Delicious Harissa Pasta Recipe

This Harissa Pasta recipe features flavorful harissa paste and sausage in a creamy homemade sauce, tossed with bucatini pasta. The combination of ingredients creates an outstanding flavor that will leave you wanting more. The best part? It’s ready in just 30 minutes!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Flavorful: The harissa paste adds a bold and spicy flavor to the pasta, making it incredibly delicious.
• 30-Minute Meal: This recipe is quick and easy, perfect for a weeknight dinner. You’ll have a delicious one pot meal on the table in just 30 minutes.
• Customizable: You can easily customize this dish by adding your favorite protein or vegetables. Make it your own!

What is Harissa?

If you’re not familiar with Harissa, it’s a chili paste that originates from Tunisia in North Africa. Made from chili peppers, garlic, and spices, it adds a spicy and flavorful element to any dish. In addition to this pasta recipe, you can use Harissa to season chicken, shrimp, or other meat, add it to sauces, or even sprinkle a little over roasted vegetables.

How to Make Harissa Pasta

Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Cook the bucatini pasta according to the instructions on the package until al dente. Don’t drain the water, we’ll be using it later.

Step 2: Brown the Meat
In a large pan, sauté a diced shallot in olive oil for 2 minutes. Add ground sausage and cook until browned and crumbled. Stir in minced garlic and season with salt and pepper.

Step 3: Finish the Sauce
Add tomato paste, harissa paste, and dried oregano to the pan with the sausage. Stir and cook for 1 minute. Gradually stir in chicken broth and sun-dried tomatoes. Turn the heat to low and add cream, parmesan cheese, and parsley. Taste and adjust the seasonings as needed.

Step 4: Toss with Pasta
Use tongs to transfer the hot pasta directly from the pot into the pan with the sauce. Toss to combine. If the sauce needs to be thinned, add some of the hot pasta water.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this creamy harissa pasta garnished with lots of fresh chopped basil and a little extra shredded parmesan. Not only does it add brightness and freshness to the dish, but the basil pairs wonderfully with the spicy harissa flavor.

Make Ahead and Freezing Instructions

To Make Ahead: You can prepare the Harissa Pasta sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. When ready to serve, reheat the sauce on the stove and add the cooked pasta.

To Freeze: If you want to freeze the sauce, do so before adding the pasta. Transfer the sauce to a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply thaw the sauce and cook the pasta separately.

Recipe Variations

• More Topping Ideas: Sprinkle some crumbled goat cheese, toasted pine nuts, or additional fresh herbs like mint or cilantro on top of the pasta for added flavor and texture.
• Extra Veggies: You can enhance the pasta dish by adding sautéed roasted red peppers, eggplant, zucchini, cherry tomatoes, or spinach.
• Gluten-Free: Substitute your favorite gluten-free spaghetti noodles for the bucatini pasta. Look for a reliable brand like Barilla.

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Source: Harissa Pasta