Ingredients

12 oz dried short pasta (penne, rigatoni, or fusilli)

Salt, for boiling water

2 tbsp olive oil

1 medium onion, finely chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced

2 tbsp harissa paste (adjust to taste)

1 tsp ground cumin

½ tsp smoked paprika

14 oz can diced tomatoes

2 (14 oz) cans chickpeas, drained and rinsed

½ cup vegetable broth or water

Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Zest and juice of 1 lemon

2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley or cilantro

Optional: crumbled feta cheese, to serve

Instructions

Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until al dente according to the package directions. Reserve ½ cup of the pasta water, then drain the pasta and set it aside.

Step 2: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 4–5 minutes until soft and translucent.

Step 3: Add the minced garlic, harissa paste, ground cumin, and smoked paprika to the skillet. Cook for 1 minute, stirring, until fragrant.

Step 4: Stir in the diced tomatoes, chickpeas, and vegetable broth. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer.

Step 5: Cover and cook for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and the flavors meld.

Step 6: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat evenly with the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, loosen it with the reserved pasta water as needed.

Step 7: Remove from heat. Stir in the lemon zest, lemon juice, and chopped fresh parsley or cilantro. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary.

Step 8: Serve warm, garnished with additional herbs and optional crumbled feta cheese.

Tips & Variations

Adjust the amount of harissa paste based on your preferred heat level. For a milder flavor, start with 1 tablespoon and increase as desired.

Substitute chickpeas with white beans or lentils for a different texture.

Add roasted vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini to make the dish heartier and more colorful.

Use fresh herbs like mint or basil instead of parsley or cilantro for a different herbal note.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, short pasta shapes like penne, rigatoni, or fusilli work best as they hold the sauce well, but feel free to use any pasta you like.

Is harissa very spicy?

Harissa has a moderate heat level but can vary depending on the brand or homemade recipe. Start with less if you prefer milder dishes and add more to taste.