A Little Spice for Your Life
I love a recipe that feels like a warm hug. This one has a little kick to it, too. It reminds me of my friend Betty. She always said a boring meal is a sad meal. I still laugh at that.
This dish is special because it mixes creamy and spicy. It makes an ordinary weeknight feel like a party. That is a wonderful feeling to have on a Tuesday. What is your favorite way to add a little excitement to your meals?
The Magic of Harissa
Harissa paste is the star here. It is a simple mix of chilies and spices. It comes all the way from North Africa. It fills your kitchen with the most amazing smell.
Do not be scared of the word “spicy.” It is more about flavor than heat. It makes the sauce deep and interesting. Fun fact: The name “harissa” comes from an Arabic word that means “to pound or break into pieces.” That is how the chilies are prepared.
A Story from My Kitchen
The first time I made this, I was not paying attention. I added the cold cream straight from the fridge. The sauce got a little bit grainy. It still tasted good, but it was not perfect.
Now I always let my cream sit out first. This little step makes the sauce so silky. It matters because the small details are what make a dish great. They show you care.
Why This Pasta is Different
You do not drain all the pasta water! This is my favorite trick. The starchy water helps the sauce stick to the noodles. It brings everything together in the pan.
Using tongs to move the pasta is fun. It feels like you are a real chef. Have you ever tried this method before? It is a game-changer for any pasta dish.
Making It Your Own
The best recipes are the ones you can change. If you do not eat meat, try mushrooms instead. If you want it less rich, use half-and-half. Cooking is about what makes you happy.
That is why this matters. It is not just about following steps. It is about creating something that brings you joy. What is one ingredient you would love to add to this dish? Tell me about it.
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Bucatini pasta, or spaghetti | 1 lb | |
| Olive oil | 1 Tablespoon | |
| Shallot | 1 | diced |
| Ground sausage | 1 lb | e.g., Jimmy Dean |
| Garlic | 5 cloves | minced |
| Salt and pepper | To taste | |
| Harissa paste | 1/4 cup | e.g., Trader Joe’s brand |
| Tomato paste | 1/4 cup | |
| Dried oregano | 1 teaspoon | |
| Low-sodium chicken broth | 1 cup | |
| Sun dried tomatoes | 1 cup | finely diced |
| Heavy cream | 1 cup | at room temp |
| Fresh chopped parsley | 1/4 cup | plus more to serve if desired |
| Freshly grated parmesan cheese | 1/2 cup | plus more to serve if desired |
| Fresh basil leaves | 1 cup | chopped, for garnish |
My Cozy Harissa Pasta
This pasta dish is my new favorite for a busy weeknight. It has a little kick that warms you right up. My grandson calls it “spicy spaghetti.” I still laugh at that. It feels fancy but comes together so easily. Let’s make a big pot of comfort together.
- Step 1: First, get a big pot of water boiling. Add a good sprinkle of salt. It should taste like the sea. Now, cook your pasta just like the box says. We are going to save that starchy water. It’s like liquid gold for our sauce later.
- Step 2: While that boils, let’s start the sauce. Heat some olive oil in a large pan. Toss in your diced shallot. It will smell so sweet and lovely. Just cook it until it gets soft. This is where all the flavor begins.
- Step 3: Next, add your sausage. Use your spoon to break it up into little pieces. Let it get nice and brown. Then add the garlic. (A hard-learned tip: don’t burn the garlic! It only needs 30 seconds.) It should smell amazing, not bitter.
- Step 4: Now for the magic! Stir in the tomato paste and harissa. The harissa makes it special. Add the broth, sun-dried tomatoes, and cream. Finally, stir in the parmesan and parsley. Give it a little taste. What do you think it needs? More pepper? Share below!
- Step 5: Use tongs to move the pasta straight from the pot into the sauce. This is the fun part! Toss it all together. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of that pasta water. See? I told you it was magic.
- Step 6: Time to serve! Pile the pasta into bowls. Top it with lots of fresh basil and more parmesan. The fresh basil makes the whole kitchen smell like summer. I just love that.
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 6 servings
Category: Dinner, Pasta
Let’s Mix It Up!
This recipe is wonderful as it is. But you can also make it your own. Here are a few fun twists I’ve tried. They all turned out delicious.
- Veggie Lover’s Dream: Skip the sausage. Use chopped mushrooms and a can of chickpeas instead. It’s so hearty and good.
- Extra Spicy Kick: Love heat? Add a spoonful of Calabrian chili paste with the harissa. Have a glass of milk ready!
- Summer Garden Twist: Stir in a handful of fresh spinach and some chopped zucchini. It’s a great way to eat your greens.
Which one would you try first? Comment below!
Serving Your Masterpiece
This pasta is a full meal in a bowl. But I love to add a little something on the side. A simple green salad with a lemony dressing is perfect. Some crusty, warm bread is great for wiping the plate clean. My family always fights over the last piece.
What to drink with it? A chilled glass of Pinot Grigio pairs beautifully. For a non-alcoholic treat, try sparkling water with a squeeze of lemon. It cuts through the richness so nicely. Which would you choose tonight?
Keeping Your Harissa Pasta Perfect
This pasta makes wonderful leftovers. Let it cool completely first. Then store it in a sealed container in the fridge. It will stay good for up to three days.
You can also freeze it for a quick future meal. I use freezer-safe bags. I once forgot I had a portion in the back. Finding it a month later felt like a treasure.
Reheat it gently on the stove with a splash of water. This keeps the sauce from getting too thick. Batch cooking saves you time on a busy night. It means a warm meal is always close by. Have you ever tried storing it this way? Share below!
Simple Fixes for Common Pasta Problems
Sometimes the sauce gets too thick. Do not worry. Just add a spoonful of the hot pasta water. This thins the sauce and helps it stick to the noodles.
I remember when my sauce was too spicy for my grandson. Adding more cream or parmesan cheese calmed it right down. Getting the flavor right builds your cooking confidence. It makes the meal perfect for your own family.
If your dish tastes a bit flat, it probably needs salt. Always taste your food before you serve it. A little salt makes all the other flavors shine. Which of these problems have you run into before?
Your Harissa Pasta Questions Answered
Q: Can I make this gluten-free? A: Yes! Just use your favorite gluten-free pasta. It will work just fine.
Q: Can I make it ahead? A: You can cook the sausage sauce ahead. Keep it in the fridge. Cook the pasta fresh when you are ready to eat.
Q: What if I do not have harissa? A: A mix of tomato paste and a little cayenne pepper can work. Fun fact: Harissa is a spicy paste from North Africa.
Q: Can I double the recipe? A: Absolutely. Use a very big pot for the pasta. It will feed a whole crowd.
Q: Is the basil important? A: It adds a fresh, lovely finish. I highly recommend it. Which tip will you try first?
Until Next Time, From My Kitchen to Yours
I hope you love this cozy pasta dish. It is a real favorite in my home. Cooking for others is a way to share love.
I would be so happy to see your creation. It makes my day to see your kitchen successes. Have you tried this recipe? Tag us on Pinterest!
Happy cooking!
—Grace Ellington.
Harissa Pasta Recipe Tastes Better From Scratch
Description
A flavorful and comforting pasta dish featuring spicy harissa paste, savory sausage, and sun-dried tomatoes in a creamy sauce.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook pasta in a large pot of salted water, according to package instructions, until al dente. Do not drain the water.
- Meanwhile, heat a large pan over medium heat. Once hot, add olive oil. Add shallot, cooking for 2 minutes.
- Add sausage and cook, crumbling into small pieces with a wooden spoon, until browned. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Season meat with a little salt and pepper.
- Add tomato paste, harissa paste, and oregano to the pan with the sauce and stir, cooking for 1 minute. Gradually stir in chicken stock and sun dried tomatoes. Turn the heat to low and add cream, parmesan and parsley. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
- Use tongs to transfer the hot pasta straight from the pot of water into the pan. Toss to combine. If needed, add some hot pasta water to thin the sauce.
- Serve garnished with lots of fresh chopped basil and a little extra fresh shredded parmesan.
Notes
- For a less spicy version, reduce the amount of harissa paste. You can also substitute Italian sausage for a different flavor profile.