Spicy Lemon Harissa Chicken Alfredo
This Spicy Lemon Harissa Chicken Alfredo combines juicy, spicy seared chicken with a creamy, garlicky Alfredo sauce infused with zesty lemon and smoky harissa paste. Tossed with your favorite pasta, it’s a rich, spicy, and tangy dish that brings a Mediterranean twist to classic Alfredo.
Time:
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients:
For the Chicken:
1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp harissa paste
Zest and juice of 1 lemon
1 garlic clove, minced
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Alfredo Sauce:
2 tbsp butter
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1 tbsp harissa paste
Juice of 1/2 lemon
Salt & pepper, to taste
Optional: pinch of chili flakes
Pasta:
8 oz (225g) fettuccine, linguine, or penne
Salt, for boiling water
Garnish:
Extra Parmesan
Fresh parsley or basil
Lemon zest
Instructions:
1. Marinate and Cook the Chicken:
In a bowl, combine chicken with olive oil, harissa, lemon zest + juice, garlic, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Let marinate for 15–30 minutes (or overnight).
Cook chicken in a hot skillet over medium-high heat for 5–6 minutes per side, or until golden and cooked through. Let rest, then slice thinly.
2. Cook the Pasta:
Boil pasta in salted water until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain and set aside.
3. Make the Alfredo Sauce:
In the same skillet, melt butter. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
Stir in heavy cream and harissa paste, simmer for 2–3 minutes.
Add Parmesan and stir until melted.
Squeeze in lemon juice, season with salt, pepper, and chili flakes if using.
Thin with pasta water as needed for desired consistency.
4. Assemble:
Add cooked pasta to the sauce and toss to coat.
Top with sliced spicy harissa chicken.
Garnish with parsley, Parmesan, and lemon zest.
Notes & Tips:
Harissa heat level varies. Start with less and adjust to your taste.
Lighten it up: Use half-and-half and skip the butter.
Add greens: Toss in baby spinach or kale at the end for a boost.
Vegetarian version: Use roasted cauliflower or chickpeas in place of chicken.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make it less spicy?
A: Yes, use half the harissa and no chili flakes.
Q: Can I substitute harissa?
A: Use chili garlic sauce or a mix of smoked paprika and cayenne, but harissa’s complex flavor is unique.
Q: Can I prep it ahead?
A: Cook the chicken and make the sauce ahead. Reheat gently with a splash of milk or cream.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 590
Protein: 38g
Carbs: 38g
Fat: 32g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 580mg