Harissa Chickpea Pasta Recipe
Introduction
This Harissa Chickpea Pasta is a flavorful and easy meal perfect for busy weeknights. Combining spicy harissa with tender chickpeas and pasta creates a satisfying dish full of zest and protein. It’s quick to make and packed with vibrant flavors.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces pasta
- 1 can (15 ounces) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 2 tablespoons harissa paste
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Step 1: Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Step 2: While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 3: Add the drained chickpeas and harissa paste to the skillet. Stir well to coat the chickpeas evenly and cook for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Step 4: Toss the cooked pasta with the spicy chickpeas in the skillet. Drizzle lemon juice over the top and stir gently to combine.
- Step 5: Remove from heat, garnish with chopped parsley, and serve warm.
Tips & Variations
- Use whole-wheat or gluten-free pasta to suit your dietary preferences.
- Add roasted vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini for extra color and nutrition.
- If you prefer less heat, start with 1 tablespoon of harissa and adjust to taste.
- Swap parsley for cilantro or basil for a different herb flavor.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or microwave until warmed through. Add a splash of water or olive oil when reheating to keep the pasta moist.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use fresh chickpeas instead of canned?
Yes, but fresh chickpeas need to be cooked thoroughly before using. Canned chickpeas are a convenient time-saver for this recipe.
What can I substitute for harissa paste?
If you don’t have harissa, you can use a combination of chili powder, smoked paprika, and a bit of garlic to mimic the flavor, though the taste will be slightly different.
PrintHarissa Chickpea Pasta Recipe
Harissa Chickpea Pasta is a vibrant and flavorful dish combining al dente pasta with spicy harissa-infused chickpeas. This easy-to-make recipe features a delightful blend of garlic, olive oil, and fresh lemon juice, topped with parsley for a burst of freshness. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, it offers a satisfying balance of spice, tang, and protein-packed legumes.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: North African-inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 200g pasta (penne or spaghetti)
- 1 can (400g) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
Wet Ingredients and Seasonings
- 2 tablespoons harissa paste
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice, freshly squeezed
Garnish
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté chickpeas with harissa: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Add the drained chickpeas and harissa paste, stirring to coat evenly. Cook for 5-7 minutes until chickpeas are heated through and slightly crispy on the edges.
- Toss pasta and chickpeas: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the chickpeas. Pour in the lemon juice and toss everything together until well combined and heated through.
- Serve: Plate the pasta and garnish with chopped fresh parsley. Serve immediately while warm for best flavor.
Notes
- You can adjust the amount of harissa paste depending on your preferred spice level.
- Use gluten-free pasta if you need a gluten-free version.
- Adding a sprinkle of feta cheese can add a creamy texture and balance the spice.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days and reheated on the stovetop or microwave.
Keywords: Harissa, Chickpea Pasta, Spicy Pasta, Vegetarian Dinner, Quick Pasta Recipe, North African Flavors
