For a meal that’s bursting with bold flavors and a touch of spice, this Harissa Prawn Pasta is a perfect choice. Combining succulent prawns with a rich, spicy harissa-infused tomato sauce, this dish offers a delightful blend of Mediterranean and North African influences. It’s quick to prepare and makes for a satisfying dinner that’s sure to impress.
Ingredients (Serves 2)
- Prawns: 2 packs (300g total) of cooked jumbo king prawns (from Lidl, chilled)
- Vegetables: 1 small red onion (chopped), 220g baby plum tomatoes (halved), 4 garlic cloves (chopped)
- Pasta: 170g dried pasta cappelletti or any preferred shape
- Harissa Components: 4 tsp rose harissa paste, 1 tbsp tomato puree, 2 ½ tsp harissa seasoning
- Spices: ½ tsp sweet paprika, salt and pepper to taste
- Herbs: Small bunch of fresh parsley (finely chopped)
- Oils and Liquids: 1 ½ tbsp olive oil, ½ cup pasta water
Method
- Cooking the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add the pasta and cook: 9 minutes for cappelletti or follow package instructions for other shapes.
- Drain the pasta, reserving ½ cup of the pasta water for later use.
- Preparing the Prawns:
- Heat ½ tbsp of olive oil in a pan.
- In a bowl, mix the prawns with 1 tsp harissa seasoning and ½ tsp sweet paprika until well coated.
- Add the prawns to the hot pan, frying for 30-40 seconds. Remove and set aside.
- Cooking the Sauce:
- In the same pan, add 1 tbsp of olive oil.
- Sauté the chopped red onion over high heat for 2-3 minutes until softened.
- Add the halved tomatoes and chopped garlic, cooking for an additional minute.
- Pour in a splash of pasta water, simmering for 2-3 minutes until the tomatoes begin to soften.
- Stir in the tomato puree, rose harissa paste, 1 ½ tsp harissa seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Add ½ cup of the reserved pasta water and half of the chopped parsley.
- Mix thoroughly and let the sauce simmer over medium heat for 7-10 minutes.
- Combining Pasta and Sauce:
- Add the cooked and drained pasta to the sauce, mixing well to ensure the pasta is evenly coated.
- Serving:
- Arrange the prawns on top of the pasta.
- Garnish with the remaining chopped parsley.
- Serve immediately, ensuring the dish is hot and the flavors are well combined.
Enjoy your flavorful Harissa Prawn Pasta!
