why make this recipe
Sardine Pasta with Lemon & Garlic Crumbs is a delicious and easy meal that brings together the rich flavors of sardines with zesty lemon and crunchy garlic breadcrumbs. This recipe is quick to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights. Plus, sardines are packed with nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids, making this dish as healthy as it is tasty.
how to make Sardine Pasta With Lemon & Garlic Crumbs
Ingredients:
- 6 ounces spaghetti or linguine
- 1 tin sardines packed in extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 3/4 cup fresh breadcrumbs (or panko)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 cup chopped sweet onion
- Zest of 1/2 lemon
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 2 tablespoons capers (drained, optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper (optional)
- Lemon wedges for serving
Directions:
- Put a pot of salted water on to boil for the pasta.
- Drain the olive oil from the sardines into a frying pan and set the fish aside. Heat the pan over medium heat, add the garlic, and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Add the breadcrumbs, season lightly with salt and pepper, and continue cooking, stirring often, until the crumbs are lightly toasted and crisp, 2 to 4 minutes. Transfer them to a plate and set aside.
- Return the pan to the stove and add the 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Add the chopped onion, season lightly with salt and pepper, and sauté until soft and golden brown, 5 to 7 minutes.
- Add the sardines, break them apart gently, and cook just long enough to heat them through, about 2 minutes. Stir in the lemon zest, parsley, capers, and crushed red pepper. Remove from the heat and cover to keep warm.
- Cook the pasta according to package directions, reserving 1/2 cup of the cooking liquid. Drain the pasta and add it to the sardine mixture.
- Toss all the ingredients together, adding the pasta water, one or two tablespoons at a time, as needed to help coat the pasta and distribute the sardines and sautéed onion.
- Add the toasted breadcrumbs, toss again, and plate individual servings. Garnish with lemon wedges and a sprinkling of black pepper if desired.
how to serve Sardine Pasta With Lemon & Garlic Crumbs
Serve the Sardine Pasta hot, garnished with lemon wedges and a sprinkle of black pepper. This dish pairs well with a simple garden salad or some steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
how to store Sardine Pasta With Lemon & Garlic Crumbs
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They can be kept for up to 2 days. When reheating, add a little water or olive oil to keep the pasta from drying out.
tips to make Sardine Pasta With Lemon & Garlic Crumbs
- Use good quality sardines packed in olive oil for the best flavor.
- Feel free to adjust the level of crushed red pepper according to your spice preference.
- For extra flavor, add some grated Parmesan cheese on top before serving.
variation
You can substitute sardines with canned tuna if you prefer. Adjust the seasoning as needed and add some steamed vegetables to make it even more nutritious.
FAQs
-
Can I use frozen sardines?
Yes, you can use frozen sardines. Just make sure to thaw and cook them thoroughly before adding them to the dish. -
Is this dish gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta instead of regular spaghetti or linguine. -
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, you can skip the sardines and add extra vegetables like mushrooms or spinach instead while using vegetable broth for flavor.
Sardine Pasta With Lemon & Garlic Crumbs
Ingredients
Pasta and Sardines
- 6 ounces spaghetti or linguine
- 1 tin sardines packed in extra-virgin olive oil Use good quality for the best flavor.
- 2 cloves garlic Minced
- 1/4 cup capers Drained, optional
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper Optional, adjust to spice preference.
Breadcrumbs and Toppings
- 3/4 cup fresh breadcrumbs Or panko
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 cup chopped sweet onion
- 1/2 lemon Zest
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
For Serving
- Lemon wedges For garnish
Seasoning
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
Prepare Ingredients
- Put a pot of salted water on to boil for the pasta.
- Drain the olive oil from the sardines into a frying pan and set the fish aside.
Cook Breadcrumbs
- Heat the frying pan over medium heat, add the garlic, and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Add the breadcrumbs, season lightly with salt and pepper, and continue cooking, stirring often, until the crumbs are lightly toasted and crisp, 2 to 4 minutes.
- Transfer the toasted breadcrumbs to a plate and set aside.
Cook Onions and Sardines
- Return the pan to the stove and add the 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
- Add the chopped onion, season lightly with salt and pepper, and sauté until soft and golden brown, 5 to 7 minutes.
- Add the sardines, break them apart gently, and cook just long enough to heat them through, about 2 minutes.
- Stir in the lemon zest, parsley, capers, and crushed red pepper. Remove from the heat and cover to keep warm.
Cook Pasta
- Cook the pasta according to package directions, reserving 1/2 cup of the cooking liquid.
- Drain the pasta and add it to the sardine mixture.
Combine and Serve
- Toss all the ingredients together, adding the pasta water, one or two tablespoons at a time, as needed to help coat the pasta and distribute the sardines and sautéed onion.
- Add the toasted breadcrumbs, toss again, and plate individual servings.
- Garnish with lemon wedges and a sprinkling of black pepper if desired.