This 5-ingredient harissa tuna pasta is comforting, bold and next-level delicious! Harissa paste and canned tuna create a flavor explosion that clings to every bite. It’s pantry-friendly, effortless and ready in just 15 minutes.
This harissa tuna pasta is the ultimate quick-fix dinner. All you need are a handful of ingredients for a comforting meal that’s on your table in just 15 minutes. Harissa and canned tuna bring tons of flavor, but when stirred together? BOOM! Flavor explosion.
It’s a fuss-free recipe, with minimal prep and hardly any cleanup. But here’s the twist—it tastes like way more effort went into it. This isn’t your average weeknight pasta, it’s next-level comfort food.
Don’t worry about the heat, it’s totally adjustable. Add more or less harissa to suit your taste.
Plus, this recipe is endlessly customizable. Toss in your favorite vegetables, swap for gluten-free pasta, or serve it with a leafy salad. It’s budget-friendly, pantry-based and the leftovers? Just as dreamy the next day.
If you’re searching for fast dinner recipe ideas, try my Tomato ricotta pasta or this 15-minute pasta with chicken.
Watch the recipe video
Let me guide you through the recipe with my step-by-step video, or follow along on YouTube to see how this harissa tuna pasta comes together.
What is harissa paste?
Harissa paste is a bold, spicy chili paste that originates from North African and Middle Eastern cuisine. Made with a mix of red chili peppers, garlic, olive oil and spices like cumin and coriander. It delivers deep, smoky flavors with a punch of heat.
It’s incredibly versatile and adds instant depth, no extra ingredients needed.
Ingredients
- Pasta – Try to use a sauce-grabbing shape like fusilli, gemelli, radiatori, penne or rotini
- Canned tuna – Packed in oil
- Harissa paste – The star of the show. I used rose harissa for a milder, aromatic heat, but feel free to use your favorite variety. Make sure to go for a good quality brand
- Heavy cream
- Parsley
FAQ
Which harissa paste should I use?
Choose a harissa paste that brings heat and flavor without overpowering the dish. Here are a few great options:
- Rose Harissa – My favorite! It’s super aromatic, slightly to no spicy and adds beautiful depth. A great kid-friendly choice that still delivers flavor.
- Moroccan Harissa – Smoky with hints of cumin and coriander. It blends seamlessly with the cream and brings a warm, cozy kick.
- Chili Hell Harissa – For heat lovers! Bold and fiery, but still packed with that signature harissa spice.
Pro Tip: Not sure how spicy it’ll be? Start with a small amount rose harissa and add more to taste. You can always dial it up, it’s harder to tone it down once it’s in.
Can I add veggies?
Absolutely. Try roasted bell peppers, zucchini, cherry tomatoes or a handful of spinach. They all go well with the creamy harissa sauce and tuna, and they’re a great way to bulk up the meal.
Can I use another protein instead of tuna?
Yes! You can swap the canned tuna for rotisserie chicken, mackerel, canned salmon or chickpeas for a vegetarian option. This sauce is super versatile.
Can I make it ahead?
Definitely. This pasta keeps well in the fridge for up to 2 days. The flavors even deepen a bit! Just reheat gently with a splash of water to loosen up the sauce.
How spicy is harissa?
It depends on the harissa you use and how much you add. Start with a smaller amount and build up. The cream helps mellow out the heat, so it’s easy to adjust. The recommended rose harissa is super mild in flavor.
Can I use canned tuna in pasta?
Yes! Canned tuna is a fantastic shortcut for quick and flavorful pasta dishes. It’s budget-friendly, protein-packed and adds depth with minimal effort.
Which sides can I pair with tuna pasta?
A leafy side salad and garlic bread pair well with canned tuna.
Pro tip
Use good-quality tuna packed in olive oil, this is key to getting that silky sauce. It adds way more flavor than tuna in brine and creates a smoother texture. For an extra-luxe version, use jarred tuna with big, meaty chunks. Totally worth the upgrade!
Leftovers and storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- To reheat, warm the pasta gently in a nonstick skillet over medium heat with a splash of water to loosen the sauce and restore its creamy texture. Stir until heated through.
- Freezing? Totally fine. Let the pasta cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
5-ingredient Harissa Tuna Pasta
Ingredients
- 1.1 pounds pasta - like fusilli
- 2 can (7 oz/ 200 g) tuna in oil - drained
- ½ cup mild rose harissa paste - more or less to taste
- ¾ cup heavy cream
- 2 tbsp chopped parsley
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until al dente, according to package instructions. Before draining, reserve ½ cup of the pasta cooking water.
- While the pasta cooks, chop the parsley.
- In a large skillet set over medium-low heat, add the harissa and cook for 1 minute. Pour in the cream and bring to a gentle boil. Stir in the canned tuna and simmer for 1 minute.
- Add pasta and parsley. Pour in about ¼ cup of the reserved pasta water and toss to coat. If needed, add more water to loosen the sauce. Taste and season with salt if necessary. Serve and enjoy!
Video
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