why make this recipe
Sardine pasta is a simple yet delightful dish that combines the rich flavors of sardines with the comfort of spaghetti. It’s a quick meal that’s packed with nutrition, making it perfect for busy weeknights. Plus, it’s a great way to incorporate fish into your diet if you’re not a fan of cooking seafood from scratch. The ingredients are easy to find, and the entire dish comes together in about 20 minutes.
how to make Sardine Pasta
Ingredients:
- 200 g gluten free spaghetti
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tins sardines in tomato sauce (I use the 95g tins – use just one tin if you don’t like it too fishy)
- 4 tsp chopped garlic
- 1 tsp chilli flakes
- 1 tbsp capers (roughly chopped)
- 400 g finely chopped tinned tomatoes
- 50 g green olives (pitted and roughly chopped)
- Fresh parsley (to garnish)
- Finely grated parmesan (to garnish)
Directions:
- Cook the gluten free spaghetti as per the pack instructions in boiling, salted water. This usually takes 8-12 minutes, depending on the brand.
- While the spaghetti is cooking, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the chopped garlic and chilli flakes, frying gently for about 3-4 minutes.
- Once the garlic is fragrant, add the sardines in tomato sauce to the pan, along with the tinned tomatoes, capers, and olives. Mix everything well, breaking up the sardines a bit as you do. Let the mixture simmer until the pasta is cooked.
- Drain the cooked spaghetti and add it to the pan. Toss everything together until the pasta is well coated in the sauce.
- Serve the dish garnished with plenty of fresh chopped parsley and a sprinkle of finely grated parmesan cheese.
how to serve Sardine Pasta
Sardine pasta is best served hot, right after cooking. You can place the pasta directly onto plates or in a large serving bowl. For an extra touch, add a squeeze of lemon juice or some extra parsley on top to brighten up the flavors.
how to store Sardine Pasta
If you have leftovers, let the pasta cool completely. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to eat it again, reheat in a pan over low heat or in the microwave until warmed through.
tips to make Sardine Pasta
- For added texture, consider tossing in some sautéed spinach or kale.
- If you like it spicy, increase the amount of chili flakes.
- You can replace gluten-free pasta with regular spaghetti if gluten is not a concern.
variation
If you’re not a fan of sardines, you can substitute them with canned tuna or flaked salmon. Both options will still give you a great flavor profile while keeping the dish simple.
FAQs
1. Can I use fresh sardines instead of canned?
Yes, you can! Just cook the fresh sardines separately and add them to the sauce before mixing with the pasta.
2. Is this recipe suitable for those with allergies?
The dish contains gluten-free ingredients, but make sure to check for any allergies to fish, garlic, or other ingredients. You can modify accordingly.
3. Can I freeze this pasta?
While it is safe to freeze the cooked pasta, the texture may change upon reheating. It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze the sauce separately for better results.
Sardine Pasta
Ingredients
Pasta Ingredients
- 200 g gluten free spaghetti
Sauce Ingredients
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tins sardines in tomato sauce Use just one tin if you don't like it too fishy.
- 4 tsp chopped garlic
- 1 tsp chilli flakes
- 1 tbsp capers Roughly chopped.
- 400 g finely chopped tinned tomatoes
- 50 g green olives Pitted and roughly chopped.
- Fresh parsley To garnish.
- Finely grated parmesan To garnish.
Instructions
Cooking the Pasta
- Cook the gluten free spaghetti as per the package instructions in boiling, salted water, usually taking 8-12 minutes.
Preparing the Sauce
- While the spaghetti is cooking, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pan over medium heat.
- Add the chopped garlic and chilli flakes, frying gently for about 3-4 minutes.
- Once fragrant, add the sardines in tomato sauce, tinned tomatoes, capers, and olives. Mix well and break up the sardines slightly. Let simmer until the pasta is cooked.
Combining the Ingredients
- Drain the cooked spaghetti and add it to the pan. Toss everything together until the pasta is well coated in the sauce.
Serving
- Serve the dish hot, garnished with fresh chopped parsley and a sprinkle of finely grated parmesan cheese.