I’ll be honest, I was blown away when I first made this chicken and harissa pasta. The combination of tender chicken pieces, perfectly cooked pasta, and the bold, smoky flavors of harissa paste is simply amazing.

Once I stirred mascarpone cheese into the sauce, it transformed into this creamy, luxurious dish that felt like something you’d order at a fancy restaurant. It’s spicy, it’s hearty, and it’s ridiculously easy to put together.

If you’re tired of the same old pasta dishes, this one will completely spice up your routine! Trust me, not only is this recipe fast, but it’ll also leave everyone at the table asking for seconds.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

If you’re craving a bold, creamy, and satisfying dish, this harissa chicken pasta is a must-try for any pasta lover.

It’s packed with bold flavors

This dish takes pasta to the next level with the unique, smoky spices of harissa paste. The harissa not only adds heat but also a deep, complex flavor that lingers in the best way possible. Each bite is a fusion of warmth, savoriness, and a hint of sweetness from the roasted red peppers.

Quick and easy for busy days

Believe it or not, you can have this dish ready in just half an hour. It’s the perfect solution for a weeknight dinner that doesn’t compromise on flavor. With just a handful of ingredients and simple steps, you can whip up a restaurant-quality meal at home.

Super versatile

Make it your own by adding your favorite veggies, using gluten-free pasta, or dialing the spice level up or down depending on your taste. Try tossing in spinach, cherry tomatoes, or zucchini for an extra burst of freshness.

Creamy and comforting 🧀

Mascarpone cheese makes the sauce ultra-rich and smooth, balancing the spiciness of harissa perfectly. It’s comfort food at its finest! The luxurious texture of the sauce clings to every piece of pasta, making every forkful incredibly satisfying.

Perfect for meal prep

The leftovers reheat beautifully, making it a great choice for make-ahead lunches or dinners during your hectic week. The flavors deepen over time, making it even tastier the next day. Store it in an airtight container, and you’ve got a quick and flavorful meal ready to enjoy anytime.

Cooking Time

Prep time: 5 minutes
Cooking time: 25 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes

Ingredients

200g chicken thighs, chopped into bite-sized pieces
1 onion, finely chopped
150ml double cream
75g cherry tomatoes, halved
2 handfuls of fresh spinach
200g fusilli pasta
1 tbsp harissa paste
1 tbsp smoked paprika
1/2 tsp salt & pepper
Parmesan or cheddar cheese

Variations

Want to switch it up? Here’s how:

Make it veggie-friendly: Swap chicken for tofu or add extra veggies like mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers.
Go dairy-free: Use coconut cream instead of mascarpone and skip the Parmesan.
Switch the pasta: Try whole wheat, gluten-free, or even zucchini noodles for a lighter option.
Boost the protein: Add chickpeas or even prawns for a new twist!

Equipment You’ll Need

Large pot: For boiling the pasta.
Large pan: To prepare the chicken and sauce.
Silicone spatula: Great for mixing the sauce without scratching the pan.
Sharp knife: For slicing chicken and chopping shallots.
Box grater: To freshly grate Parmesan cheese for ultimate flavor.

How to Make Chicken and Harissa Pasta?

Bringing this dish to life is easy and fun. Every step adds to the depth of the dish, giving you a restaurant-quality meal right at home.

Cook the Pasta

Start by boiling your fusilli pasta in salted water as per the packet instructions until it’s al dente. Before draining, add the spinach to the pasta pan. Once the spinach wilts, reserve a cup of the starchy pasta water, then drain the pasta and spinach. 🍝

Sear the Chicken

Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until soft. Next, add the chicken thighs to the pan and cook until golden and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Be sure to season with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika while cooking to build layers of flavor. Once browned, set the chicken aside. 🍗

Build the Sauce

With the same pan, stir the harissa paste into the remaining juices. Add the halved cherry tomatoes and cook until they begin to soften and burst. Next, pour in the double cream and stir gently until the sauce thickens slightly and the flavors meld beautifully, around 3-4 minutes. 🥣🔥

Combine and Serve

Return the cooked chicken to the pan, tossing it into the sauce to coat thoroughly. Add the pasta and wilted spinach into the pan, tossing everything together until coated evenly with the flavorful sauce. If the sauce feels too thick, stir in a splash of the reserved starchy pasta water to achieve your desired consistency. To finish, sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan or cheddar cheese and toss one final time. Serve hot and enjoy! 🌿🧀

Tips for Making the Recipe

Be mindful of the spice: Harissa paste varies in heat levels. Start with a smaller amount and adjust based on your preference for spice.

Reserve pasta water: The starchy pasta water helps thin out the sauce while keeping it creamy. Always save a little before draining!

Use fresh ingredients: For the best flavor, choose fresh garlic, juicy tomatoes, and high-quality cheese. It makes a difference!

Cook pasta al dente: This ensures the pasta doesn’t get soggy and perfectly absorbs the sauce as you toss it together.

Don’t skip the deglaze: Using white wine or chicken stock to deglaze the pan picks up all those flavorful browned bits left from cooking the chicken.

How to Serve Chicken and Harissa Pasta?

Serve this pasta in shallow bowls to make it look extra elegant. Sprinkle some extra Parmesan over the top, and garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color.

Pair the dish with a side of crusty garlic bread to scoop up any leftover sauce, and a fresh green salad for balance. For a special touch, drizzle a bit of olive oil or cracked black pepper on top just before serving.

Nutritional Information

This is an indulgent yet nutritious dish! Per serving, you’ll get approximately:

Calories: 478
Protein: 48 g
Carbohydrates: 37 g
Fat: 21 g

Make Ahead and Storage

If you’re prepping this dish ahead of time, fear not! It stores well and reheats beautifully.

Refrigeration

Place leftovers in an airtight container and store them in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of water or chicken stock to refresh the sauce.

Freezing

While it’s not ideal to freeze this dish due to the creamy sauce, you can freeze just the cooked chicken and harissa sauce and add fresh pasta when you’re ready to eat.

There you have it! A quick, flavorful, and exciting chicken and harissa pasta recipe that’s perfect for elevating your weeknight dinners. Give it a try and savor every spicy, creamy bite! 🌶️