Harissa shrimp spaghetti – Experience the mouthwatering flavor of harissa in this irresistible pasta dish. Seared shrimp and spaghetti tossed in a creamy harissa sauce for a flavor sensation that’s simply divine. Ready in 15 minutes! It’s quick, easy and utterly delicious. Whether you’re aiming to impress your dinner guests or seeking a hassle-free weeknight meal, this harissa pasta is the perfect solution.
For more recipes that are all about hearty flavors, check out this Sticky Bourbon Chicken, Maple Garlic Salmon with Polenta or Sticky Garlic Sesame Meatballs.
Why you’ll love this harissa shrimp spaghetti recipe
- Quick and Foolproof to Prepare: Ready in just 15 minutes, no chopping and prepping. It’s the perfect solution for busy days when time is limited.
- Simple Ingredients: It’s made with just a handful of ingredients, chances are you already have everything you need in your pantry.
- Delicious and Crowd-Pleasing: The combination of succulent seafood, long pasta strands, the rich flavors of harissa and cream is simply heavenly.
- Easy Weeknight Meal with Endless Options: Not only is it a breeze to make, it’s also highly adaptable. Swap spaghetti for linguine or fettuccine, switch shrimp for chicken, or toss in veggies like broccoli, bell pepper or carrots to customize it to your liking.
How to make creamy harissa pasta with shrimp
- Boil the Spaghetti: We begin by boiling the spaghetti until al dente.
- Season the Shrimp: We season the shrimp with salt, pepper, paprika and garlic powder, ensuring they’re evenly coated.
- Sear the Shrimp: In a skillet over medium heat, we give the seasoned shrimp a quick sear until they’re just cooked through. Set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce: In the same skillet, we sauté the tomato and harissa paste until they darken in color and become fragrant.
- Add the Cream: Pour in the cream, stirring well to combine with the tomato and harissa paste.
- Combine Everything: Add the shrimp and spaghetti to the skillet, tossing them in the creamy harissa sauce.
Let me guide you through the recipe with this step-by-step VIDEO or follow along on YouTube.
What is harissa paste?
Harissa paste originates from North Africa, but it also found a spot in Middle Eastern cuisines. It’s a vibrant chili paste made from a blend of chili peppers, garlic, oil, and an array of spices such as cumin, coriander and caraway. With its deep, smoky nuances and spicy essence, harissa paste is praised for its ability to enhance both heat and flavor in a variety of dishes. This versatile paste serves as a dip, marinade, sauce, or adds depth to hearty dishes like stews, soups and pastas.
Harissa paste comes in a range of intensities, from mild to very spicy, and several variations:
- Traditional Harissa: Comes from Tunisia and is famous for its strong, spicy taste.
- Moroccan Harissa: Not as spicy as the traditional one, and it might have extra flavors like garlic or herbs.
- Rose Harissa: Made with rose petals or rose water, giving it a flowery flavor that balances out its spiciness.
Harissa shrimp spaghetti ingredients
- Spaghetti: Use whatever you have on hand, short or long pasta noddles.
- Shrimp: Peeled and deveined. Look for medium or large shrimp.
- Harissa Paste: This is the flavor powerhouse that brings the heat and flavor. I used mild rose harissa, but feel free to use your favorite harissa paste and increase or decrease the amount depending on the level of spiciness you like. Quality matters here, so go for a reputable brand to ensure a delicious base for your sauce.
- Tomato Paste: For a tomatoey kick and extra flavor.
- Cream: Use heavy cream or 20% fat cream. For a dairy-free version, use full fat unsweetened coconut milk.
- Seasoning: A blend of salt, black pepper, sweet paprika and garlic powder.
- Unsalted butter and Olive Oil: For searing the shrimp.
Helpful tips
- Not feeling like pasta? Serve the shrimp over steamed rice, couscous, or enjoy with some flatbread… and don’t forget a delicious side salad.
- Vegetable Variations: Don’t hesitate to incorporate vegetables such as bell peppers, broccoli or carrots.
- Protein Swaps: If you’re looking for variety, feel free to substitute shrimp with chicken or salmon, adjusting cooking times accordingly.
- If you love that garlicky taste, add 2 minced garlic cloves to the skillet and sauté for 1 minute before you add the tomato paste and harissa.
How to thaw shrimp
To thaw shrimp before peeling and cooking, place them in a bowl of cold water for about 20 minutes until thawed, make sure they’re fully submerged. Alternatively, you can thaw them in the refrigerator overnight for readiness the next day.
How to store harissa shrimp spaghetti
- Fridge: Store refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Freezer: For optimal quality, use an airtight container and store in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stovetop or in a microwave.
Harissa Shrimp Spaghetti
Ingredients
- 14 ounces spaghetti
- 1 pound shrimp - peeled and deveined
- 1 tsp salt - more to taste
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- 2 tsp sweet paprika
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- ½ tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 tbsp tomato paste
- 7 ounces rose harissa paste - mild, less or more to taste
- 1 cup heavy cream
Instructions
- Set a large pot with salted water over high heat and bring to a boil. Add spaghetti and cook until al dente according the package directions. Reserve ½ cup cooking water before draining.
- In the meantime, combine shrimp with salt, pepper, paprika and garlic powder.
- In a large heavy bottomed skillet, heat oil and butter over medium high. Place shrimp in a single layer and sear 1 minute per side. Remove from skillet onto a clean plate.
- Reduce heat to medium. Add tomato paste and harissa paste. Cook while stirring for 3 minutes until darker in color. Pour in cream and bring to a simmer. Stir in shrimp. Taste and adjust salt.
- Add spaghetti and ¼ cup cooking water. Toss until coated, add more cooking water if needed. Enjoy!
Video
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