Description
A flavorful and nutritious pasta dish featuring tender sardines, garlic, cherry tomatoes, and olives, tossed in a light olive oil sauce for a perfect Mediterranean-inspired meal. Quick, healthy, and bursting with fresh flavors!
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- 8 oz spaghetti or linguine
- 1 can sardines in olive oil, drained
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup black olives, sliced
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tbsp capers (optional)
- Juice of 1/2 lemon
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)
Instructions
-
Cook the Pasta:
- Cook spaghetti in salted boiling water according to package instructions.
- Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water before draining.
-
Sauté the Aromatics:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add garlic and red onion, sautéing until fragrant.
-
Cook the Vegetables & Sardines:
- Stir in cherry tomatoes, olives, and red pepper flakes.
- Cook for 3 minutes, until tomatoes soften.
- Add the sardines, gently breaking them into pieces.
- Stir in capers and lemon juice.
-
Toss the Pasta:
- Add the cooked pasta, tossing to coat.
- Stir in reserved pasta water as needed for a light sauce.
-
Garnish & Serve:
- Remove from heat and stir in chopped parsley.
- Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Serve warm with grated Parmesan if desired.
Notes
- For a spicy kick, increase the red pepper flakes.
- Swap black olives for green olives or kalamata olives for variety.
- Works great with whole wheat or gluten-free pasta for dietary preferences.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course, Pasta
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean, Italian
