Tunisian Makarouna with Spiced Tomato Sauce and Olives
Pasta tossed in a rich, spiced tomato sauce with black olives and aromatic North African spices, perfect for a comforting meal. This african-inspired pasta (vegetarian) ready in about 35 minutes blends macaroni pasta, olive oil, medium onion, finely chopped into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 400 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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
- 12 oz macaroni pasta
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 28 oz canned crushed tomatoes
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 cup black olives, pitted and halved
- 1 tbsp harissa paste
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 oz macaroni pasta and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Step 2: While the pasta cooks, heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 medium finely chopped onion and sauté for 5 minutes until translucent.
- Step 3: Add 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp ground coriander, 1 tsp ground cumin, and 1 tsp smoked paprika to the skillet. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 4: Stir in 28 oz canned crushed tomatoes, 1 tbsp harissa paste, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Simmer over low heat for 15 minutes until sauce thickens.
- Step 5: Add 1/2 cup halved black olives to the sauce and cook for 5 minutes more to meld flavors.
- Step 6: Toss the drained macaroni pasta into the sauce until fully coated. Sprinkle 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley on top before serving.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Tunisian Makarouna with Spiced Tomato Sauce and Olives take to make?
Total time is about 35 minutes (10 min prep + 25 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Tunisian Makarouna with Spiced Tomato Sauce and Olives?
Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.
Can I substitute ingredients in Tunisian Makarouna with Spiced Tomato Sauce and Olives?
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 Tunisian Makarouna with Spiced Tomato Sauce and Olives 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 Tunisian Makarouna with Spiced Tomato Sauce and Olives vegetarian?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
