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–+ servings
Lemon Sardine Pasta

Zesty Lemon Sardine Pasta: A Quick, Delightful Dinner

This Lemon Sardine Pasta is a quick, nutritious dish packed with omega-3s and vibrant flavors, perfect for any weeknight dinner.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Calories: 350
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 8 ounces pasta spaghetti or linguine, gluten-free options available
For the Sardine Mixture
  • 1 can sardines in olive oil opt for canned for convenience
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil extra virgin preferred
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
For Flavoring
  • 1 whole lemon zest and juice, fresh preferred
  • to taste salt
  • to taste freshly ground black pepper
For Garnishing
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley chopped, can substitute with basil or arugula
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan optional

Equipment

  • Large Pot
  • Colander
  • large skillet
  • spatula
  • tongs

Method
 

Step‑by‑Step Instructions
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain pasta.
  2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and golden. Do not burn.
  3. Carefully add sardines along with their oil to the skillet. Break up sardines gently and warm through for 2-3 minutes.
  4. Zest one lemon into the skillet and squeeze in the lemon juice. If desired, add red pepper flakes. Stir to combine.
  5. Add the drained pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat in the sardine mixture. If dry, mix in reserved pasta water gradually.
  6. Season with salt and pepper to taste, plate, and garnish with parsley and Parmesan, if desired. Serve immediately.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 20gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 12gCholesterol: 40mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 3gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 25mgCalcium: 100mgIron: 3mg

Notes

For best flavor, use fresh lemon juice and zest. Reserve pasta water for adjusting sauce consistency.

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