The first hint of warmth in the air whispers promises of new flavors, and there’s nothing quite like stirring up a vibrant dish to greet the season. My journey to discover the perfect blend of spice and comfort led me to create this Harissa Prawn Linguine Recipe—a delightful way to bid farewell to lackluster fast food meals. The contrast of succulent king prawns, tart cherry tomatoes, and the aromatic embrace of rose harissa creates a flavor explosion that dances with joy on the palate.
Only 30 minutes stand between you and a dish that feels both luxurious and effortlessly achievable. The golden allure of sautéed garlic fills your kitchen, while a handful of fresh rocket adds a peppery crunch, making every bite an experience in itself. Whether you’re whisking it up for a weeknight dinner or impressing guests, this recipe is sure to become your go-to for a simple yet sophisticated meal. Let’s dive in and transform your evenings—your taste buds are in for a treat!
Why is this Harissa prawn linguine recipe a must-try?
Flavorful Fusion: This dish combines the sweet, juicy flavors of cherry tomatoes with the bold spice of rose harissa, offering a taste sensation that’s anything but ordinary.
Quick and Easy: In just 30 minutes, you can whip up a meal that feels like fine dining, perfect for busy weeknights.
Wholesome Goodness: Packed with protein from the king prawns and fresh greens from the rocket, it’s a nutritious option that keeps you satisfied without the heaviness of takeout.
Crowd-Pleaser: Impress your family or guests with a stunning presentation and delightful flavors. No one will believe it’s this easy to prepare!
Versatile Delight: Feel free to adapt it with your favorite ingredients or substitutions for even more unique variations that suit your palate.
For more delicious twists, check out my perfect pasta dishes collection!
Harissa Prawn Linguine Ingredients
Discover the magic of flavor with these essential ingredients!
For the Sauce
• Olive oil – A key player for sautéing, adding richness and depth to the dish.
• Garlic – Fresh cloves infuse the dish with fragrant notes, enhancing every bite.
• Cherry tomatoes – Their natural sweetness balances the spiciness of harissa, creating a delightful contrast.
• Rose harissa paste – The star of this harissa prawn linguine recipe, offering a warm and exotic kick.
For the Pasta
• Linguine – This pasta shape is perfect for clinging to the sauce, ensuring every forkful is full of flavor.
For the Protein
• King prawns – Tender and succulent, they bring a luxurious touch to this easy meal.
For the Finishing Touch
• Parmesan – Grated fresh, it adds creaminess and a savory depth that elevates the dish.
• Rocket – A handful of this peppery green adds freshness and a satisfying crunch right before serving.
How to Make Harissa Prawn Linguine
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Heat the olive oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for a minute or two until caramelized and golden, filling your kitchen with a delightful aroma. Prepare the pasta by cooking it in boiling salted water at this time.
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Add the halved cherry tomatoes to the pan with the garlic. Stir in the rose harissa paste, mixing well. Continue cooking, allowing the flavors to meld and the tomatoes to soften while your pasta cooks.
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Incorporate the king prawns into the frying pan and cook for about two minutes. Once your pasta is still slightly al dente, drain it and add it to the pan along with six tablespoons of the reserved pasta cooking water.
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Toss everything together until the pasta is cooked to your liking and the sauce is glossy and well-coated. Add the grated parmesan and mix until melted and incorporated. Spoon the vibrant mixture into bowls, topping each with a handful of fresh rocket.
Optional: Finish with a squeeze of lemon juice for a bright, zesty kick.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Harissa Prawn Linguine Variations
Feel free to let your culinary creativity shine by customizing this dish to your heart’s content!
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Gluten-Free: Swap linguine for gluten-free pasta made from rice or chickpeas for a delicious alternative.
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Veggie Delight: Replace king prawns with sautéed mushrooms or zucchini for a plant-based version that’s just as satisfying.
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Extra Spice: Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for an extra kick that’ll awaken your taste buds.
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Citrus Zest: Mix in lemon or lime zest just before serving for a refreshing, vibrant burst of flavor alongside your prawn linguine.
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Creamy Twist: Stir in a splash of heavy cream or coconut milk during the last step for a rich and creamy sauce that envelops the pasta beautifully.
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Herb Infusion: Fresh herbs like basil or parsley can brighten up the dish. Toss them in at the end for an aromatic finish.
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Nutty Flavor: Toasted pine nuts or walnuts sprinkled on top add a delightful crunch that elevates each bite.
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Chilled Version: For a summer twist, try serving this dish as a chilled pasta salad, featuring your favorite seasonal veggies.
With these delightful variations, you can make this Harissa Prawn Linguine recipe uniquely your own!
What to Serve with Harissa Prawn Linguine?
Elevate your dining experience with delightful pairings that complement the vibrant flavors of this dish.
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Garlic Bread: Perfectly toasted, buttery garlic bread adds a delightful crunch and extra flavor, making it an irresistible side.
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Crispy Green Salad: A fresh mix of greens with a zesty vinaigrette brings bright acidity, balancing the richness of the prawns.
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Lemon Zest Roasted Vegetables: Roasted seasonal veggies with a hint of lemon intensify the dish’s freshness while providing a satisfying textural contrast.
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Chilled White Wine: A crisp Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio enhances the dish beautifully and offers a refreshing contrast to the spice of the harissa.
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Tiramisu: Follow your meal with a luscious tiramisu for a sweet finish; its coffee flavors provide a delightful contrast to the savory linguine.
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Sparkling Water with Mint: A refreshing drink that cleanses the palate between bites, adding a layer of freshness that pairs harmoniously with the dish.
Whether you enjoy a simple salad or a sparkling drink, these pairings will ensure your harissa prawn linguine recipe feels like a culinary celebration!
How to Store and Freeze Harissa Prawn Linguine
Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water to maintain moisture.
Freezer: If you plan to freeze, place the cooled linguine in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and then warm in a skillet.
Reheating: For best results, reheat your harissa prawn linguine over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. Avoid microwave reheating to prevent the pasta from becoming mushy.
Expert Tips for Harissa Prawn Linguine
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Perfect Pasta Timing: Ensure your linguine is al dente before mixing it with the sauce. This prevents the dish from becoming mushy and keeps it delightful.
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Garlic’s Golden Moment: Sauté the garlic until just golden; burnt garlic can turn bitter and overwhelm the flavors in your harissa prawn linguine recipe.
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Opt for Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh, high-quality king prawns and ripe cherry tomatoes for the best taste. Their natural sweetness makes a world of difference!
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Adjust the Heat: If you prefer a milder dish, start with less rose harissa paste. You can always add more as you taste test!
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Customize Your Greens: Rocket is a classic choice, but feel free to experiment with spinach or arugula for a different flavor profile and added nutrients.
Make Ahead Options
This Harissa prawn linguine recipe is a fantastic option for meal prep enthusiasts looking to save time during busy weeknights! You can chop the garlic, halve the cherry tomatoes, and even toss the prawns with the harissa paste up to 24 hours in advance; simply store them in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The cooked pasta can also be made ahead; just remember to drizzle it with a little olive oil to prevent sticking. When you’re ready to serve, quickly sauté the garlic and quickly combine all ingredients in the frying pan, adding the cooked pasta and reserving pasta water as needed. With these prepped components, you’ll enjoy restaurant-quality results with minimal effort!
Harissa Prawn Linguine Recipe FAQs
What kind of tomatoes should I use for this recipe?
Absolutely, I recommend using ripe cherry tomatoes as they are naturally sweet and complement the spiciness of the harissa beautifully. Look for tomatoes that are firm, plump, and bright red, without any dark spots or blemishes for the best flavor.
How should I store leftovers from the harissa prawn linguine?
You can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I suggest reheating gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water to keep the pasta moist. If you find the sauce is thickening too much, don’t hesitate to add a little more water or a drizzle of olive oil.
Can I freeze harissa prawn linguine?
Certainly! To freeze, allow the dish to cool completely first. Then, place it in a freezer-safe container or a resealable freezer bag, ensuring to remove as much air as possible, and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw it overnight in the fridge, then reheat slowly in a skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally to ensure even warming.
What if I don’t have rose harissa paste? Can I use something else?
Very! If you can’t find rose harissa, you can substitute with regular harissa paste, but keep in mind that it might be spicier. Start with a smaller amount and adjust according to your heat preference. Alternatively, a mix of smoked paprika and chili powder can give you a similar flavor profile.
Can this recipe be made with other proteins or dietary options?
Definitely! This harissa prawn linguine is very versatile. You can swap out the king prawns for grilled chicken, tofu, or even chickpeas for a vegetarian option. Just make sure to adjust the cooking times accordingly. It’s a wonderful way to tailor the dish to your dietary needs and preferences.
Are there any allergy concerns with this dish?
Important to consider, the main allergens here are seafood (king prawns) and potentially dairy (parmesan cheese). For a dairy-free option, you can omit the parmesan or use a dairy-free cheese substitute. Additionally, if you’re serving this dish to someone with shellfish allergies, it’s best to replace the prawns with another protein, like chicken or a plant-based alternative.
Indulge in Harissa Prawn Linguine Recipe That Dazzles!
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Heat the olive oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for a minute or two until caramelized and golden.
- Add the halved cherry tomatoes to the pan with the garlic. Stir in the rose harissa paste, mixing well.
- Incorporate the king prawns into the frying pan and cook for about two minutes. Add the cooked linguine and reserved pasta water.
- Toss everything together until well coated. Add the grated parmesan and mix until melted. Spoon into bowls and top with fresh rocket.