Harissa Chicken Pasta with Chickpeas
A vibrant North African-inspired dish featuring tender chicken, smoky harissa, and protein-packed chickpeas in a garlic-herb sauce. This north african-inspired pasta (high-protein) ready in about 45 minutes pairs (6 oz each) chicken breast, harissa paste, (canned, drained) chickpeas for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 2 (6 oz each) chicken breast
- 2 tbsp harissa paste
- 1 cup (canned, drained) chickpeas
- 12 oz spaghetti
- 4 cloves (minced) garlic
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 cup (chopped) parsley
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F. Season chicken breasts with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp pepper. Mix 1 tbsp harissa paste, 1 tbsp olive oil, and 1 tbsp lemon juice; brush onto chicken. Bake for 20-22 minutes until golden and juices run clear.
- Step 2: While chicken cooks, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add spaghetti and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente. Drain, reserving 1/2 cup pasta water.
- Step 3: In a large skillet, heat 2 tbsp olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in chickpeas, remaining 1 tbsp harissa paste, and 1/4 tsp pepper. Cook for 3 minutes until heated through.
- Step 4: Add drained pasta, reserved pasta water, and parsley to the skillet. Toss for 2-3 minutes until sauce coats the pasta. Slice chicken into strips and add to the pan; mix until fully incorporated. Finish with remaining lemon juice and serve immediately.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Harissa Chicken Pasta with Chickpeas take to make?
Total time is about 45 minutes (15 min prep + 30 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Harissa Chicken Pasta with Chickpeas?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep (6 oz each) chicken breast from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Harissa Chicken Pasta with Chickpeas?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Harissa Chicken Pasta with Chickpeas for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
Is Harissa Chicken Pasta with Chickpeas high-protein?
Yes — this recipe is tagged high-protein based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
