Introduction
Spicy Vegan Harissa Pasta is a bold and flavorful dish that brings together the rich, smoky heat of harissa with the comfort of pasta. This vibrant dish is both vegan and gluten-free (if using gluten-free pasta) and can be made with simple pantry ingredients. The spicy harissa sauce blends perfectly with the pasta, creating a satisfying and fiery meal that’s perfect for spice lovers. It’s a one-pan dish that is easy to make and bursting with flavors, ideal for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or serving at a casual gathering.
I remember the first time I made this for a weeknight dinner. The kitchen was filled with the fragrant aromas of the harissa, and the heat of the sauce was a welcome kick to the meal. What’s great about Spicy Vegan Harissa Pasta is how customizable it is—you can adjust the level of heat to your liking or add vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini to make it even more hearty. It’s a simple yet satisfying dish that packs a punch and will leave you craving more.
This pasta is surprisingly easy to make, too. With just a few basic ingredients and a one-pan cooking method, you can whip up a flavorful, spicy meal in no time. Whether you’re looking to impress with a fiery dish or simply craving a comforting, vegan-friendly meal, Spicy Vegan Harissa Pasta is sure to be a hit!
Perfect for:
- Weeknight dinners
- Meal prep
- Spice lovers
- Vegan and gluten-free diets
- Quick, satisfying meals
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Here’s why Spicy Vegan Harissa Pasta will be your new favorite go-to recipe:
- Vibrant and Flavorful: The harissa sauce provides a smoky, spicy kick that infuses the pasta with bold flavors.
- Vegan & Gluten-Free: This dish is completely plant-based, and can be easily made gluten-free with the right pasta.
- One-Pan Recipe: Minimal cleanup, as this entire dish is made in one pan!
- Quick and Easy: Perfect for a busy weeknight, ready in under 30 minutes.
- Customizable Heat Level: Adjust the amount of harissa to your taste and control the spice level.
Preparation and Cooking Time
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20 minutes
- Servings: 4 servings
- Calories per serving: Approximately 350-400 calories
- Key Nutrients: Protein: 7g, Carbs: 45g, Fat: 15g
Ingredients
Gather these ingredients to make your Spicy Vegan Harissa Pasta:
For the Pasta:
- 12 oz pasta of choice (use gluten-free if desired)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 zucchini, diced
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
For the Harissa Sauce:
- 2-3 tablespoons harissa paste (adjust to taste)
- 1 cup canned crushed tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon ground coriander
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped
- Lemon wedges (optional)
- Vegan Parmesan (optional)
Ingredient Highlights
- Harissa Paste: The main source of heat and flavor, giving the dish its spicy, smoky kick.
- Crushed Tomatoes: Forms the base of the sauce, adding richness and a slightly tangy flavor.
- Olive Oil: Adds richness to both the pasta and the sauce, helping to bring everything together.
- Vegan Parmesan: Optional garnish for added flavor and texture.
- Fresh Herbs: Parsley or cilantro offers a burst of freshness to balance the heat.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Here’s how to make Spicy Vegan Harissa Pasta:
Prepare the Pasta:
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain, reserving about ½ cup of pasta water for later use. Set the pasta aside.
Make the Sauce:
- Cook the Vegetables: While the pasta cooks, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the Garlic and Bell Pepper: Add the garlic and bell pepper to the pan and cook for an additional 2 minutes, until fragrant.
- Add Zucchini and Tomato Paste: Stir in the diced zucchini and tomato paste, cooking for another 2-3 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften and the tomato paste darkens slightly.
- Add the Harissa Sauce: Stir in the harissa paste, cumin, paprika, ground coriander, and crushed tomatoes. Bring to a simmer and let it cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Adjust the Sauce Consistency: If the sauce is too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water, 1 tablespoon at a time, until it reaches your desired consistency.
Combine Pasta and Sauce:
- Toss Pasta with Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing it to coat evenly with the spicy harissa sauce. Let it cook together for another 2-3 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- Season to Taste: Taste the dish and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
Serve and Garnish:
- Plate the Pasta: Serve the pasta hot, garnishing with freshly chopped parsley or cilantro. Optionally, add a squeeze of lemon juice and a sprinkle of vegan Parmesan for extra flavor.
How to Serve
- As a Main Course: Serve the pasta with a side salad and some crusty bread for a complete meal.
- For a Party: Make this pasta for a group or as part of a larger spread of vegan dishes.
- With Roasted Veggies: Pair with roasted vegetables like eggplant, sweet potatoes, or carrots for a hearty meal.
- With a Cool Drink: Serve with a chilled iced tea or sparkling water to balance the spiciness of the pasta.
Additional Tips
- Adjust Spice Level: Start with 2 tablespoons of harissa and taste as you go. If you prefer it less spicy, add less harissa or use a mild version of harissa paste.
- Add Protein: Toss in some chickpeas, tofu, or vegan sausage for added protein.
- Vegan Cheese: For a creamy texture, stir in some vegan cream cheese or coconut milk into the sauce before combining with the pasta.
- Extra Veggies: You can easily add other vegetables like spinach, kale, or mushrooms for more flavor and nutrients.
Recipe Variations
- Spicy Harissa Pesto Pasta
- Spicy Harissa Pasta with Roasted Cauliflower
- Chickpea & Harissa Pasta
- Harissa Pasta with Tofu
- Vegan Harissa & Coconut Milk Pasta
- Tomato-Free Harissa Pasta with Roasted Red Peppers
- Lemon & Harissa Pasta
- Spicy Harissa & Mushroom Pasta
- Harissa and Avocado Pasta
- Spicy Harissa Pasta Salad (cold version)
Freezing and Storage
- Freezing: Allow the pasta to cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Freeze for up to 1 month. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stovetop with a splash of water.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Special Equipment
- Large skillet or sauté pan
- Pasta pot
- Wooden spoon or spatula
FAQ Section
- Can I make this pasta gluten-free? Yes, just use gluten-free pasta.
- Can I use a different pasta shape? Absolutely! Penne, fusilli, or spaghetti all work great.
- How can I make this less spicy? Use less harissa or opt for a mild version of harissa paste.
- Can I add protein to this dish? Yes, chickpeas, tofu, or vegan sausage are great additions.
- Can I make this ahead of time? Yes, it stores well in the fridge for 3-4 days.
Conclusion
Spicy Vegan Harissa Pasta is the perfect dish for those who love bold flavors and a little heat. With a spicy kick from the harissa, combined with savory ingredients, this pasta delivers a satisfying and comforting meal that’s sure to become a favorite in your weekly rotation. It’s the ideal choice for a quick, flavorful weeknight dinner or when you’re craving something with a bit of spice.
This vegan recipe is easy to prepare and packed with rich flavors that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Whether you’re enjoying it on a cozy evening or serving it at a dinner gathering, Spicy Vegan Harissa Pasta is always a crowd-pleaser.
I’d love to see how your Spicy Vegan Harissa Pasta turns out! Snap a photo, share it on social media, and don’t forget to tag me—I can’t wait to see your delicious creations. Enjoy!