What is a good substitute for harissa?

While there really isn't a perfect substitute for harissa, this general sauce-making method does work well with several other ingredients! Swapping out the harissa will give you a slightly different vibe and flavor profile, but is absolutely possible. We tested this recipe with diced calabrian chiles , gochujang , and extra tomato paste (with an added pinch of red pepper flakes for heat) in place of the harissa. All of those options made a delicious pasta, although as always, we recommend adjusting the spicy ingredients to suit your tastes. Like harissa, calabrian chiles and gochujang can vary quite a bit in texture and spice level. When in doubt: Start small, taste as you go, and add extra spice later on if you need to!

Is harissa paste really spicy?

It depends on what harissa you use! We tested this creamy spicy pasta recipe with both the spicy and mild red pepper sauce varieties of Mina Harissa . Both were excellent; The spicy version definitely had more of a kick to it. If you like spicy foods, use a spicy harissa! If you're not a spice fan, look for a mild harissa sauce. If you're making homemade harissa, you can also adjust the amount of hot peppers you use to control the spice level more carefully! If you're using a new-to-you harissa, be sure to taste it on its own before you start cooking so you get an idea of any adjustments you may want to make.

Can I make this as a baked pasta?

Yes - this harissa pasta recipe is amazing as a baked pasta dish! Undercook the pasta by a few minutes, toss with the sauce, then transfer to a baking dish. We recommend adding some extra liquid to the sauce if you plan to bake this pasta - 1/4 to 1/2 cup of chicken broth, parmesan broth , milk, or additional heavy cream - to keep it from drying out in the oven. Top with cheese (we like to use a mix of mozzarella and parmesan) then bake until the cheese is bubbling and lightly browned. See more specific instructions for baking pasta in our red pepper baked ziti recipe !

Can I make this pasta sauce dairy free?

Yes! Use our vegan Magic Cauliflower Cream , Instant Pot Cauliflower Puree , or some cashew cream in place of the heavy cream here if you like.

Creamy Harissa Tomato Pasta with Kale

Description

This easy, creamy pasta uses an easy tomato and harissa pasta sauce and plenty of fresh kale.

Ingredients

Scale

1 pound pasta (we used rigatoni)
1 Tablespoon olive oil
1 shallot, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
½ cup harissa
6 ounces tomato paste (1 small can)
½ cup heavy cream
3 heaping cups kale, stems removed and roughly chopped
½ cup pasta water (see recipe below)
kosher salt and pepper to taste

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Cook the pasta in a large pot of very salty water until it's just shy of al dente. Use a measuring cup to reserve about 1/2 cup of the starchy pasta water, then drain the pasta and set it aside.
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat (I like to use the same pot I just cooked the pasta in). Add shallot and garlic and sauté, stirring occasionally, for 2-4 minutes until shallot has softened and begun to brown.
Add harissa and tomato paste; stir to combine. Cook another minute or so, until fragrant and warmed through.
Stir in heavy cream. Let sauce cook for 1-2 minutes, until reaches a low simmer (it will begin to bubble and sputter).
Add kale. Continue cooking for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently, until the kale has wilted down. The sauce will seem very thick at this point!
Add cooked pasta to the sauce and stir to combine. Stir in reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time until you have a smooth, silky sauce (you may not need it all). Taste pasta, add salt and pepper as needed, then serve immediately.

Notes

Substitutions. Swap the kale for fresh spinach. Use gochujang or diced calabrian chili peppers in place of harissa if you can't find any (both are similar in that they're spicy condiments with a pepper base, but the spice level and flavor will be a bit different). Swap the heavy cream for a few scoops of cauliflower purée if you'd like a lighter, dairy-free sauce. Use a regular onion instead of the shallot.

Additions. Add protein (chicken, ground beef, Italian sausage, or shrimp are good here) or extra veggies (peas, broccoli, cauliflower). Top this pasta with fresh basil, parsley, or parmesan cheese if you like. Add a splash of chicken stock or parmesan broth for a thinner, more complex sauce.

What kind of harissa should I use? We tested this recipe with Mina Harissa's Spicy Harissa and Mild Harissa. Both were excellent! For more notes on harissa varieties, be sure to read the full article above.

Adjust the harissa as needed. Harissa can vary wildly in spice level, texture, and complexity between brands and recipes. Adjust the amount of harissa here to suit your palate!