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Lemon sardine pasta

Lemon Sardine Pasta

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In just under 30 minutes, you’ll have a bowl of pasta that’s creamy, lemony, and loaded with tender sardines — a dish that tastes like it took much longer to prepare. Pair it with a simple green salad or some crusty bread, and you’ve got a meal that’s both effortless and impressive. Enjoy this bright, Mediterranean-inspired comfort food any night of the week!
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4
Calories 540 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 350 g linguine pasta or spaghetti
  • 1 small tin of sardines in oil about 100-120g, drained
  • 1 medium onion finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic minced (optional)
  • ½ cup dry white wine
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • ½ cup heavy cream
  • 2 tbsp olive oil plus more if needed
  • Small bunch fresh flat-leaf parsley roughly chopped
  • 1 tsp Salt
  • Freshly ground black pepper

Instructions
 

Cook the pasta:

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the linguine until al dente according to package instructions. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain.

Make the sauce:

  • In a large skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil.
  • Add the chopped onion (and garlic if using). Sauté for 3-4 minutes until soft and translucent.

Add the sardines & deglaze:

  • Add the sardines to the pan, breaking them up gently with a spoon. Pour in the white wine and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until reduced slightly.

Finish with lemon & cream:

  • Stir in the lemon zest and juice. Lower the heat and pour in the cream. Simmer for 1-2 minutes until the sauce slightly thickens. Season with salt and black pepper.

Toss with pasta:

  • Add the drained linguine to the sauce. Toss well to coat, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time until the sauce clings to the pasta.

Garnish & serve:

  • Remove from heat. Top generously with chopped fresh parsley. Serve immediately with extra lemon wedges if desired.

Notes

For extra heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes when sautéing the onions.
Try with whole wheat linguine for a nuttier flavor.
Swap sardines for tinned mackerel or anchovies if you prefer.
A sprinkle of grated Parmesan or Pecorino on top is also lovely.

Nutrition

Calories: 540kcalCarbohydrates: 73gProtein: 14gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 38mgSodium: 607mgPotassium: 343mgFiber: 4gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 448IUVitamin C: 19mgCalcium: 71mgIron: 2mg
Keyword Fish pasta
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