Spice Up Dinner: Easy Prawn & Harissa Pasta

The Prawn & Harissa Spaghetti recipe is a delightful and flavorful dish that combines succulent prawns with a spicy harissa-infused tomato sauce, served over a bed of perfectly cooked spaghetti. This dish is a fusion of Mediterranean and Italian flavors, bringing together the heat of North African harissa with the classic comfort of spaghetti.

This recipe is not only delicious but also quick and easy to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights when you crave a satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Serve this Prawn & Harissa Spaghetti garnished with fresh parsley and accompanied by lemon wedges for a refreshing citrusy touch.

Let's dive into making this mouthwatering Prawn & Harissa Spaghetti that will surely become a favorite in your home!

Ingredients:

350g spaghetti

300g raw king prawns, peeled and deveined

3 cloves garlic, minced

2 tablespoons harissa paste

1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced

1 can (400g) chopped tomatoes

1 tablespoon tomato paste

1 tablespoon olive oil

Salt and black pepper, to taste

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Lemon wedges (for serving)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Spaghetti:

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.

Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

2. Cook the Prawns:

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Add minced garlic and sliced red bell pepper. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened.

Add the raw prawns to the skillet. Cook for about 2-3 minutes until they start to turn pink and opaque.

3. Add Harissa and Tomatoes:

Stir in the harissa paste and tomato paste. Cook for another minute to release flavors.

Pour in the chopped tomatoes with their juices. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

4. Combine the Pasta and Sauce:

Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet with the prawn and harissa sauce.

Toss everything together gently using tongs or a pasta fork, ensuring the spaghetti is well coated with the sauce.

If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of pasta cooking water to loosen it up.

5. Serve:

Divide the prawn and harissa spaghetti among plates.

Garnish with freshly chopped parsley.

Serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side for squeezing over the pasta.

Tips:

Adjust the amount of harissa paste according to your spice preference. You can use more or less depending on how hot you like it.

Feel free to add other vegetables such as spinach or cherry tomatoes for extra flavor and color.

Make sure not to overcook the prawns; they should be just cooked through and tender.

Enjoy your Prawn & Harissa Spaghetti!