This Mediterranean-inspired sardine pasta combines the bold flavors of canned sardines with a bright tomato sauce and a fresh gremolata topping. It’s an easy sardine pasta recipe that showcases the best of Mediterranean pasta traditions.
The dish starts with sautéed garlic, onions, and cherry tomatoes simmered into a light yet flavorful sauce. Cooked pasta is tossed with the sauce and flaked sardines, allowing their richness to coat the noodles.
Exploring Mediterranean Flavors
The Mediterranean region is renowned for its vibrant and diverse culinary traditions. One dish that captures this essence is the Mediterranean sardine tomato pasta. This delightful meal combines the rich flavors of canned sardines with a zesty tomato sauce, creating a satisfying experience for the palate.
With its easy preparation, this sardine pasta recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner. The combination of spaghetti, flaked sardines, and a fresh gremolata topping brings together a medley of tastes that are both comforting and invigorating. Each bite offers a burst of flavor, making it a standout choice among pasta with sardines recipes.
Ingredients That Shine
The beauty of this dish lies in its simple yet flavorful ingredients. Starting with spaghetti, the foundation of the meal, the addition of canned sardines provides a rich source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids. The tomato sauce, made from sautéed garlic, onions, and cherry tomatoes, adds a delightful sweetness and acidity.
To elevate the dish, a gremolata made from fresh parsley, lemon zest, and minced garlic is sprinkled on top. This bright garnish not only enhances the visual appeal but also adds a refreshing contrast to the savory elements of the pasta. Together, these ingredients create a harmonious blend that is characteristic of Mediterranean pasta.
Preparation Made Simple
Preparing this pasta with sardines is straightforward and quick. Begin by boiling salted water to cook the spaghetti until it reaches the perfect al dente texture. While the pasta cooks, sauté the onions and garlic in olive oil until they become translucent, releasing their aromatic flavors.
Next, add the cherry tomatoes to the skillet, allowing them to soften and meld with the other ingredients. Once the tomatoes are ready, gently fold in the flaked sardines and cooked pasta, ensuring everything is well combined and heated through. This step is crucial for allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
The Bright Touch of Gremolata
Gremolata is a traditional Italian condiment that adds a burst of freshness to many dishes. In this recipe, it plays a vital role in balancing the richness of the sardines and the tomato sauce. To prepare the gremolata, simply mix together chopped parsley, lemon zest, and minced garlic in a small bowl.
Once the pasta is plated, generously sprinkle the gremolata on top. The bright green parsley and zesty lemon create an inviting visual contrast against the rich red sauce, making the dish not only delicious but also visually appealing.
Serving Suggestions
This Mediterranean sardine tomato pasta is perfect for a casual dinner or a gathering with friends. Serve it with a side of crusty bread to soak up any leftover sauce, and consider pairing it with a light salad for a complete meal.
For those who enjoy a little extra flavor, a small bowl of additional gremolata on the side allows guests to customize their servings. This flexibility makes the dish even more enjoyable, catering to individual preferences.
Nutritional Benefits
Not only is this dish a treat for the taste buds, but it also offers several nutritional benefits. With approximately 350 calories per serving, it provides a balanced meal option that includes healthy fats from the sardines and carbohydrates from the pasta.
Rich in protein and packed with vitamins from the fresh ingredients, this easy sardine pasta is a wholesome choice for anyone looking to incorporate more Mediterranean flavors into their diet. Enjoying this dish is not just a culinary experience; it’s also a step towards a healthier lifestyle.
Easy Sardine Tomato Pasta Recipe
This pasta with sardines features a zesty gremolata of parsley, lemon zest, and garlic sprinkled over the top, adding freshness and balance. Simple to prepare, this dish makes a wholesome and satisfying weeknight meal.
Ingredients
- 400g spaghetti or your choice of pasta
- 1 can (about 200g) sardines in olive oil, drained and flaked
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 250g cherry tomatoes, halved
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1 clove garlic, minced (for gremolata)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until translucent (about 3-4 minutes).
- Add Tomatoes: Stir in the cherry tomatoes and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
- Combine with Sardines: Gently fold in the flaked sardines and cooked pasta, tossing to combine and heat through.
- Prepare Gremolata: In a small bowl, mix together the chopped parsley, lemon zest, and minced garlic.
- Serve: Plate the pasta and top with the gremolata. Garnish with additional parsley if desired.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Servings: 4 servings
- Calories: 350kcal
- Fat: 15g
- Protein: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 40g