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Sardine Pasta With Lemon and Garlic Crumbs

Sardine Pasta With Lemon and Garlic Crumbs in 30 Minutes

Quick Sardine Pasta With Lemon and Garlic Crumbs delivers a delightful taste experience using simple pantry ingredients.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 2 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 480
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 8 ounces Spaghetti or Linguine Choose longer noodles for a beautiful texture that complements the breadcrumbs.
For the Sardine Mixture
  • 1 tin Sardines (packed in extra-virgin olive oil) Provides a rich umami flavor and protein boost; boneless is preferred.
  • 2 cloves Garlic (minced) Enhances the overall flavor.
  • 1 cup Sweet Onion (chopped) Adds a sweet depth; caramelized for optimal flavor.
  • 2 tablespoons Extra-Virgin Olive Oil For sautéing, delivering healthy fats and richness to the dish.
  • 2 tablespoons Capers (drained, optional) Introduces a briny burst that pairs beautifully with sardines.
For the Crunch
  • ¾ cup Fresh Breadcrumbs or Panko Fresh is best, but panko works well in a hurry.
  • Salt and Freshly Ground Black Pepper Essential for enhancing the dish’s flavor.
  • ¼ teaspoon Crushed Red Pepper (optional) Gives a touch of heat; adjust according to your preference.
For Garnish
  • ¼ cup Fresh Parsley (chopped) Adds freshness and a pop of color when serving.
  • for serving wedge Lemon Wedges Enhances the dish with a burst of fresh lemon juice.

Equipment

  • large pot
  • Skillet
  • Spatula

Method
 

Step‑By‑Step Instructions
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil, add spaghetti or linguine, and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water and drain the pasta.
  2. While the pasta cooks, drain excess oil from sardines into a large skillet and warm over medium heat for a minute.
  3. Add minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant and lightly golden.
  4. Add fresh breadcrumbs to the skillet, season with salt and pepper, and cook 2-4 minutes until golden brown. Transfer to a bowl and set aside.
  5. In the same skillet, add olive oil and chopped onion, sauté for 5-7 minutes until soft and golden.
  6. Add sardines back to the skillet, breaking them apart slightly, and heat for about 2 minutes.
  7. Stir in lemon zest, chopped parsley, capers (if using), and crushed red pepper into the sardine mixture.
  8. Add drained pasta and reserved pasta water to the skillet, tossing everything together until well coated.
  9. Add toasted breadcrumbs to the pasta mix, toss to combine, and serve garnished with parsley and lemon wedges.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 480kcalCarbohydrates: 57gProtein: 25gFat: 21gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 14gCholesterol: 60mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 450mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 10IUVitamin C: 14mgCalcium: 4mgIron: 15mg

Notes

Serve with a refreshing salad or crusty bread for a complete meal. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.

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