If you’re in the mood for something creamy, flavorful, and just a little spicy, this Harissa Pasta is the perfect recipe! It’s a quick and easy dish with tender chicken, cherry tomatoes, and a luscious harissa-infused sauce that’s balanced with creamy Philadelphia and a touch of double cream. Perfect for weeknight dinners, this dish feels like comfort food with a kick of bold flavor. Let me show you how to make it!
Method
Cook the Pasta
Begin by preparing the pasta, which will serve as the hearty base for your Harissa Pasta. Fill a large pot with water, add a generous pinch of salt, and bring it to a rolling boil over high heat. For an extra layer of flavor, you can also add a stock cube to the boiling water. Once the water is boiling, add 150g of your chosen pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, typically around 8-10 minutes. Al dente pasta is firm to the bite yet fully cooked, providing the perfect texture for absorbing the rich, creamy sauce. Five minutes before the pasta is done, add 50g of chopped broccoli florets to the pot. This allows the broccoli to cook just enough to become tender while maintaining its vibrant color and slight crunch. Once the pasta and broccoli are cooked, reserve 100ml of the pasta water before draining them using a colander. Set the pasta and broccoli aside while you prepare the sauce, ensuring they remain warm and ready to absorb the delicious flavors.
Sauté the Onions and Garlic
While the pasta and broccoli are cooking, start preparing the flavorful base of your Harissa Pasta. Heat a frying pan or skillet over medium heat and lightly coat it with low-calorie cooking spray to prevent sticking. Once the pan is heated, add the diced red onion and sauté it for about 3-4 minutes until it becomes softened and translucent. The onions will release their natural sweetness, enhancing the overall flavor of the dish. After the onions have softened, add the crushed garlic cloves to the pan. Fry the garlic for an additional 30 seconds, stirring constantly to ensure it doesn’t burn. The garlic will infuse the oil with its aromatic flavor, setting the stage for the robust harissa-infused sauce to come.
Cook the Chicken
With the onions and garlic perfectly sautéed, it’s time to add the protein to your dish. Add 250g of diced chicken breast to the pan, spreading it out evenly to ensure even cooking. Cook the chicken for about 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it is browned on all sides and fully cooked through. The chicken should develop a nice golden color, indicating that it has absorbed the flavors from the onions and garlic. Ensuring the chicken is cooked properly is essential for a tender and juicy texture that will complement the creamy pasta sauce beautifully.
Build the Sauce
Now, it’s time to create the rich and flavorful sauce that will bring your Harissa Pasta together. Sprinkle 1 teaspoon of paprika and 1 teaspoon of Italian herbs over the cooked chicken in the pan. Add 20g of harissa paste and 1 tablespoon of tomato puree, stirring well to ensure all the ingredients are thoroughly combined. Cook the mixture for 1-2 minutes to allow the spices and harissa to release their flavors, creating a deep and aromatic base for the sauce. Next, add the halved cherry tomatoes and the reserved 100ml of pasta water to the pan. Stir everything together and let the mixture simmer until the water reduces slightly, allowing the flavors to meld and the tomatoes to soften, contributing a burst of sweetness and acidity to balance the spicy harissa.
Make it Creamy
With the sauce building up its depth of flavor, it’s time to add the creamy elements that will make your Harissa Pasta irresistibly luscious. Stir in 70g of Philadelphia Lightest cheese and 1 tablespoon of reduced-fat double cream into the pan. Mix continuously until the cheese melts completely and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy. The Philadelphia cheese adds a tangy richness, while the double cream provides a velvety texture that perfectly balances the heat from the harissa paste. Allow the sauce to simmer gently on low heat, letting the flavors meld together and the sauce thicken slightly, creating a luxurious coating for the pasta.
Combine Everything
Now that the sauce is creamy and flavorful, it’s time to bring all the components together for a harmonious blend of tastes and textures. Add the cooked pasta and wilted spinach to the pan, stirring well to ensure everything is evenly coated with the harissa-infused creamy sauce. The residual heat from the pasta will help the spinach wilt just enough, adding a fresh and vibrant element to the dish. Toss everything together until the spinach is fully incorporated and the pasta is beautifully coated with the rich sauce. This step ensures that each bite of pasta is infused with the bold flavors of harissa and the creamy goodness of the cheese sauce.
Serve
Your Harissa Pasta is now ready to be enjoyed! Transfer the creamy, spicy pasta to serving plates, ensuring an even distribution of chicken, broccoli, and sauce in each portion. For an added touch of flavor and presentation, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley over the top of each serving. The Parmesan adds a salty, nutty finish, while the parsley provides a fresh, herbaceous contrast to the rich and spicy sauce. Serve the pasta hot, accompanied by your favorite side dishes such as garlic bread or a simple green salad for a complete and satisfying meal. Enjoy the comforting and bold flavors of this delicious Harissa Pasta as a perfect weeknight dinner or a special treat for any occasion.
Harissa Pasta
Equipment
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Frying pan or skillet
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Knife and cutting board
- Measuring spoons and cups
Ingredients
- For the Pasta:
- 150 g pasta
- 1 diced red onion
- 250 g chicken breast diced
- 50 g cherry tomatoes halved
- 70 g Philadelphia Lightest
- 1 tbsp tomato puree
- 1 tbsp reduced-fat double cream
- 20 g harissa paste
- Handful of spinach
- 2 crushed garlic cloves
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp Italian herbs
- For Toppings:
- Grated Parmesan
- Chopped parsley
Instructions
- Step 1: Cook the Pasta. Boil the pasta in salted water or add a stock cube for extra flavor. Cook until al dente, then reserve 100ml of the pasta water before draining.
- Step 2: Sauté the Onions and Garlic. Heat a frying pan over medium heat with low-calorie cooking spray. Sauté the diced red onion until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Add the crushed garlic and fry for 30 seconds.
- Step 3: Cook the Chicken. Add the diced chicken to the pan and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-6 minutes.
- Step 4: Build the Sauce. Add the paprika, Italian herbs, harissa paste, and tomato puree to the pan. Stir well and cook for 1-2 minutes to release the flavors. Add the cherry tomatoes and 100ml of reserved pasta water. Let the mixture simmer until the water reduces slightly.
- Step 5: Make it Creamy. Stir in the Philadelphia and double cream, mixing until smooth and creamy. Allow the sauce to simmer gently while the pasta finishes cooking.
- Step 6: Combine Everything. Add the cooked pasta and spinach to the sauce. Stir well to coat the pasta evenly and allow the spinach to wilt.
- Step 7: Serve. Plate the pasta and top with grated Parmesan and chopped parsley for a fresh and cheesy finish.
Notes
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Al dente pasta holds up better in the sauce and adds a perfect bite.
- Adjust the Heat: Harissa can be spicy, so add less if you prefer a milder flavor.
- Save the Pasta Water: The starchy water helps create a silky, cohesive sauce.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with a side of garlic bread for a complete meal.
- Add a fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette to balance the richness.
- Sprinkle with chili flakes for an extra spicy kick.
Fun Fact
Did you know harissa is a North African chili paste made from roasted peppers, spices, and herbs? It’s a staple in Tunisian, Moroccan, and Algerian cooking, known for its smoky and spicy flavor. It’s incredibly versatile and can be used in pasta, soups, or marinades!
Conclusion
This Harissa Pasta is the ultimate comfort dish with a flavorful twist. Creamy, spicy, and loaded with protein and veggies, it’s a satisfying meal that’s as easy to make as it is delicious. Perfect for cozy dinners or meal prep, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. Try it out and let me know how much you love it. Happy cooking!