Creamy Tomato and Harissa Pasta Recipe

If you’re craving a pasta dish that bursts with bold flavors while still feeling luxuriously comforting, you’ve got to try this Creamy Tomato and Harissa Pasta Recipe. It perfectly blends the richness of creamy tomato sauce with the vibrant, smoky heat of harissa paste, creating a deliciously balanced meal that’s both simple and impressive. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or sharing with friends, this recipe always brings warmth and a little exciting kick to the table.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are wonderfully straightforward, yet each plays a vital role in creating the creamy, spicy, and tangy harmony that defines the dish.

• 300 grams Pasta (penne or spaghetti): Choose your favorite type, and feel free to opt for whole wheat or gluten-free varieties for a personal touch.
• 1 can Crushed Tomatoes (400 grams): Provides a fresh, bright, and tangy base that’s essential for the sauce’s vibrant color and flavor.
• 2 tablespoons Harissa Paste: This is the star ingredient for adding a smoky, spicy complexity that wakes up your taste buds.
• 200 ml Heavy Cream: Brings a rich, velvety texture to the sauce, softening the heat from the harissa beautifully.
• 1 medium Onion (finely chopped): Adds natural sweetness and depth to the sauce when sautéed.
• 3 cloves Garlic (minced): Infuses the sauce with a warm, aromatic punch that complements every bite.
• 2 tablespoons Olive Oil (extra virgin): Perfect for sautéing the aromatics and adding a subtle fruitiness.
• Salt: Enhances every flavor in the dish, so seasoning carefully is key.
• Pepper (freshly cracked): Adds a mild heat and a hint of sharpness that balances the creaminess.
• 1 handful Fresh Basil (roughly chopped): Garnishes the pasta with its fresh green color and bright herbal fragrance.

How to Make Creamy Tomato and Harissa Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. The salt doesn’t just flavor the pasta but also helps enhance the sauce later. Add your pasta and cook it al dente according to package instructions, stirring occasionally so nothing sticks together. Cooking it perfectly ensures you get just the right bite that holds up to the creamy sauce.

Step 2: Sauté the Onions

While the pasta bubbles away, heat up 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. When the oil shimmers, add the finely chopped onion. Sauté it gently until translucent and fragrant—about 5 minutes. This step develops the sweet base your sauce needs to shine.

Step 3: Add Garlic

Next, toss in your minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes. Be careful not to let it burn; you want it golden and aromatic for that perfect flavor burst. The garlic’s aroma will start to fill your kitchen and make it impossible to wait to dive into this dish.

Step 4: Simmer the Tomatoes

Pour in the crushed tomatoes and stir thoroughly to combine them with your onions and garlic. Let this flavorful mixture simmer for about 10 minutes. This simmering deepens the tomato’s taste, allowing all the aromatics to blend beautifully.

Step 5: Stir in Harissa Paste

Now for the exciting part: add 2 tablespoons of harissa paste to the skillet. Stir well until it’s fully incorporated. The harissa adds that smoky heat and complex spice that make this Creamy Tomato and Harissa Pasta Recipe truly unforgettable. Adjust the amount if you prefer more or less spice.

Step 6: Add the Cream

Pour in 200 ml of heavy cream and stir to combine. Let it simmer gently for 5 minutes. This is where the sauce becomes delightfully creamy and smooth, balancing the tang of tomato and the fiery kick from the harissa.

Step 7: Combine with Pasta

By now, your pasta should be perfectly al dente. Reserve a cup of the cooking water before draining. Add the cooked pasta directly into the skillet with your creamy sauce. Toss everything together so the pasta is luxuriously coated.

Step 8: Adjust Sauce Consistency

If the sauce feels too thick, slowly add some of that reserved pasta water until it reaches your favorite silky texture. This little trick helps the sauce cling beautifully to every strand or tube of pasta.

Step 9: Season to Perfection

Season the dish generously with salt and freshly cracked pepper. Taste as you go so the flavors stay balanced. A well-seasoned dish makes all the difference and invites you in for that comforting first bite.

Step 10: Final Touch and Serve

Turn off the heat and sprinkle a handful of freshly chopped basil on top. The herbaceous brightness and vivid green color create a lovely contrast to the rich sauce. Now your Creamy Tomato and Harissa Pasta Recipe is ready to serve and savor!

How to Serve Creamy Tomato and Harissa Pasta Recipe

Garnishes

Fresh basil is a must, but feel free to get creative by adding a sprinkle of crumbled feta or Parmesan cheese for added saltiness and texture. A drizzle of olive oil or a pinch of red chili flakes can add an extra flavor punch and make your plate look restaurant-worthy.

Side Dishes

This pasta shines on its own but pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables to add a fresh, crunchy contrast. Garlic bread or warm flatbreads are also fantastic options for mopping up every last bit of that creamy, spicy sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For a vibrant presentation, serve in deep bowls with colorful edible flowers or microgreens on top. You might also try layering the pasta in a glass baking dish with extra sauce and cheese for a baked version that’s comforting and crowd-pleasing.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors tend to meld even more overnight, making the next-day pasta taste even richer and more harmonious.

Freezing

This Creamy Tomato and Harissa Pasta Recipe can be frozen, but cream-based sauces sometimes change texture when thawed. To keep it fresh, freeze only the pasta with the sauce (without fresh herbs), and thaw gradually in the fridge overnight before reheating gently.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in a skillet over low heat. Adding a splash of water or cream can help loosen the sauce if it thickens too much. Stir frequently until warmed through, then sprinkle with fresh basil or cheese before serving to refresh the dish.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! Penne and spaghetti work beautifully, but any pasta you prefer will do. Just choose one that holds sauce well, like fusilli or rigatoni, to catch all that creamy goodness.

Is harissa paste very spicy?

Harissa can vary in heat depending on the brand or homemade recipe, but it generally offers a smoky, medium-level spiciness. Feel free to start with less and add more according to your tolerance and preference.

Can I make this recipe vegan or dairy-free?

Yes! Swap the heavy cream with coconut cream or a plant-based cream alternative. Make sure your harissa paste is vegan, and you’ll still get amazing flavor with a creamy texture.

What can I substitute if I don’t have harissa?

Try using a mix of smoked paprika, chili powder, and a bit of cayenne pepper for a similar smoky heat. Adding a touch of tomato paste can help mimic the depth of harissa as well.

How long does this dish take to make?

From start to finish, this Creamy Tomato and Harissa Pasta Recipe takes about 45 minutes, including prep and cooking. It’s a great option for a flavorful meal that won’t keep you in the kitchen all evening.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Tomato and Harissa Pasta Recipe is a delightful blend of bold spice and comforting creaminess that’s simply irresistible. It’s easy enough for busy weeknights but impressive enough to share with guests. Give it a try and enjoy how every mouthful delivers layers of flavor and warmth. I promise, it will become one of your new favorites to make again and again!

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