
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.
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? Check out these:
- Roasted cauliflower with a harissa tahini sauce
- Peri-peri rice
- Spicy edamame with caramelized jalapenos
Creamy Harissa Pasta
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
- 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.
Sherry Ronning
My family loves your pasta recipe! It was so easy to make.
Becky
This is right up my alley! Thank you for the recipe!
Alejandra
I have harissa but not very many recipes to use it in. This pasta looks so delicious, excited to try it for dinner!
sarah johnson
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! ♥️
Lauren
I love how the cream mellows out the spicy harissa flavor!
Helen
Lovely warming winter comfort food - and perfect for using up that jar of harissa.
Megan
The extra spice is so good when you want something more than tomato sauce. Even my teen enjoyed it!
Jenn
This is comfort food in a bowl, and it was easy to make, too! Delish!
Mandy Applegate
Harissa pasta was a big hit in my house last night - what a great recipe!
Linda
What a delicious way to enjoy pasta! So creamy, comforting, and flavorful
Donna
Love the addition of the harissa, definitely adds an extra depth of flavor that is just delicious!
laura
Oh I love harissa paste, and this pasta recipe is to die for!
Kathy Hester
I love harissa but never thought to use it in pasta. I can't wait to make this!
Sachi
I love harissa, and never thought to flavor my pasta with it. What a great recipe!
Anne
Looks delicious, what a fun way to spice up pasta.
Robin Donovan
I love this recipe! I use my own homemade harissa paste and it's so good!
foodbanjo
I haven't attempted to make my own harissa paste! Sounds like a fun next project. :)
Kim
This was so simple and delicious. Thanks!!
Cindy
Oooh spicy and delicious!
Lynn Polito
What a simple and delicious recipe!