Best Canned Sardine Pasta Recipe
This canned sardine pasta recipe combines spaghetti, garlic, olive oil, lemon, and canned sardines to create a quick, flavorful Mediterranean-inspired dinner that is healthy, affordable, and ready in under 30 minutes.
Equipment
- Large pasta pot For boiling pasta
- Colander For draining pasta
- Large skillet For preparing sauce
- Wooden spoon Stirring ingredients
- Chef's knife Chopping garlic and parsley
- Cutting board Food preparation
- Citrus zester For lemon zest
Ingredients
- 12 ounces Spaghetti Or linguine
- 2 cans (3.75 oz each) Sardines Packed in olive oil, drained
- 4 cloves Garlic Minced
- 3 tbsp Extra virgin olive oil Divided
- 1 tsp Red pepper flakes Optional
- 1 tbsp Lemon zest Freshly grated
- 2 tbsp Lemon juice Freshly squeezed
- ¼ cup Fresh parsley Chopped
- ½ tsp Salt Adjust to taste
- ¼ tsp Black pepper Freshly ground
- ¼ cup Reserved pasta water As needed
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti according to package directions until al dente.
- Reserve ¼ cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Stir in red pepper flakes if using and cook for another 30 seconds.
- Add the drained sardines and gently break them apart with a wooden spoon.
- Mix in lemon zest and lemon juice.
- Add the cooked pasta and toss everything together.
- Pour in a little reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
- Season with salt and black pepper.
- Add chopped parsley and toss again.
- Serve immediately with extra lemon wedges if desired.
Video
Notes
- Choose sardines packed in olive oil for the best flavor.
- Avoid overcooking the garlic as it can become bitter.
- Fresh lemon juice significantly improves the final taste.
- Add extra vegetables such as spinach or cherry tomatoes if desired.
- Serve immediately for the best texture.
For an authentic Mediterranean touch, sprinkle toasted breadcrumbs over the finished pasta. The crunchy topping contrasts beautifully with the tender pasta and rich sardines.
