Crispy Chicken with Harissa Tomato Pasta
Ingredients
- 1 poundchicken breast
- ·salt
- ·black pepper
- 3 tablespoonolive oil
- 4 clovesgarlic
- 2 tablespoonharissa paste
- 1 can (28 oz)crushed tomatoes
- 1 teaspoonhoney
- 12 ouncepasta (penne or rigatoni)
- ¼ teaspoonred pepper flakes
- ·fresh parsley
- 1lemon
Prep
- 01
Mince 4 cloves garlic.
- 02
Chop a handful of fresh parsley.
Method
- 01
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil for pasta.
- 02
Pat chicken dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt and black pepper.
- 03
Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once shimmering, add chicken and sear 6–7 minutes per side until golden and cooked through (165°F internal temperature). Transfer to a cutting board.
- 04
In the same skillet, add remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil and the minced garlic. Cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- 05
Stir in harissa paste and cook for 1 minute. Pour in crushed tomatoes and red pepper flakes. Add honey and stir well. Simmer for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- 06
Meanwhile, cook pasta according to package directions. Drain, reserving 1 cup pasta water.
- 07
Slice cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces. Add to the harissa sauce and toss gently. If sauce is too thick, add pasta water 1/4 cup at a time.
- 08
Add cooked pasta to the skillet and toss until well coated. Taste and adjust salt and pepper.
- 09
Divide among bowls. Squeeze lemon over each portion, top with fresh parsley, and serve hot.
Spice Tips
For milder flavor, reduce harissa to 1 tablespoon and omit the red pepper flakes. For serious heat, add 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper to the sauce. A dollop of Greek yogurt or crème fraîche stirred in at the end mellows the spice while adding richness.
Harissa paste brings a smoky North African heat; you'll find it at most supermarkets in the international aisle or near hot sauces. If unavailable, substitute 2 tablespoons tomato paste plus 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper. Leftovers keep refrigerated for 2 days and reheat gently on the stovetop.