Prawn and harissa spaghetti is a bold, vibrant dish that brings heat, richness, and freshness together in a single bowl. With tender prawns, spicy harissa, and perfectly cooked spaghetti, this recipe takes a simple pasta dinner to a whole new level. It’s fast enough for a weeknight yet exciting enough to serve for a special occasion when you want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen.
What sets this dish apart is the harissa paste – a North African chili blend made with roasted peppers, garlic, and spices. It delivers a smoky heat that pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the prawns. Just a spoonful adds depth and fire, giving the sauce a complex flavor that lingers in the best way.
The base of the dish starts with olive oil, garlic, and maybe a pinch of red pepper flakes if you’re a fan of extra spice. Once the garlic is fragrant, the harissa paste is stirred in, followed by a splash of pasta water or white wine to loosen the sauce and bring everything together. The prawns go in next, cooking quickly until they turn pink and tender, soaking up all the spicy, garlicky flavor.
Cooked spaghetti is tossed straight into the pan, where it’s coated in the fiery sauce and mixed with the prawns. A handful of fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro adds brightness, while a squeeze of lemon over the top lifts the whole dish and balances the heat.
You can easily customize the dish by adding cherry tomatoes, wilted greens, or crumbled feta for a creamy contrast. It’s a flexible recipe that invites creativity while still delivering a big payoff in flavor.
Prawn and harissa spaghetti is a pasta dish with personality – bold, spicy, and totally addictive. It’s a refreshing departure from the usual marinara or Alfredo and a delicious way to bring global flavor to your dinner table. Serve it with a glass of chilled white wine and crusty bread for a meal that feels both relaxed and refined.
Ingredients
- 100 g spaghetti dried
- 150 g prawns peeled and deveined
- 2 tbsp harissa paste adjust to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 clove garlic minced
- 0.5 tsp salt or to taste
- 0.25 tsp black pepper freshly ground
- 1 tbsp lemon juice fresh
- 2 tbsp parsley chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Add the prawns to the pan and cook until they start to turn pink, about 2-3 minutes.
- Stir in the harissa paste and cook for another minute, ensuring the prawns are well coated.
- Add the cooked spaghetti, salt, and black pepper to the pan. Toss everything together and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
- Remove from heat and stir in the lemon juice.
- Serve immediately, garnished with chopped parsley.
Meh, didn’t impress me. I thought spaghetti was supposed to be with tomato sauce or something. Harissa just kinda weird.
I don’t really know about using harissa. Isn’t it a bit strong for pasta? My kids wouldn’t eat it…
I get what you’re saying! Harissa can be strong, but you can always use less. Just adjust it for your kids’ taste! They might surprise you!
Harissa? That stuff is spicey! I would not feed that to my kids, they prefer plain spaghetti! Sounds fun tho!
Not bad, but I found it a bit too salty for my taste. I’ll reduce the salt next time and maybe add a splash more olive oil to mellow it.
Hmm mine was fine, but maybe your harissa was saltier? I’d try adding salt at the very end and taste as you go. Also 0.5 tsp sounds like a lot if the pasta water wasn’t unsalted.
Good call on reducing the salt—harissa can be pretty punchy/ salty depending on the brand. A little extra olive oil should help smooth it out too. Thanks for sharing!
This was super easy to make! The flavor was amazing, and my family loved it. Will definitely make again!
So glad you enjoyed it! I love how quick it is to make a meal that’s also impressive. Definitely a keeper!
Really good dish! I added some extra garlic and it made it even better. The prawns were cooked perfectly.
Sounds delicious! I love garlic too! Gonna try it with more garlic next time.
Yum!
Made it tonight and my partner actually asked for seconds 😅. I used a milder harissa and it still tasted great. Next time I’ll double the parsley.
I think 2 minutes with spaghetti might be too long depending on how saucy your pan is. Mine dried out a bit. Add oil/pasta water maybe.
This recipe was amazing! The harissa gave it such a great kick. Will definitely make again!
So glad you loved it! Harissa really does add a special flavor, doesn’t it? 🤤
I made this exactly as written and it’s seriously spicy in the best way. The lemon at the end really balances the harissa. Would make again for sure.
This was a total hit! My family loved it. ❤️
The garlic step is key. I rushed it and the garlic got a little too brown, so my whole batch tasted bitter. Lesson learned.
Mine turned out a little too spicy even with 1.5 tbsp harissa… but honestly I still ate it all. Next time I’ll add harissa gradually.
Soo easy! Just a couple ingredients and you got a fancy meal! 💖
Tasty dish! The garlic and lemon combo was delish. I’m gonna try it with shrimp next time 😋
I love shrimp! Should be great with this! Let us know how it goes!
Hmm, shrimp? This was okey but not sure how it’ll be with shrimp. Garlic and lemon is nice tho.
Made this tonight—so easy and the harissa + lemon combo is legit. My prawns cooked perfectly in 3 minutes and the spaghetti actually stayed flavorful. Will definitely repeat.
Yes!! Harissa + lemon is such a good combo. Glad your prawns stayed juicy—3 minutes sounds spot on for not overcooking.
Quick and easy – perfect for a weeknight meal! Not too much prep time. Thanks!
Not a fan. The harissa was way too spicy for me. I added more lemon to tone it down but still…
Pretty good but I thought 2 tbsp harissa was a lot. Next time I’ll start with 1 tbsp and adjust—my kitchen was on fire (emotionally and physically).
Totally get that—harissa can be *strong*. Starting with 1 tbsp and adjusting is the way to go. 😅 Glad you didn’t actually burn the kitchen down!
I was nervous about the amount of harissa, but “adjust to taste” saved me. Next time I’ll add a splash of pasta water for extra sauce-y vibes.
Yum! So flavorful! I added some bell peppers and it was delish! 🍝
Tried it, but my prawns didn’t turn pink. Are they supposed to? Not sure if I did something wrong.
My girlfriend loved it! I ain’t much of a cook, but followed the steps and it turned out great. Can I make it with chicken?
Yum!!!
Wow—this was spicy in the best way. The harissa + lemon combo is super bright and the prawns cooked perfectly. I added a little extra lemon and it really popped.
Yes!! The lemon really balances the harissa—glad yours worked out and the prawns were spot on.
I tried adding more lemon too and it tasted great, but next time I’ll go a little lighter on the harissa. Mine was a bit too hot for my family 😅
Made this tonight—super tasty and the harissa really wakes up the spaghetti. I added a bit more lemon and it was perfect. Will cook again!
Spicy, garlicky, and surprisingly fast. The harissa really clings to the prawns—mine turned out great after I cooked them just until pink.
For me it needed more salt—0.5 tsp felt low with the harissa. I’ll definitely taste as I go next time.
What is harissa? Can you use something else? I’m not a fan of spicy food.
Harissa is like a spicy paste made from chili peppers and spices. If you don’t like spice, you can try using a mild tomato sauce or just some olive oil and garlic! It’ll still taste good.
I dunno, never heard of harissa… can’t you just skip it? Who needs spicy stuff anyway? Can you use ketchup or something instead?
Not gonna lie, I used pre-cooked shrimp (because I’m lazy) and it turned out weird and mushy. I think cook time matters a lot here.
My family loved it, but I think the garlic was too strong. Next time I’ll use less.
I think garlic is the best part! But I get it, it’s strong! Maybe try to roast it first? That makes it milder.
This was alright, but I think it could’ve used more flavor. Maybe some cheese or something.
I totally agree! It needed a kick, maybe some parmesan on top would help? 🧀
Honestly, the prawns were kinda rubbery. I’ll try it again but maybe adjust the cook time.
Super easy to make! My kids even liked it. Although I used shrimp instead of prawns.
That’s awesome! Kids can be picky eaters, but it sounds like you found a winner. 🥇 What kind of shrimp did you use?
I dunno, shrimp instead of prawns? Isn’t that basically the same? Seems like a small change but okay.
The timing for the prawns worked perfectly—pink and juicy, not rubbery. Love how quick it is for a weeknight.
YUM! Super easy to make and perfect for a quick dinner!
Glad you enjoyed it! It’s one of my go-tos for busy nights.
This is such a punchy weeknight meal. The harissa + lemon combo is 🔥—mine turned out beautifully spicy, and the garlic aroma filled the kitchen.
Harissa paste is so strong—mine was almost too much. I adjusted to taste like it says, but I still felt like it took over everything. Not bad though.
Yum! I love prawns! I added some cherry tomatoes and it upped the flavor! This recipe is a keeper.
I’m not usually a harissa person, but I tried it anyway. The prawns were tender and the sauce clung nicely to the spaghetti. Might add a splash more lemon next time.
I followed the steps exactly, but my sauce was kinda thick/dry. Maybe my harissa brand is drier? Still good though, just not very saucy.
Maybe your harissa paste is extra concentrated—some brands are drier or thicker. Next time, try adding a splash of pasta water (start with a couple tbsp) when you toss the spaghetti. That usually loosens it up and makes it more saucy.
Hmm I think if you cook the prawns too long it can dry out the whole thing, but still—2 tbsp harissa for 100g pasta seems like a lot? Mine gets thick too sometimes. Did you measure the harissa exactly? Also harissa is spicy right, so maybe it dries faster? (Not sure 😅)
Spaghetti with prawns? Sounds weird but it actually works. Good recipe!
The instructions are fine, but I would’ve liked to know whether to use fresh prawns or frozen. I used frozen and it took longer to cook.
Boring. Too simple. Needs cheese or something or more sauce. Otherwise just spaghetti with spicy oil.
I get what you mean—it’s pretty straightforward. But the harissa + lemon combo does bring a lot of flavor if you use a good paste. I wouldn’t call it just “spaghetti with spicy oil.”
Harissa is doing the heavy lifting here. I used a mild one and it still tasted amazing. Would absolutely make again.
5 stars, all the way! The kids didn’t like it much but I thought it was great.
Sounds good, but my kids wouldn’t touch that harissa stuff. Is it too spicy?
I can totally relate! My kids are picky eaters too. But hey, more for us, right? 😂
This is one of those recipes that sounds fancy but is actually quick. Garlic fragrant, prawns pink, done. Loved it.
Pretty simple to make but I feel like something’s missing. It was just…okay.
I thought it was yum! Maybe try adding some cream next time? Just a thought!
I totally get you! It feels like a pinch of something like more spices or herbs could elevate it. Did you try adding some chili flakes?
Absolutely loved this recipe! The harissa gave it a nice kick. Will definitely make again!
Thanks for sharing! I can’t wait to try adding harissa to my spaghetti. Sounds delicious!
Loved it too, but my kids thought it was too spicy! Would recommend maybe using less harissa for family cooking.
Just made this—so easy! The lemon at the end really brightens everything. Parsley garnish was a nice touch.
Too much lemon for my taste. I think I’ll skip it next time.
I loved it! The lemon adds such a fresh zing. Maybe try less but don’t skip it completely!
This was absolutely delicious! The harissa gave it such a nice kick. Definitely making this again!
Nice quick weeknight meal. I used a bit less harissa (cause I’m a wimp) and added extra parsley—still tasted great. 10/10 for using pantry stuff.
Tastes like restaurant food. I used frozen shrimp and it worked fine—just make sure they don’t overcook or they’ll get rubbery.
Yes! That’s exactly it—harissa + lemon really makes it taste like it came from somewhere fancy. I also used frozen shrimp and kept an eye on the timing. Overcook = rubbery city 😅
I tried it but mine didn’t taste “restaurant.” I think I used too much harissa (maybe?). Also my garlic burned a little even though I only did 1 minute… still, it was good. Next time I’ll adjust and not let the shrimp go too long.
Loved the flavor combo, but my spaghetti ended up a bit dry. Could be my timing—next time I’ll toss longer or use more oil.
Ok but why parsley at the end? Like, does it actually do something besides looking fancy 😅
Honestly I don’t think it does much. I usually just toss it in whenever and it’s fine… garlic cooks it anyway right? 😆
Yeah parsley at the end is mostly for freshness—like brightens it up and adds a little herb flavor. Plus it just looks nice 😅
The timing for the prawns (2–3 minutes) seems accurate—mine were pink and juicy. I kept everything hot while tossing and it came out great.
Turned out delicious! The harissa + lemon combo is perfect—nice kick but still bright. I used a little extra garlic too.
I didn’t really like it. The harissa was too spicy for my taste. Maybe less next time?
Wow, the harissa with the lemon is such a good combo—this tasted way more “restaurant” than I expected. I’ll definitely make it again.
Totally agree—lemon really brightens the harissa. I made this for weeknight dinner and it felt fancy too 😄
“Prawn” is weird lol. Also I used shrimp (obviously) and it was fine. Recipe is solid, will cook again.
Yeah “prawn” always sounds fancy 😂 Shrimp works totally—glad it turned out!
Whoa, this is way better than I expected. Quick dinner, minimal effort, big flavor. 10/10
So glad you liked it! 😊 The harissa + lemon combo really does make it pop without much work. Thanks for the 10/10!
This recipe is delicious! The harissa really packs a punch.
Honestly, I don’t know. Isn’t harissa a bit too spicy for something like spaghetti? Just wondering.
I totally agree! Harissa adds such a unique flavor. This was a hit in my house! 🌟
I wasn’t sure about using harissa, but it turned out great. Not too spicy!
I’m glad you enjoyed it! Harissa really adds depth without too much heat. 🤗
Lol, didn’t know what harissa was, but my buddy said it’s just spicy ketchup. Not bad!
The flavor was interesting, but my harissa was super salty so I ended up skipping extra salt. Still tasty, just adjust to your paste.
It was ok, but I think 2 tbsp of harissa was way too much for me. Next time I’ll use less.
Pretty tasty, quick weeknight meal. I used pre-cooked prawns so mine took way less time (like 1-2 min). Garlic step smelled amazing.
I tried it and… wow. I didn’t have parsley so I used cilantro and it worked. Also added a splash of pasta water and it made the sauce cling better.
I messed up! Thought it was rice instead of spaghetti. Added water, it was a disaster. 😂
Don’t worry, it happens! Just remember to look at the recipe next time. 😂
I found it a bit too spicy for my taste. Can I reduce the harissa?
Not sure about the harissa paste amount. 2 tbsp felt like a lot—my mouth was on fire. Could be my harissa was extra strong, but I’d start with 1 tbsp.
I had the same issue once. My harissa was homemade and way hotter than expected. Start lower like you said—better than coughing through dinner 😅
Totally agree—2 tbsp is spicy-spicy depending on the brand. I use 1 tbsp first and then add a little more at the end if needed. Great tip!
I followed the instructions, but my prawns were rubbery 😭 maybe I cooked them too long after they started turning pink. Anyone know the sweet spot? Also parsley was weirdly expensive for me.
Ugh, sorry 😭 I think your timing is right in the recipe—rubbery prawns usually means they went a little past “pink” and into “overcooked.” I pull mine as soon as they curl and turn fully pink (often closer to ~2 min total). Also, the last 2 minutes tossing spaghetti might be a bit long—maybe toss off-heat or just 30–60 seconds.
Not gonna lie, I didn’t have harissa paste so I used chili garlic sauce. It was still good, but yeah… not the same vibe.
Not impressed. I usually make my own pasta. This felt too simple.
Spaghetti and prawns? Not sure about that mix. But my kids ate it, so that’s a win. 🙁
I substituted shrimp for prawns, and it still turned out good! Thanks for the recipe!
I’m skeptical about harissa + spaghetti but… nope, it actually works. Kinda addictive. Great balance of heat and tang.
Good idea but mine was bland. I think my prawns were too small? Also I forgot the lemon juice at first lol. Once I added it, it improved a lot.
Glad it improved once you added the lemon juice! And yes, smaller prawns can cook up quicker and sometimes taste a bit weaker if they’re over/under-seasoned. Next time I’d maybe bump the harissa slightly or add a splash of pasta water while tossing.
Bland is tragic 😅 Harissa can be powerful though—did you use enough paste? Also I always add lemon earlier bc forgetting it would drive me nuts. Might be a garlic/harissa balance thing too.
The lemon juice at the end is the key. I forgot it once and it tasted kinda flat. With lemon—wow.
100% agree—lemon at the end really wakes it up. I used bottled once and it was meh, like you said.
Harissa paste is strong stuff. I only used 1 tbsp and it was still spicy, so keep that in mind if you’re not into heat.
Totally agree—harissa is no joke. I used about that much and my mouth was on fire too. Maybe even 1 tsp first if you’re heat-sensitive.
I didn’t find it spicy at all 🤷♂️ Maybe my harissa brand is mild? Or I’m just immune? Either way, the lemon helps a lot. Didn’t cook the garlic just 1 min though—mine needed longer.
Prawns are so expensive around here! I used chicken instead, and it turned out fine. Shouldn’t harissa be spicy? It was mediocre.
Harissa spaghetti? Weird name but… actually delicious. 10/10 lol.
Honestly I love harissa with seafood—this sounds punchy and bright. Might steal this idea for dinner tonight 😄
Harissa spaghetti sounds like something from a TikTok ad lol. Also do you add the lemon before or after cooking? I’m confused—still, I’d try it.
I don’t know, seems too easy. Are those prawns cooked enough? I think I need more details next time.
Nah, not for me. I tried it but the harissa was too spicy for my taste buds. 😩
Not gonna lie, I was skeptical about harissa paste without any liquid. It kinda worked though—maybe my prawns released enough juices? Would cook again.
Same! I thought the harissa would get all gluey without adding water, but the prawns really do release a bit of moisture. I’d maybe add a tiny splash of pasta water next time for extra sauce, but overall it’s a solid kick.
Solid recipe. I used slightly less harissa because I’m heat-averse, and it still had great flavor. Garlic step could be a bit more explicit though.
I added a tiny splash of pasta water and it made the sauce feel more glossy. Lemon at the end is a must—brightens everything.
Harissa is a bold choice with spaghetti, but it works. I’d recommend tasting the sauce after the harissa cooks for a minute—mine needed extra salt.
Totally agree on tasting—harissa can be wildly spicy depending on the brand. I always add a little salt at the end too.
Why do you need lemon in pasta? It just don’t make sense to me.
Lemon adds a brightness to the dish that cuts through the richness of the prawns and harissa. It’s all about balance!
Honestly felt like something I could’ve thrown together without measuring… but then again, it tasted way better than my usual ‘winging it.’
Mine came out a bit dry—maybe I should’ve reserved some pasta water like people always say. Flavor was good though, especially the garlic.
I think my prawns were too small so they cooked faster than 2-3 minutes, but I caught it in time. Flavor is great though—would make again.
Glad you caught it in time! Prawns definitely vary in size—2-3 minutes is a rough guide. I love that harissa + lemon combo though, it’s super punchy. I’d try it again with smaller cook times for sure.
Not sure about cooking the harissa for only a minute—mine tasted a bit harsh like straight paste. Next time I’ll let it go slightly longer or add a splash of pasta water.
prawns turned pink real fast lol. I’m not great with seafood timing but this recipe was pretty forgiving. Next time I’ll mince garlic smaller.
Haha yeah, once prawns hit that pink stage they don’t take long 😅 Love that it felt forgiving—mincing the garlic finer should make it blend in even better.
This prawn spaghetti is sooo good! I used more harissa for extra kick! Yummy!
I totally agree! The harissa really makes it pop! I love spicy food!
Harissa? Isn’t that too spicy for prawns? I don’t know, I prefer simple flavors.
Eh, it was alright. Didn’t really taste much. Maybe I didn’t add enough salt?
Spaghetti with prawns and harissa? Sounds kinda weird but I tried it. It’s actually really good. My kids complained at first, then asked for seconds (go figure).
Looks good but I can’t eat prawns. Can I use chicken instead? Anyone tried that?
I think chicken would work just fine! It won’t be the same but it’ll be tasty in its own way. 😊
I dunno, chicken and prawns are different, you sure it’ll taste good?
Spicy, zesty, and actually pretty quick—loved how the harissa clings to the prawns. I added a little extra lemon at the end and it really brightened everything.
The garlic sauté smelled amazing. But mine burned slightly because I went a little too high on the heat. Lesson learned: medium heat means medium.
The garlic step smells amazing, but I think 2-3 minutes for the prawns might depend on size. Mine overcooked slightly—next time I’ll watch closer.
Pretty good, but my prawns got a tad rubbery after 3 minutes. Maybe my pan runs hotter. Flavor is still awesome though.
Maybe cook the prawns less? I think 2 minutes max and then add harissa right away. Also if pan too hot the butter/oil gets chewy… not sure. Anyway flavor sounds great though!
Ah yeah, 3 minutes can definitely push them into “rubbery” territory—prawns are super sensitive. I usually pull them as soon as they’re just pink and then let the pasta finish warming them. Could be your pan runs hotter or the prawns were bigger.
I’m not convinced it needs lemon juice at the end; it made it a bit sour for my liking. Maybe I used the wrong harissa (way hotter).
Yeah, that lemon at the end is doing a lot. I add it gradually—like 1/2 tbsp first—because harissa already brings some tang. Also if your harissa was super hot, that could’ve made the sourness feel even sharper.
Not gonna lie, I didn’t have harissa so I used chili paste + a pinch of paprika. It worked, just different. Still worth making again.
Not sure about the lemon at the end—tasted a little sharp like it needed more time to mellow. Next time I’d add it earlier or add a splash of pasta water.
Hmm yeah the lemon at the end can hit really sharp with spaghetti—totally get that. I’ve found whisking it in off-heat is key, but if you want it mellower, adding it a bit earlier (or a splash of pasta water like you said) helps a lot. Nice catch!
This recipe was AMAZING! The prawns were so flavorful with the harissa. 10/10 would recommend!
Mine was okay, but I think 2 minutes with the spaghetti was too long—got a little dry. Also I salted at the end and wished I’d done it earlier.
Good call about the timing—tossing for 2 extra minutes can dry it out if your pasta was already a bit on the dry side. I usually salt while tossing, not at the very end, but I get why it felt better that way for you.
harissa is too much, i think 😅
Totally fair 😅 I’d start with half the harissa first—prawns can get overwhelmed by heat fast.
This is one of those recipes that’s simple but impressive. The lemon juice at the end makes it taste way lighter than expected.
Yes! I love when a squeeze of lemon at the end totally changes the whole vibe—bright and not heavy at all. 🍋
Next time I might add a little extra parsley too.
Loved how quick it was, and the instructions were super clear. I used a bit less harissa and added extra black pepper—still great.
I followed it, but I cooked the garlic a little too long and it got bitter. The whole thing tasted kinda burned. Lesson learned: 1 minute max!
Made this tonight—so flavorful! The harissa + lemon combo is perfect, and the prawns cook up fast without getting rubbery.
Harissa + garlic + prawns is such a good combo. I was worried it’d be too spicy, but the balance was great. Next time I’ll zest the lemon too.
Pretty tasty, but I’d use a bit less harissa next time. 2 tbsp was spicy for me. Also chopped parsley at the end is a nice touch.
I didn’t have harissa paste, so I used a harissa-style chili sauce. It was okay, but thinner than expected and the sauce didn’t cling to the spaghetti as well.
Pretty tasty, but mine clumped a bit when I added the spaghetti—maybe I didn’t toss quickly enough after draining.
Not gonna lie, I forgot to add salt at the end and it was bland until I tasted and fixed it. Recipe is solid though.
I’m not usually into harissa, but this worked. The sauce clings to the spaghetti nicely. I might add chili flakes too because I like it hot.
Love hearing that—harissa can be intense, so glad it mellowed out with the prawns. Chili flakes would definitely kick it up!
Good flavor, but my prawns overcooked after 3 minutes… they got a bit rubbery. Maybe my pan was hotter than the recipe. Sauce is still tasty though.
I followed it mostly, but I didn’t have parsley so I used cilantro. Honestly it tasted weird to me, like a fusion thing I didn’t ask for. Otherwise okay.
Yeah, I get that—parsley and cilantro can push the flavor in a totally different direction. Harissa is already bold, so swapping herbs can make it feel “fusion” when you were expecting something more classic.
Way too much harissa for my household (we’re wimps). I’d do like 1 tbsp next time and probably add chili oil separately.
Totally get that—2 tbsp is brave for many households 😅 I’ve started with 1 tbsp harissa and it still has plenty of kick. Chili oil on the side is the way to go.
I don’t think it’s “too much,” it’s just not cooked right. If the harissa is mild and you toast it longer, it mellows out. Try 2 minutes at least. Or use less garlic? Lol.
Mine turned out a little too oily. I think my heat was too high when frying the garlic/prawns. Still ate it all though—flavor was solid.
Just made this—spicy but not overpowering. The lemon at the end really brightens it up. I added a bit more harissa than the recipe calls for and it was perfect.
I was worried it would be too spicy, but 2 tbsp harissa ended up just right. Next time I’ll add a splash more lemon for extra brightness.
First time cooking prawns and I was worried—ended up great. 2-3 minutes was perfect; they stayed juicy. Lemon at the end is key, don’t skip it.
ehh 3 stars. too spicy for my family and the garlic was strong. still edible though lol.
Tasted good, but mine looked a bit dry. I think I needed more olive oil or a splash of pasta water when tossing.
I was skeptical about the 2 tbsp harissa (seems like a lot), but it wasn’t overpowering. Next time I’ll probably keep it at 1.5 tbsp for a milder heat.
Solid quick weeknight meal. The garlic step timing matters—mine went a tiny bit too brown, but it was still tasty. Would recommend fresh pepper for sure.
I tried it with frozen prawns that weren’t fully thawed… they cooked unevenly. But the sauce flavor was legit. Thaw properly, folks!
Harissa is expensive where I live so I used a bit less and it was still flavorful. Garlic smells amazing while it cooks—my kitchen smelled like restaurant food.
I love that you adjusted the harissa—using less definitely keeps it affordable and not overly spicy. That garlic + harissa combo really does smell like a restaurant, doesn’t it?
Meh. Kinda dry? I think I should’ve used reserved pasta water. Still okay, just not mind blowing.
Yeah, I totally get that—pasta water is like the secret “sauce glue” here. I’d add a splash at the toss step (after you add the spaghetti) until it looks glossy, then keep tossing. Also, harissa can vary a lot, so 2 tbsp might make it feel a bit harsh/dry if it’s a thicker paste.