Creamy Harissa Chickpea & Roasted Red Pepper Pasta (Bold, Creamy & Flavor-Packed)
A Creamy, Spicy Pasta You’ll Make Again and Again
This dish brings together the natural sweetness of roasted red peppers, the smoky heat of harissa, and the smooth creaminess of blended chickpeas. When combined, they create a beautifully thick, glossy sauce that transforms simple pasta into something extraordinary.
Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or something special for guests, this pasta delivers restaurant-level flavor in under 30 minutes.
⭐ Why This Harissa Chickpea & Roasted Red Pepper Pasta Shines
- Luxuriously creamy without being heavy
- Naturally vegetarian with vegan modifications
- Packed with smoky, spicy, and sweet flavors
- Made with simple pantry staples
- Quick enough for busy nights
- Perfect for meal prepping
🥘 Ingredients
For the Pasta
- 12 oz short pasta (cavatappi, penne, fusilli, etc.)
- Salt for boiling water
For the Creamy Harissa Chickpea & Roasted Red Pepper Sauce
- 1 cup chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1 jar (12 oz) roasted red peppers, drained
- 2 tablespoons harissa paste
- 3 garlic cloves
- ¼ cup olive oil
- ½ cup vegetable broth or water
- ½ cup heavy cream or full-fat coconut milk
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Optional Garnishes
- Red pepper flakes
- Fresh parsley or basil
- Grated Parmesan or nutritional yeast
🍝 How to Make Creamy Harissa Chickpea & Roasted Red Pepper Pasta
1. Boil the Pasta
Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta until al dente, then drain and set aside. Reserve a little pasta water for adjusting the sauce later.
2. Blend the Sauce
Add chickpeas, roasted red peppers, harissa, garlic, olive oil, broth, cream, lemon juice, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper to a blender. Blend until completely smooth and velvety.
Adjust thickness by adding a splash of broth if needed.
3. Heat the Sauce
Transfer the blended sauce to a large skillet and warm over medium heat for a few minutes. This enhances the flavor and slightly thickens the sauce.
Taste and adjust seasoning—add more harissa for heat, more lemon for brightness, or extra salt for balance.
4. Toss Pasta with Sauce
Add the cooked pasta into the skillet and toss to coat evenly. If the sauce needs loosening, add a bit of the reserved pasta water until perfectly creamy.
5. Serve and Garnish
Plate the pasta and finish with:
- fresh herbs
- Parmesan or a dairy-free alternative
- red pepper flakes
Your dish will be rich, colorful, and irresistibly silky.
🌶️ Tips for Perfect Results
Control the Heat
Harissa varies by brand. Start with a smaller amount if you prefer mild spice and increase as desired.
Make It Vegan
Swap heavy cream for full-fat coconut milk or unsweetened cashew cream.
Add Protein
Great additions include:
- grilled chicken
- roasted chickpeas
- sautéed shrimp
- spicy sausage
- crispy tofu
Boost the Veggies
Mix in spinach, kale, mushrooms, zucchini, or roasted broccoli.
Make Ahead Friendly
The sauce keeps well in the fridge for several days and freezes nicely for quick meals.
🍽️ Perfect Pairings
Serve with:
- crusty garlic bread
- a crisp salad
- roasted vegetables
- lemony greens
This pasta pairs beautifully with fresh, bright sides that complement its bold, creamy flavor.
⭐ Final Thoughts
Creamy Harissa Chickpea & Roasted Red Pepper Pasta is a stunning balance of spice, richness, and sweetness. It transforms simple ingredients into an indulgent dish that feels sophisticated without requiring complicated cooking. With its velvety sauce and bold flavors, it’s guaranteed to become a new favorite for cozy nights or elegant dinners.
