Description
A quick and flavorful Sardine Pasta featuring angel hair or spaghetti tossed with a zesty lemon, capers, and chili flakes sauce, enriched with the savory goodness of sardines sautéed in olive oil. This 20-minute recipe delivers a bright, spicy, and satisfying seafood pasta perfect for a weeknight meal.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 8 ounces angel hair (capellini) or spaghetti pasta
Sauce
- 6 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1/4 cup shallots, minced
- 2 teaspoons lemon zest
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (or more to taste)
- 1 package (4.375 oz) Season Brand Sardines in Pure Olive Oil, drained
- 3 tablespoons capers, rinsed
- 5 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (or more to taste)
- 3 tablespoons fresh parsley or basil, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the Sauce: Heat 6 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil in a large sauté pan over medium heat. Add minced shallots, lemon zest, crushed red pepper flakes, and salt. Sauté until shallots become soft and translucent, being careful not to burn them. Add the drained sardines and rinsed capers, cooking for about 2 minutes while gently breaking up the sardines into smaller pieces to warm them through.
- Add Lemon Juice: Once the sardines start to turn golden, slowly stir in 5 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice. Reduce the heat to the lowest setting to keep the sauce warm while you cook the pasta.
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve one cup of the pasta cooking water and then drain the pasta.
- Toss Pasta with Sauce: Add the drained pasta and chopped fresh parsley or basil to the pan with the sauce. Toss gently to evenly coat the noodles with the sauce. If the pasta seems dry, gradually add reserved pasta water, one tablespoon at a time, until achieving a light, silky coating on the pasta.
- Final Seasoning and Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt, lemon juice, or chili flakes if desired. Serve the pasta hot, garnished with extra fresh herbs if preferred.
Notes
- Use fresh lemons for the best bright lemon flavor.
- Adjust the red pepper flakes to control the spice level.
- Reserve pasta water to help blend and loosen the sauce without adding extra oil.
- Capers add a nice briny touch but rinse them to reduce saltiness.
- Fresh parsley and basil both work well; choose based on your preference.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute pasta with gluten-free pasta.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
