You know those nights where you’re staring into the fridge, hoping for a dinner idea to magically appear? I was having exactly one of those nights when this spaghetti was born. I pulled out some broccoli, a lonely lemon, and my favorite jar of harissa, and decided to just go for it. What came together in about 20 minutes was so good, I knew I had to share it with you immediately. This isn’t just another pasta dish; it’s my new go-to for when I need a meal that feels special without any of the fuss.
Try my Pistachio Pesto Pasta with Roasted Chickpeas recipe.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Let’s be real, this pasta is about to become your new weeknight hero. Here’s why it’s an absolute winner:
→ It’s a Flavor Adventure. We’re taking cozy spaghetti on a trip! You get the creamy, tangy sauce with a kick of harissa heat, all balanced by the fresh zip of lemon. It’s anything but boring.
→ Seriously Easy & Fast. From fridge to table in about 20 minutes? Yes, please. It’s perfect for those nights when you want something delicious without a big production.
→ The Sauce is Magically Creamy… without the cream! Thanks to coconut yogurt, the sauce is luxuriously rich and creamy, but it’s also naturally dairy-free. It’s a sneaky-good trick that everyone will love.
→ It Feels Fancy, Without the Fuss. Sliced chilies and vibrant green broccoli make this plate look like it came from a restaurant. You get to feel like a gourmet chef with minimal effort.
→ It’s Super Flexible. Don’t have broccoli? Try asparagus or zucchini. Not a fan of spice? Go easy on the harissa. This recipe is a fantastic template you can make your own.
Basically, it’s the perfect combo of simple, exciting, and downright delicious. Let’s get cooking.
Try my One-Pot Beef and Vegetable Pasta recipe.
What You’ll Need To Make
NOTE: For measurements and rest of the ingredients check the recipe card below.
Okay, let’s geek out for a second on what makes this pasta so darn good. It’s all about a few key players that work together like a dream team:
→ Harissa Paste: This is the secret weapon! It’s not just “hot” – it’s a complex, smoky, and garlicky chili paste that gives the sauce an incredible depth of flavor. A little jar lasts forever in your fridge and is about to become your new best friend.
→ Coconut Yogurt: Don’t worry, it doesn’t taste like coconut! Its real job here is to create the most luxuriously creamy, dairy-free sauce that beautifully balances the harissa’s spice. It’s a magic trick that feels indulgent but is actually pretty light.
→ That Fresh Lemon: Don’t you dare skip the zest and juice! While the harissa and yogurt create this rich, creamy base, the fresh lemon is the bright, zippy high-five that cuts through it all and makes every single bite taste vibrant and alive.
→ The Pasta Water: I know, I sound like a broken record, but please save your pasta water! That starchy, salty liquid is the key to turning thick ingredients into a silky, restaurant-quality sauce that clings perfectly to every noodle. It’s the ultimate kitchen hack
NOTE: For measurements and rest of the ingredients check the recipe card below.
What You’ll Need To Do
Time required: 25 mins Serves: 2
Alright, let’s turn these ingredients into a creamy, dreamy, and slightly spicy masterpiece!
1| Pasta Party Starter:Â Get your spaghetti cooking in a big pot of salted water, just like the package says. When it’s done, scoop out about a cup of that precious, starchy pasta water and then drain the noodles. Trust me, that water is liquid gold for our sauce!
2| Sizzle & Bloom:Â While the pasta is doing its thing, grab a large skillet and heat the olive oil over high heat. Toss in your broccoli florets and let them get friendly with the heat for about 5 minutes. You’re looking for them to get a few crispy bits and become a brighter green. Now, add the sliced garlic and chili, and give it all a quick stir. Inhale deeply that incredible fragrance is the sound of dinner coming together! Just 30 seconds is all they need.
3| Sauce Magic:Â Reduce the heat to low. Now, for the main event: plop in the coconut yogurt, harissa paste, lemon zest, and a good squeeze of that fresh lemon juice. It might look a little thick, so add a splash (or two) of that reserved pasta water you wisely saved. Stir it all together until it becomes a gloriously creamy and smooth sauce.
4| The Grand Finale:Â Add your cooked spaghetti directly into the skillet of saucy, broccolini goodness. Use tongs to toss and twirl until every single noodle is wearing a gorgeous coat of that creamy harissa sauce. Give it a taste and season with salt and pepper until it’s just right for you.
5| Serve it Up! Dish it out immediately, and if you’re feeling fancy (and extra spicy), top it with some extra sliced red chili for a gorgeous garnish.
Now, dig in and enjoy your handiwork! You just made something seriously delicious.
Glycemic Index (GI):Â ~58Â (Medium GI)
Glycemic Load (GL):Â ~26Â (Medium GL)
Get Free Cookbooks
Kickstart your keto journey with our FREE Keto Cookbooks! 🎉 Packed with delicious recipes, these print copies are yours for the taking. Don’t wait – order now and start cooking your way to a healthier you! 🚀📚
*Hurry! offer valid till stock lasts.
Mix It Up! Easy Ingredient Swaps
No harissa? No broccoli? No problem! This recipe is super flexible. Here are some simple swaps to use what you have or cater to your taste:
For the Pasta:
- Spaghetti: Any long pasta works great! Try linguine, fettuccine, or bucatini.
- Short Cut Pasta: This creamy sauce is also fantastic with penne, rigatoni, or fusilli they’re great at catching every bit of sauce in their nooks and crannies.
For the Veggies:
- Broccoli: Swap it for an equal amount of asparagus (cut into 1-inch pieces), chopped kale, or fresh spinach (add the spinach at the very end until it wilts).
- Want More Veg? Feel free to add a handful of frozen peas or canned chickpeas (rinsed and drained) when you add the sauce.
For the Sauce & Spice:
- Harissa Paste: If you don’t have harissa, you can use sriracha (start with 1 tsp and add more to taste) or chili garlic sauce. The flavor will be different but still deliciously spicy!
- Coconut Yogurt: Heavy cream or plain Greek yogurt (dairy or non-dairy) are perfect substitutes if you don’t need it to be dairy-free.
- Fresh Chili: A pinch of crushed red pepper flakes works in a pinch for that heat.
For the Lemon Zing:
- Fresh Lemon: No fresh lemon? A tablespoon of bottled lemon juice will work for the acidity, though you’ll miss the bright aroma of the fresh zest.
The goal is to get a delicious dinner on the table, so use what you’ve got and make it work for you
Try my Lemon and Herb Salmon Pasta recipe.
Feeling Adventurous? Try These Fun Twists!
Love the base recipe? Awesome! Now, let’s play with it. Here are some simple tweaks to create a whole new meal:
1| Protein Power-Up: Turn this from a side to a main event by adding a protein. Sliced sautéed shrimp, shredded rotisserie chicken, or a can of chickpeas (drained and rinsed) would be absolutely fantastic stirred in at the end.
2| Go Nutty & Herby: Right before serving, sprinkle on toasted pine nuts or slivered almonds for a delicious crunch. A handful of fresh chopped parsley or basil would add a wonderful, fresh finish.
3| “Creamy” Roasted Garlic: Swap the sliced garlic for roasted garlic! The flavor becomes sweet, mellow, and incredibly deep. Just squeeze the soft cloves from a head of roasted garlic into the sauce when you add the yogurt.
4| Smoky & Spicy: Add a few slices of chopped bacon or pancetta to the cold skillet. Cook until crispy, then use that rendered fat to cook your broccoli instead of the olive oil. You’ll get an incredible smoky base flavor.
5| Mediterranean Twist: Swap the harissa for sun-dried tomato paste and stir in a handful of crumbled feta cheese at the end. You’ll get a creamy, tangy, and totally different vibe.
6| Extra Veggie Boost: Stir in a few big handfuls of fresh baby spinach right after you add the pasta to the hot sauce. It will wilt perfectly and add a pop of color and nutrients.
Don’t be afraid to get creative and combine a few ideas like adding shrimp and toasted pine nuts. The recipe is your canvas
Try my Lemon and Herb Salmon Pasta recipe.
My Top Tips for Pasta Perfection
Want to make this dish absolutely foolproof? I’ve made this a bunch and learned a few tricks along the way. Here’s how to make it a total home run:
1| Don’t Ghost the Pasta Water! I’m saying it again because it’s that important. That starchy, salty water is the magic key to a silky, perfectly clingy sauce. Just scoop out a cup before you drain your noodles.
2| Cut Your Broccoli Right. Try to cut the florets into similar, small-ish sizes. This way, they’ll all cook evenly and get those nice little crispy, browned bits instead of steaming.
3| Blanch for Extra Vibrancy. For super vibrant green and tender-crisp broccoli, try this: after sautéing, add a splash of that reserved pasta water to the hot pan and let the broccoli steam for a minute. It brightens the color and perfects the texture!
4| Taste Your Harissa First. Harissa brands can vary a lot in their spice level. Give it a quick taste on a spoon so you know how much heat you’re working with. You can always add more, but you can’t take it out!
5| Get Your Pan HOT. Don’t be shy with the heat when you’re cooking the broccoli. A really hot skillet is what gives you those delicious caramelized, roasted flavors instead of just soft, steamed broccoli.
6| Finish in the Pan. The final step of tossing the drained pasta in the skillet with the sauce is non-negotiable. This is where the flavor gets to know every single noodle. Give it a good, thorough toss for a minute or two.
You’ve got this! Now go make some amazing pasta.
Try my Creamy Lemon and Green Pea Pasta recipe.
Smart & Savvy: How to Make This Recipe on a Budget
Eating well doesn’t have to break the bank! Here are my favorite hacks for making this delicious pasta without stretching your wallet:
1| Pasta is Your Pal:Â Stick with the classic spaghetti or any store-brand dried pasta. It’s almost always the cheapest base for a meal, and it works perfectly here.
2| Harissa Hack: If you don’t have harissa and don’t want to buy a whole jar, you can make a quick substitute. Mix a tablespoon of tomato paste with a ½ teaspoon of paprika and a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes. It won’t be identical, but it’ll give you that smoky, spicy vibe!
3| Yogurt Swap: Plain coconut yogurt can be pricey. Regular plain yogurt (Greek or standard) works just as well for the creamy sauce and is usually much easier on the wallet.
4| Broccoli Wisdom: Buy a whole head of broccoli instead of pre-cut florets. It’s significantly cheaper. Don’t toss the stem! You can peel the tough outer layer and chop the tender inside to use in the recipe it’s perfectly edible and reduces waste.
5| Garlic & Chili Savings: Buy garlic in a netted bag or a jar of pre-minced garlic for a better price per ounce. For the chili, a pinch of dried red pepper flakes is a fantastic and pantry-friendly alternative to a fresh red chili.
6| Love Your Leftovers:Â That harissa paste and yogurt won’t go to waste! Use the harissa in marinades for chicken, swirl it into soups, or mix it with mayo for a sandwich spread. The yogurt is great for breakfast parfaits or as a sour cream substitute.
A delicious, impressive dinner for two doesn’t get much cheaper or easier than this! Enjoy
Try my Creamy Cashew Tomato Pasta recipe.
Let’s Make It a Meal! Serving Ideas
This pasta is a star on its own, but if you want to turn it into a full-blown feast, here are some of my favorite ways to serve it up:
1| The Simple Side Salad: You can’t go wrong with a crisp, simple side salad to balance the creamy, spicy pasta. A classic arugula salad with a lemon vinaigrette or a romaine salad with a light Italian dressing is perfect.
2| The Bread Basket Essential: Serve it with a loaf of crusty garlic bread or some warm focaccia. It’s a must for wiping up every last bit of that delicious sauce from your plate no leftovers here!
3| Fancy It Up: For a restaurant-style touch, finish each plate with a sprinkle of toasted breadcrumbs for crunch or a little extra lemon zest to make the flavors pop.
4| Cooling Contrast: A simple, creamy dip on the side is amazing with the spice. A quick tzatziki or even a store-bought ranch dip works wonderfully to cool your palate between bites.
5| Perfect for a Party: This recipe doubles (or triples!) beautifully for a crowd. Just use a bigger pot and a larger skillet. It’s a guaranteed hit for potlucks or family dinners.
No matter how you serve it, you’re in for a treat! Enjoy.
Try my Creamy Broccoli Pasta recipe.
No Waste, All Taste: Storage & Reheating Tips
Got leftovers? No problem! This pasta keeps well if you store it right. Here’s how to bring it back to life so it tastes just as amazing as day one.
Storing Your Leftovers:
- Let the pasta cool completely before storing it.
- Pop it in a sealed, airtight container.
- It will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days.
The Best Way to Reheat (Seriously!):
- Steamy is the Dreamy Way: The microwave can make pasta rubbery. For best results, reheat it in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a splash of water, broth, or even a little more coconut yogurt to loosen the sauce back up. Stir gently until it’s heated through.
- Microwave Shortcut:Â If you’re in a rush, you can use the microwave. Just place the pasta in a microwave-safe bowl, sprinkle a tablespoon or two of water over the top, and cover the bowl loosely with a damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until warm. The steam from the wet paper towel will help keep it from drying out.
A Quick Heads-Up:
- The broccoli will soften a bit more upon reheating, but the flavor will still be fantastic!
- I don’t recommend freezing this one, as the creamy sauce can separate and become grainy when thawed.
Hope you enjoy your round-two dinner just as much
Try my Lemon Avocado Pasta Bowl recipe.
Final Thoughts
And there you have it my secret for turning a few simple ingredients into a seriously memorable dinner. I really hope this recipe finds a spot in your regular rotation and makes one of your weeknights a whole lot tastier. If you make it, I’d be absolutely thrilled to hear how it turned out for you. Now, go grab that skillet and get cooking. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you.
Recipe Card
Spaghetti with Broccoli and Creamy Harissa Sauce
My spaghetti with creamy harissa sauce is a flavor adventure! It's creamy, a little spicy, and so satisfying. You won't believe it's this easy to make.
Ingredients
Instructions
-
Cook the Pasta:
Cook the spaghetti in a large pot of generously salted boiling water according to the package directions. Before draining, reserve approximately 1 cup of the starchy pasta cooking water. Drain the spaghetti and set aside.
-
Sauté the Vegetables:
Place a large skillet over high heat and add the olive oil. Add the broccoli florets and sauté for approximately 5 minutes, until slightly tender and beginning to brown. Add the sliced garlic and chili to the skillet and sauté for a further 30 seconds, or until fragrant.
-
Prepare the Sauce:
Reduce the heat to low. To the skillet, add the coconut yogurt, harissa paste, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Incorporate a small splash (approximately 2-3 tablespoons) of the reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce to a creamy consistency, stirring to combine.
-
Combine and Season:
Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet. Using tongs, toss the pasta thoroughly until it is evenly coated in the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add additional pasta water, one tablespoon at a time, until the desired consistency is achieved. Season generously to taste with salt and black pepper.
-
Serve:
Transfer the pasta to serving bowls. Garnish with additional sliced chili, if desired. Serve immediately.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 2
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 373kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 16g25%
- Total Carbohydrate 50g17%
- Dietary Fiber 9g36%
- Protein 11g22%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
