If you’re craving something that’s full of flavor and a bit of a spicy kick, this harissa linguine is the perfect dish! It combines the rich, creamy goodness of linguine with the bold, fiery heat of harissa, creating a pasta dish that’s both comforting and exciting. Whether you’re enjoying it as a cozy dinner for one or serving it to guests, this dish is sure to impress. Let me walk you through how to make this delightful pasta!
Method
Prepare the potatoes
Begin by chopping the potatoes into fries. Once chopped, place them in the microwave for about 7 minutes to soften them up. This will make them cook more evenly and get crispy when baked. After microwaving, spray them lightly with Frylight spray, then season them with a pinch of salt and the Cajun seasoning. If you’re using an air fryer, cook them at 190°C for 15-20 minutes, shaking them halfway through to ensure they cook evenly. If you’re using the oven, bake the fries at 200°C for about 40 minutes, ensuring to flip them over every 15 minutes to achieve a golden, crispy texture.
Make the cheesy sauce
While the fries are cooking, it’s time to make the creamy cheese sauce. Start by placing the milk, cheesy slice, grated mozzarella, and cream cheese in a saucepan. Set the heat to low and stir continuously. Allow the mixture to melt and combine into a thick, smooth sauce. Be patient with this step, as it ensures that the sauce is creamy and doesn’t burn or curdle. Add a pinch of salt and pepper to taste, adjusting the seasoning until you’re satisfied with the flavor.
Cook the linguine
While the cheesy sauce is simmering, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the linguine and cook it for about 8-10 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente (firm to the bite). Be sure to stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking together. Once it’s done, drain the linguine and set it aside, ready to be coated in that delicious sauce.
Combine the sauce and pasta
Once the sauce has thickened and your linguine is ready, it’s time to combine them! Toss the drained linguine into the saucepan with the cheese sauce. Add the harissa paste and stir well to ensure the pasta is coated evenly with the spicy, creamy sauce. The harissa will give the dish a unique flavor and a spicy kick, so be sure to adjust the amount based on your preference for heat.
Finish with bacon and cheese
Once the fries are done, plate them on a dish and pour the cheesy pasta over the top. Sprinkle crispy bacon bits on top of the pasta, and finish off with a generous sprinkle of parmesan cheese. If you’d like, garnish the dish with fresh herbs such as parsley or chives for an extra touch of freshness and color.
Necessary Tools
- Knife for chopping
- Microwave-safe bowl
- Fryer or oven
- Saucepan
- Wooden spoon
- Measuring spoons
- Large pot for pasta
Harissa Linguine Recipe Spicy, Creamy, and Totally Delicious!
Cuisine: Italian, TunisianDifficulty: Easy3
servings10
minutes15
minutes25
minutesIngredients
3 bacon rashers
660g potato
Frylight spray
1.5 tbsp Cajun seasoning
Pinch of salt
40ml milk
1 cheesy slice
10g grated mozzarella cheese mix
10g lightest cream cheese
5g parmesan
2 tbsp harissa paste (for the kick!)
200g linguine pasta
1 tablespoon olive oil
Fresh herbs for garnish (optional)
Directions
- Prepare the potatoes by chopping the potatoes into fries. Pop them in the microwave for about 7 minutes to soften them up. Once they’re soft, spray them with some Frylight, sprinkle on a pinch of salt, and add the Cajun seasoning. Toss them in the air fryer at 190°C for 15-20 minutes (or bake in the oven for 40 minutes), shaking them up halfway through to get them crispy.
- Make the cheesy sauce While your fries are cooking, heat up the milk, cheesy slice, grated mozzarella, and cream cheese in a saucepan over a low heat. Stir until it forms a thick, cheesy sauce. Add a pinch of salt and pepper to taste. Don’t rush it – this step is where all the creamy goodness comes together!
- Cook the linguine Meanwhile, cook the linguine in a large pot of boiling salted water for about 8-10 minutes or until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Combine the sauce and pasta Toss the cooked linguine in the creamy sauce and add in 2 tablespoons of harissa paste for that signature spicy kick. Stir well, making sure all the pasta is coated in the sauce.
- Finish with bacon and cheese Once your fries are done, layer them on a plate, pour the cheesy pasta over the top, then finish with crispy bacon bits and a sprinkle of parmesan. Garnish with fresh herbs for a pop of color!
Notes
- When using harissa, be mindful of how much you add, as it can get quite spicy! You can always start with less and add more if you want to ramp up the heat.
- Be sure to stir the cheesy sauce often as it heats up to avoid it from sticking to the pan.
- If you’re using the oven instead of an air fryer for the fries, remember to check them every 15 minutes to ensure they don’t burn.
Serving Suggestions
This harissa linguine is delicious on its own but can be paired with a fresh side salad or some roasted veggies to balance the heat. If you’re serving a crowd, you can make extra bacon and sprinkle it on top for even more flavor. It’s also great with a chilled glass of white wine!
Fun Fact
Did you know that harissa is a North African chili paste? It’s packed with spices like cumin and coriander, which add a unique depth of flavor to any dish!
Conclusion
This harissa linguine is one of those dishes that will have you coming back for more. It’s creamy, spicy, and full of flavor – a true crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or sharing with friends, this pasta is sure to make your taste buds dance. Enjoy every bite!
