Tinned Sardine Pasta with Tomato-Garlic Sauce and Crispy Breadcrumbs
by Diana Opoti (@dianaopotieats)A simple and flavorful pasta dish featuring tinned sardines in a tomato-garlic sauce, topped with crispy breadcrumbs.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1cansardines in tomato sauce
- 2clovegarlic, minced
- 1small onion, finely chopped
- 2medium tomatoes, grated
- 2tbspolive oil
- 1/4cupbreadcrumbs
- 200gpasta (spaghetti or linguine)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)
How to make Tinned Sardine Pasta with Tomato-Garlic Sauce and Crispy Breadcrumbs
Prepare the Pasta
Cook the pasta in salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving a little pasta water.
Make the Sardine Tomato Sauce
In a large skillet over medium heat, add 1 tbsp olive oil. Sauté the minced garlic and chopped onion until they’re soft and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
Add the grated tomatoes and cook for another 3-4 minutes until the sauce starts to thicken slightly.
Add the Sardines
Add the sardines along with their tomato sauce to the skillet. Break them up gently with a spoon and stir to combine.
Let the sauce simmer for 3-5 minutes, adding a bit of the reserved pasta water if needed to achieve a smooth consistency. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Prepare the Crispy Breadcrumbs
In a small pan, heat 1 tbsp olive oil over medium heat. Add the breadcrumbs and fry, stirring frequently, until golden and crispy. Remove from heat and set aside.
Toss the cooked pasta into the sardine tomato sauce, mixing well to coat the pasta. Serve in bowls, topped with crispy breadcrumbs and a sprinkle of fresh parsley if desired.
Tips & Tricks
Reserve some pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency if needed.
For extra flavor, add a pinch of chili flakes to the sauce.