Harissa Pasta with No-Cook Ricotta Sauce, gluten-free
Updated: 6 days ago
This Harissa Pasta with No-Cook Ricotta Sauce combines creamy ricotta, sun-dried tomatoes, lemon and gentle chilli heat for an easy, flavour-packed gluten-free dinner.
About This Harissa Pasta with No-Cook Ricotta Sauce
Harissa is a North African chilli paste, particularly associated with Tunisian cooking, known for its warmth, spice and rich flavour. Pairing it with smooth Italian ricotta creates a delicious contrast, bringing together gentle heat and creamy richness in one simple pasta sauce.
What makes this recipe special is that the sauce requires absolutely no cooking. The ricotta, harissa, sun-dried tomatoes, garlic and lemon are blended together while the gluten-free pasta cooks. The sun-dried tomatoes add sweetness, while the lemon balances the richness.
Finished with fresh basil, Parmesan and crunchy roasted almonds, it's a wonderful example of how a handful of ingredients can create something full of flavour without spending much time in the kitchen.
Watch How to Make Harissa Pasta with No-Cook Ricotta Sauce
Helpful Tips
Choosing the Pasta.
Gluten-free strozzapreti, rigatoni or penne all work beautifully. Cook according to packet instructions and avoid overcooking, as gluten-free pasta can become soft quite quickly.
Ricotta Cheese.
Use smooth, full-fat ricotta for the creamiest sauce. There's no need to heat it separately, as the warm pasta helps bring everything together.
Harissa Paste.
Harissa varies in heat depending on the brand. Use ½ tablespoon for a milder flavour or increase to 2 tablespoons if you enjoy more spice. Check the label to ensure it's gluten-free.
Sun-Dried Tomatoes.
Semi sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil add sweetness and richness, balancing the warmth of the harissa and the freshness of the lemon.
No Food Processor?
Finely chop the sun-dried tomatoes and garlic, then mix the sauce ingredients by hand. The texture will be slightly chunkier but equally delicious.
Easy Variations.
Add shredded chicken or tuna for extra protein, stir through baby spinach or rocket, or add roasted capsicum. Pine nuts or walnuts can also replace the almonds.
Make Ahead.
Prepare the ricotta sauce up to 2 days in advance and refrigerate in an airtight container. Cook the pasta fresh and toss everything together when ready to serve.
Storing Leftovers.
Refrigerate leftover pasta in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Enjoy chilled, at room temperature or gently reheated.
What to Serve with Harissa Pasta
Harissa Pasta with No-Cook Ricotta Sauce
Serves: 4
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Recipe Category: Pasta
Recipe Cuisine: Mediterranean-Inspired
INGREDIENTS
1 packet Rigatoni, Strozzapreti, or Penne pasta, gluten-free
Sauce
¾ cup semi sun-dried tomatoes in oil
200g smooth ricotta
2 garlic cloves, chopped
3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon harissa paste*
1 teaspoon dried oregano
3 tablespoons grated parmesan, plus extra
½ cup warm water
Garnish
12 roasted almonds, roughly chopped
20+ fresh basil leaves
Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
*Adjust the harissa to your liking- half a tablespoon for mild, 2 tablespoons for a serious kick.
INSTRUCTIONS
1. Cook the Pasta
Cook the gluten-free pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to packet directions. Drain and set aside.
2. Make the No-Cook Ricotta Sauce
While the pasta is cooking, add the semi sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, ricotta, parmesan, harissa paste, oregano, lemon juice, and warm water to a food processor. Blend until smooth, creamy, and well combined.
3. Toss the Pasta with the Sauce
Transfer the ricotta sauce to a large serving bowl. Add the cooked pasta and toss until evenly coated. Season with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
4. Garnish and Serve
Top with the chopped roasted almonds, fresh basil leaves, and extra grated Parmesan. Serve immediately while warm or enjoy at room temperature.
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Margaret Pahos @CreateCookShare
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