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
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.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
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.
