Description
This vibrant and satisfying pasta dish features tender pasta coated in a light, savory sauce with the rich notes of sardines, brightened by lemon and fresh herbs, and finished with a delightful crunchy topping of toasted panko breadcrumbs. It’s a quick, easy, and incredibly flavorful meal perfect for any night of the week.
Ingredients
8 oz spaghetti or bucatini pasta
2 cans (4.3 oz each) sardines in olive oil, drained
3 tbsp olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
1/3 cup panko breadcrumbs
Zest and juice of 1 large lemon
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
Cook your spaghetti or bucatini in salty boiling water until perfectly al dente, making sure to save about half a cup of the pasta water before you drain it.
Gently toast the panko breadcrumbs in a tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet until they turn a lovely golden brown, then set them aside in a small dish.
Add the remaining two tablespoons of olive oil to the same skillet over medium heat, then sauté the minced garlic and red pepper flakes for about a minute until fragrant.
Introduce the drained sardines to the skillet, carefully breaking them into smaller pieces with your spoon.
Combine the drained pasta, lemon juice, lemon zest, and that reserved pasta water with the sardines in the skillet.
Stir everything together for two minutes, allowing the sauce to beautifully coat the pasta, and then gently fold in the chopped fresh parsley.
Serve in bowls, generously garnishing each with the delightful toasted crispy breadcrumbs.
Notes
Always reserve your pasta water. It’s the easiest way to create a silky, cohesive sauce without needing heavy cream.
When adding sardines to the skillet, be gentle as you break them up. You want some flaky pieces while also allowing some of the oil to meld with the sauce.
Keep a close eye on your panko breadcrumbs while toasting. They can go from golden to burnt very quickly.
Using fresh parsley and a fresh lemon will make a noticeable difference in the brightness and overall flavor of the finished dish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Pasta
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
Nutrition
- Calories: N/A
- Fat: N/A
- Carbohydrates: N/A
- Protein: N/A