Prawn & Harissa Spaghetti

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.

Prawn & Harissa Spaghetti

3.82 from 134 votes

Enjoy a delightful combination of prawns and harissa with this quick and spicy spaghetti dish. Perfect for a weeknight treat or a special gathering.

Servings 1 people

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 25 minutes mins

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Ingredients

  

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• 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.

Nutrition

Calories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 55gProtein: 25gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 11gCholesterol: 150mgSodium: 900mgPotassium: 350mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 20mgCalcium: 100mgIron: 4mg

Calories: 450kcal

Meal Type: Lunch

Cuisine: Italian

Keyword: pasta, seafood, spicy

Cooking Method: Baked

Time: 30-45 Min

Level: Easy

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