Harissa Chickpea Pasta Recipe
A vibrant and spicy Harissa Chickpea Pasta that combines al dente pasta with flavorful sautéed chickpeas tossed in a zesty harissa sauce, garlic, and fresh lemon juice, garnished with parsley for a fresh finish. This easy, protein-packed dish brings bold North African flavors to your weeknight dinner table.
- Author: Kai
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: North African
- Diet: Vegetarian
For the Pasta
- 8 ounces pasta (penne or fusilli recommended)
- Salt for pasta water
For the Harissa Chickpeas
- 1 can (15 ounces) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 2 tablespoons harissa paste
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 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. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté the Chickpeas: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Add chickpeas and cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally until they start to crisp slightly.
- Add Harissa Paste: Stir in the harissa paste, coating the chickpeas evenly. Cook for another 2 minutes to allow flavors to meld. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Toss Pasta and Chickpeas: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with chickpeas. Pour in lemon juice and toss everything together until well combined and heated through.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat, sprinkle chopped parsley over the pasta, give a final toss, and serve immediately for a flavorful, spicy meal.
Notes
- You can use any type of short pasta like penne, fusilli, or rigatoni for this recipe.
- Adjust the amount of harissa paste to your spice preference.
- For a creamier texture, add a splash of pasta cooking water when tossing the pasta and chickpeas.
- Garnish with additional lemon zest or a sprinkle of feta cheese for extra flavor.
- This dish is suitable for vegetarians and can be made vegan by ensuring the pasta does not contain eggs.
Keywords: Harissa, Chickpea Pasta, Spicy Pasta, North African Cuisine, Vegetarian Dinner, Easy Weeknight Meal, Harissa Paste Recipe