Spicy Harissa Pasta Recipe with Roasted Vegetables

Harissa Pasta is a North African–inspired pasta tossed in a fragrant, slightly smoky chili-tomato sauce. It’s quick to prepare, full of bold flavor, and ideal for busy weeknights or relaxed weekends. The family-friendly recipe comes together in about 20 minutes and can be served on its own or paired with your favorite protein for a more substantial meal.

To make this dish more filling, add a cooked protein such as grilled chicken tenders or pan-fried fish. The harissa sauce pairs particularly well with simply seasoned chicken, shrimp, or flaky white fish for a complete, satisfying plate.

What goes in Harissa pasta

• Olive oil – for sautéing and flavor.
• Onion and garlic – a small yellow or white onion, diced, and fresh garlic cloves, minced.
• Roma tomatoes – grated or finely chopped to build the sauce.
• Tomato paste – adds depth and a touch of acidity.
• Harissa paste – the key ingredient that brings heat and North African spice.
• Spices – ground cumin, ground ginger, black pepper, and salt to taste.
• Fresh coriander (cilantro) – chopped, with extra to garnish.
• Pasta – dry spaghetti is recommended, but any pasta shape will work.

Harissa Pasta

A quick, aromatic pasta tossed in a spicy harissa and tomato sauce. This easy recipe brings bold, North African flavors to a simple weeknight pasta.

Prep Time:
10 minutes

Cook Time:
10 minutes

Total Time:
20 minutes

Servings:
4
Servings

Author:
Amira

Ingredients

• 2 Tablespoons olive oil
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 4 Roma tomatoes, grated (about 1 cup)
• 2 Tablespoons tomato paste
• 4 Tablespoons harissa paste
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
• 1/4 cup coriander (cilantro), chopped, plus more to garnish
• 1/2 pound pasta, cooked according to package directions

Instructions

1. Cook the pasta to al dente according to package directions. Drain and set aside, reserving a little pasta water if desired.
2. In a large skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil. Sauté the diced onion and minced garlic for about 3 minutes, until softened and fragrant.
3. Add the grated tomatoes, tomato paste, harissa paste, cumin, ground ginger, black pepper, and salt. Stir to combine and taste, adjusting seasoning or harissa for heat level.
4. Bring the sauce to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for about 3 minutes to meld the flavors.
5. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat thoroughly in the sauce. If the mixture seems dry, add a splash of reserved pasta water or broth.
6. Continue cooking for another 1–2 minutes until the pasta and sauce are well combined. Stir in chopped coriander, reserving some for garnish.
7. Serve immediately, garnished with extra coriander or a drizzle of olive oil.

Notes

You can control the spice level by varying the amount of harissa. Substitute parsley if you prefer it to coriander, or omit the herb entirely. Any pasta shape will work; adjust cooking times accordingly.

Nutrition

Approximate per serving: Calories: 123 kcal | Carbs: 13 g | Protein: 2 g | Fat: 8 g | Sodium: 1120 mg | Fiber: 3 g

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How to make Harissa pasta

Step 1: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Sauté the onion and garlic for about 3 minutes, until they are soft and aromatic.

Step 2: Add the grated tomatoes, harissa paste, tomato paste, and spices. Stir thoroughly and taste, adjusting salt or harissa as needed.

Step 3: Bring the sauce to a boil, then lower the heat and simmer for about 3 minutes so the flavors meld.

Step 4: Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss to coat evenly in the sauce. Cook briefly until everything is heated through and well combined.

FAQs

How to Store and Reheat

Storage: Place leftover harissa pasta in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.

Reheat: Warm leftovers in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. You can also microwave for 1–2 minutes, stirring halfway. If the pasta seems dry, add a splash of water, broth, or olive oil to loosen the sauce.

Serving suggestions

Serve this spicy harissa pasta with roasted or grilled proteins such as chicken thighs, or alongside warm garlic bread and a crisp salad. It also pairs well with a side of roasted vegetables or a simple green salad to balance the heat.

You’ll also like

If you enjoy bold, spiced dishes, try chicken shawarma, Middle Eastern chicken and rice, or ground beef gyros for more flavorful weeknight options. For more pasta inspiration, explore recipes like broccoli pasta, spaghetti all’Assassina, pasta e piselli, and pasta with eggplant.