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Creamy Harissa Spaghetti with Feta and Crispy Spring Onions

This creamy harissa spaghetti with feta and crispy spring onions is a bold, flavor-packed pasta dish that combines smoky heat, salty cheese, and fresh herbs in perfect balance. The harissa paste creates a rich, glossy sauce that clings to every strand of spaghetti, while crumbled feta adds creaminess and crisped spring onions bring freshness and crunch. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s an easy weeknight meal that tastes restaurant-worthy and showcases vibrant Mediterranean-inspired flavors.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Resting for crisping onions 5 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 2 people
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Calories: 580
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 200 g spaghetti use your preferred pasta shape
  • 3 tbsp harissa paste adjust to preferred spice level
  • 20 g parmesan cheese finely grated
  • 50 g feta cheese crumbled
  • 2 spring onions finely sliced
  • 2 sprigs fresh coriander leaves only, for garnish
  • 1 mug pasta water reserved from cooking
  • salt for boiling pasta

Method
 

Cooking Instructions
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti until al dente according to package instructions.
  2. While the pasta cooks, slice the spring onions thinly and place them in a bowl of iced water to crisp for about 5 minutes.
  3. Once the pasta is cooked, reserve one mug of pasta water and drain the rest.
  4. Return the hot pasta to the pot. Add the harissa paste and grated parmesan.
  5. Gradually pour in small splashes of reserved pasta water while stirring until a glossy, creamy sauce coats the spaghetti.
  6. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Add more pasta water if the sauce feels too thick.
  7. Plate the pasta and top with crumbled feta, crisp spring onions, and fresh coriander leaves.

Notes

  • Use milder or hotter harissa depending on your spice preference.
  • Save extra pasta water—it helps you adjust the sauce consistency perfectly.
  • Soaking the onions in ice water enhances their crunch and makes a great texture contrast.
  • For added protein, you can top the pasta with grilled chicken or shrimp.