Tinned Sardine Pasta with Tomato-Garlic Sauce and Crispy Breadcrumbs recipe

Tinned Sardine Pasta with Tomato-Garlic Sauce and Crispy Breadcrumbs

by Diana Opoti (@dianaopotieats)
Prep Time
10min
Cook Time
20min
Total Time
30min

A simple and flavorful pasta dish featuring tinned sardines in a tomato-garlic sauce, topped with crispy breadcrumbs.

Ingredients

4 Servings
(1 serving = one bowl)

Main Ingredients

  • 1can
    sardines in tomato sauce
  • 2clove
    garlic, minced
  • 1
    small onion, finely chopped
  • 2
    medium tomatoes, grated
  • 2tbsp
    olive oil
  • 1/4cup
    breadcrumbs
  • 200g
    pasta (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

  1. Cook the pasta in salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving a little pasta water.

    Step 1.1: Cook the pasta in salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente

Make the Sardine Tomato Sauce

  1. 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.

  2. Add the grated tomatoes and cook for another 3-4 minutes until the sauce starts to thicken slightly.

    Step 2.1: Add the grated tomatoes and cook for another 3-4 minutes until the sauce starts to thicken slightly

Add the Sardines

  1. Add the sardines along with their tomato sauce to the skillet. Break them up gently with a spoon and stir to combine.

    Step 3.1: Add the sardines along with their tomato sauce to the skillet
  2. 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

  1. 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.

    Step 4.1: In a small pan, heat 1 tbsp olive oil over medium heat
  2. 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.

    Step 4.1: Toss the cooked pasta into the sardine tomato sauce, mixing well to coat the pasta
    Step 4.2: Toss the cooked pasta into the sardine tomato sauce, mixing well to coat the pasta

Tips & Tricks

  1. Reserve some pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency if needed.

  2. For extra flavor, add a pinch of chili flakes to the sauce.