Go Back
Print Recipe

Creamy Tomato and Harissa Pasta

A vibrant and flavorful dish that combines creamy tomatoes with the spicy kick of harissa, perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings.
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time30 minutes
Total Time45 minutes
Course: Main
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Easy
Servings: 4 servings

Equipment

  • Large Pot
  • Skillet
  • Mixing Spoon

Ingredients

Pasta

  • 300 grams Pasta (penne or spaghetti) Choose whole wheat or gluten-free options if desired.

Sauce Ingredients

  • 1 can Crushed Tomatoes 400 grams can for rich, tangy flavor.
  • 2 tablespoons Harissa Paste Adds a spicy kick and depth of flavor.
  • 200 ml Heavy Cream For a luscious, creamy texture.
  • 1 medium Onion Finely chopped for sweetness and depth.
  • 3 cloves Garlic Minced for robust aroma.
  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil Extra virgin for sautéing.

Seasoning

  • Salt To taste.
  • Pepper Freshly cracked, to taste.

Garnish

  • 1 handful Fresh Basil Roughly chopped for garnish.

Instructions

  • Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Once it reaches a rolling boil, add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
  • While the pasta cooks, heat 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil shimmers, add the finely chopped onion. Sauté for about 5 minutes or until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.
  • Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes, taking care not to burn it. The garlic should become aromatic and slightly golden.
  • Next, pour in the 400-gram can of crushed tomatoes. Stir well to combine with the onions and garlic. Allow the mixture to simmer for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
  • After the tomatoes have simmered, add 2 tablespoons of harissa paste to the skillet. Stir until the harissa is fully incorporated into the sauce.
  • Now, pour in 200 ml of heavy cream. Stir the sauce well to combine, and let it simmer for an additional 5 minutes.
  • Once the pasta is cooked to your liking, reserve a cup of pasta water, then drain the rest. Add the drained pasta directly into the skillet with the creamy tomato and harissa sauce.
  • Toss the pasta in the sauce until it is evenly coated. If the sauce is too thick, add small amounts of reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
  • Season the dish with salt and freshly cracked pepper to taste. Stir well to ensure the seasoning is evenly distributed throughout the pasta.
  • Finally, remove the skillet from heat. Serve the pasta hot, garnished with freshly chopped basil leaves.

Notes

This recipe is versatile; feel free to add grilled chicken, sautéed vegetables, or adjust the spice level with more or less harissa paste.