Description
At its core, this recipe is a contemporary fusion dish that marries traditional Italian pasta technique with the vibrant, sun-drenched flavors of North African cuisine. The star of the show is the combination of juicy, golden-brown chicken pieces and a luxurious sauce built from cream, melted cheese, and a deeply aromatic chili blend.
Ingredients
Scale
- 300 g pasta (penne, rigatoni, or spaghetti)
- 500 g boneless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 tbsp harissa paste (use 1 tbsp for milder heat)
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup baby spinach
- ½ cup reserved pasta water
- Salt and black pepper
- Optional: chili flakes, fresh parsley, lemon juice
Instructions
- Cook the pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of the pasta water before draining.
- Cook the chicken: Season with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet and cook the chicken for 5–7 minutes until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- Build the sauce: In the same pan, sauté the onion for 3–4 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
- Stir in the harissa paste and tomato paste. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the cream and simmer for 2–3 minutes. Stir in the Parmesan until melted and smooth.
- Add the spinach and let it wilt.
- Return the chicken to the pan, then add the cooked pasta. Toss everything together, adding reserved pasta water until the sauce is silky and coats the pasta.
- Taste and adjust with more Parmesan, salt, pepper, or a squeeze of lemon juice.
Notes
The smoky heat of harissa paired with a luscious Parmesan cream sauce creates the perfect balance of bold flavor and comfort. Whether you’re cooking for family or entertaining friends, this pasta is guaranteed to impress.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 620 kcal
Keywords: spicy harissa chicken pasta, creamy North African chicken pasta, harissa cream pasta with chicken