Name: Harissa Pasta with Prawns Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean/North African fusion
Ingredients: 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 medium onion, finely chopped; 4 cloves garlic, crushed; 3 tbsp harissa paste; ½ cup chicken broth; 14 oz can of chopped tomatoes; 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar (optional); ¾ cup chicken or vegetable stock; ½ lemon, juice and zest; 14 oz dried spaghetti, linguine, or tagliatelle; 150 g shrimp/prawns, peeled and deveined; 1 ⅓ cup crumbled feta cheese; A handful of chopped fresh parsley

Print Recipe· 3.8 from 13 reviews

If you’re craving a dish that bursts with bold, spicy flavors yet feels comforting and satisfying, this Harissa Pasta with Prawns Recipe is an absolute must-try. Combining the vibrant heat of harissa paste with juicy, tender prawns and creamy feta, this pasta dish delivers layers of flavor that come together in just about 30 minutes. Whether you’re cooking for a weekday dinner or impressing friends over the weekend, it’s a colorful, lively meal that’s as delicious as it is memorable.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a round blue pan filled with a thick red tomato sauce with small pieces of onions and garlic spread evenly inside. Above and to the left, a white colander holds cooked spaghetti noodles that are pale yellow and smooth. To the right, there are four small white bowls arranged vertically: the top bowl has red chili oil with visible chili flakes, the next bowl contains finely grated yellow lemon zest, below it is half a yellow lemon, and the last bowl holds peeled, raw white shrimp. At the bottom right corner, there is a small bunch of fresh green parsley on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity, with ingredients that each play a vital role in crafting a harmonious flavor and texture profile. From the smoky warmth of harissa paste to the freshness of lemon and parsley, every component adds depth and brightness to the dish.

Olive oil: A good quality olive oil is the foundation for sautéing and adds a subtle fruity flavor.
Onion: Finely chopped, it sweats down to create a sweet and savory base.
Garlic: Crushed garlic infuses the sauce with its unmistakable aromatic punch.
Harissa paste: The star of the dish providing a smoky, spicy kick.
Chicken broth: Adds savory depth and balances the heat.
Chopped tomatoes: Bring natural sweetness and acidity to the sauce.
Balsamic vinegar (optional): Adds a subtle tang and complexity.
Chicken or vegetable stock: Helps the sauce reduce into a rich and luscious coating.
Dried pasta (spaghetti, linguine, or tagliatelle): Choose your favorite shape to soak up the sauce perfectly.
Prawns: Peeled and deveined, they add a tender, juicy seafood element.
Lemon juice and zest: Brighten the flavor and add a refreshing zing.
Crumbled feta: Creamy, salty, and melting slightly into the hot pasta for extra richness.
Chopped parsley: Fresh herbaceous finish with vibrant green color.

How to Make Harissa Pasta with Prawns Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Start by heating olive oil over medium heat in a large frying pan. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté until translucent, releasing its natural sweetness. Next, throw in the crushed garlic and cook just until fragrant, about a minute. This fragrant base sets the tone for the final sauce.

Step 2: Stir in the Harissa and Broth

Add the harissa paste to the pan and mix it well with the onions and garlic. The harissa brings all the bold flavor here, so be generous! Pour in the chicken broth if using, and let this mixture gently simmer for a few minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and the spicy aroma to fill your kitchen.

Step 3: Build the Tomato Sauce

Next, pour in the canned chopped tomatoes along with the optional balsamic vinegar for a subtle tang. Add the additional chicken or vegetable stock and let everything simmer for about 10 minutes. The liquid will reduce and thicken into a rich, vibrant sauce that clings to your pasta beautifully.

Step 4: Cook the Pasta

While the sauce simmers, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your chosen dried pasta until just al dente. Be sure to save a few tablespoons of the starchy pasta water before draining, as this will help adjust the sauce consistency later on.

Step 5: Add the Prawns to the Sauce

Once your sauce has thickened, add the peeled and deveined prawns into the pan. Allow them to cook in the simmering sauce for a few minutes until they turn opaque and tender. This step infuses the seafood with the spicy, tomatoey sauce.

Step 6: Finish with Lemon and Feta

Remove the pan from heat and stir in the fresh lemon zest and juice for a bright, zesty finish. If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up. Then, fold in the crumbled feta while the sauce is still warm, letting it soften and cream through the dish.

Step 7: Toss and Serve

Finally, combine the cooked pasta with the sauce and give everything a good toss so that each strand is beautifully coated. Sprinkle a handful of chopped fresh parsley over the top for color and herbal freshness, and serve immediately while warm and inviting.

How to Serve Harissa Pasta with Prawns Recipe

The image shows various cooking ingredients arranged neatly on a white marbled surface. There is a block of white feta cheese on a white plate at the top left, next to a whole yellow lemon placed in the center. An open can of bright red chopped tomatoes is at the top right, beside a small white bowl containing dark balsamic liquid. Below the lemon, there is a group of purple garlic cloves and a whole light brown onion to the left. A clear glass with pale white wine is in the middle, above a white bowl filled with raw pale pink prawns or shrimp on the right. At the bottom left, a small white dish holds dark red harissa paste next to a brownish stock liquid in a clear container. Fresh green coriander or cilantro leaves are at the bottom, near a bundle of unpacked pale yellow pasta strands partially covered with black wrapping. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh parsley isn’t the only way to elevate the presentation and flavor of this dish. Consider adding a scattering of toasted pine nuts for crunch, or a few extra crumbles of feta for an indulgent touch. A light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil on top just before serving can also enhance richness and shine.

Side Dishes

This harissa pasta pairs perfectly with crisp green salads dressed with lemon vinaigrette or a chilled cucumber yogurt dip to cool the palate. Crusty bread with garlic butter is also excellent for soaking up any leftover sauce – making sure no deliciousness goes to waste.

Creative Ways to Present

Present the Harissa Pasta with Prawns Recipe in rustic bowls to showcase its vibrant colors and textures. Alternatively, serve it family-style on a large platter garnished with parsley sprigs and lemon wedges to encourage sharing and cozy gatherings around the table.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Keep the sauce and pasta together to preserve flavor, but be aware that the feta may firm up when chilled.

Freezing

Because of the delicate texture of prawns, freezing this dish is not recommended as it can cause the seafood to become rubbery when thawed. It’s best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated for short-term storage.

Reheating

When ready to enjoy leftovers, gently reheat the pasta in a pan over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce if it has thickened. Avoid microwaving as it can dry out the prawns and alter the textures.

FAQs

Can I use frozen prawns for this recipe?

Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw them completely before cooking to ensure they cook evenly and absorb the harissa sauce’s delicious flavors.

How spicy is this Harissa Pasta with Prawns Recipe?

The heat level depends on the brand and amount of harissa paste used. You can adjust the spice by starting with less and adding more to taste, making it suitable for milder palates as well.

Can I substitute the feta with another cheese?

Yes! Goat cheese or ricotta salata are lovely alternatives that bring a similar creamy and tangy element to the dish.

What type of pasta works best with this recipe?

Long pasta like spaghetti, linguine, or tagliatelle work beautifully because their shapes allow the sauce to cling well and complement the prawns perfectly.

Is this dish suitable for meal prepping?

It can be prepared in advance and kept refrigerated for up to two days. When reheating, add some moisture back to the sauce and be gentle with the prawns to maintain texture.

Final Thoughts

Once you try this Harissa Pasta with Prawns Recipe, it might just become your go-to when craving something quick, packed with flavor, and oh-so-satisfying. It’s a delightful blend of spice, freshness, and comfort that’s hard to resist. So grab those ingredients and get cooking – your taste buds will thank you!