Easy Sardines Pasta in Tomato Sauce Recipe

sardines

🥗Healthier: mackerel

💰Cheaper: canned tuna

Mackerel is a similar fish with a similar taste and texture.

canned tomatoes

🥗Healthier: fresh tomatoes

💰Cheaper: crushed tomatoes

Fresh tomatoes can provide a fresher taste.

olive oil

🥗Healthier: avocado oil

💰Cheaper: vegetable oil

Avocado oil has a high smoke point and is healthier.

capers

💰Cheaper: green olives

Green olives can provide a similar briny flavor.

Boil salted water in a large pot.

Once boiling, add pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente.

Heat a skillet and add about 3 tablespoons of olive oil to coat the pan.

Once the pan is hot, add chopped onions and sauté for 2 minutes until translucent.

Lower the heat and add sliced garlic; sauté until golden brown.

Add canned tomatoes and sauté.

Slowly add 2 cans of sardines in tomato sauce and let simmer for 5 to 8 minutes, breaking sardines into smaller pieces as they cook.

Add about 3 tablespoons of tomato paste and 2 tablespoons of sugar to balance acidity.

Add 1 tablespoon of freshly squeezed lemon juice and optionally lemon zest.

Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.

Add 1 tablespoon of dried chili flakes, chopped green olives, capers, and finely chopped fresh herbs (basil, thyme, or rosemary).

Toss in about 200 to 250 grams of cooked pasta and mix well with the sauce.

Transfer to a serving plate and optionally top with grated mozzarella cheese, allowing it to melt.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Allergens