Tinned Sardine Pasta with Tomato-Garlic Sauce and Crispy Breadcrumbs

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Diana Opoti (@dianaopotieats)

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

Prep Time
10min
Cook Time
20min
Total Time
30min
Tinned Sardine Pasta with Tomato-Garlic Sauce and Crispy Breadcrumbs recipe

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.

FAQS

  1. How do I cook tinned sardine pasta with tomato-garlic sauce?

    To cook tinned sardine pasta with tomato-garlic sauce, start by boiling your pasta in salted water until al dente. In a skillet, sauté minced garlic and chopped onion in olive oil until soft, then add grated tomatoes and cook until thickened. Stir in the sardines and simmer, adding reserved pasta water for consistency. Finally, mix in the cooked pasta and top with crispy breadcrumbs.

  2. Is tinned sardine pasta suitable for a gluten-free diet?

    Traditional pasta is not gluten-free, but you can easily make this tinned sardine pasta suitable for a gluten-free diet by substituting regular pasta with gluten-free pasta options like rice or quinoa pasta. Just follow the cooking instructions on the package for the best results.

  3. What can I use instead of breadcrumbs for the crispy topping?

    If you don't have breadcrumbs, you can use crushed crackers, panko, or even ground nuts as a substitute for the crispy topping on your tinned sardine pasta. For a gluten-free option, consider using gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed cornflakes.

  4. How should I store leftover tinned sardine pasta?

    To store leftover tinned sardine pasta, let it cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of water or olive oil to help restore moisture.

  5. What side dishes pair well with tinned sardine pasta?

    Tinned sardine pasta pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette or steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans. You could also serve it with garlic bread for a heartier meal.

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Diana Opoti

(@dianaopotieats)

Self taught cook making restaurant style food. ...

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