Pasta With Sardines & Capers Recipe

a quick, easy meal

Now, before you turn up your nose at the mention of sardines, don’t sleep on this dish. When you think about seafood dishes, canned sardines are probably not what comes to mind. But this recipe is actually quite tasty. It’s also a really cost-effective option if you’re on a budget, and it doesn’t require a trip to the fish market, making it a perfect option if you don’t have access to fresh seafood in your neighborhood. In addition to being tasty, sardines are loaded with omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin b12, and other vitamins and minerals that help promote a healthy heart and bones; they’re also a great source of protein. You can find canned sardines in pretty much any grocery store. I prefer to use the Trader Joe’s brand smoked sardines, but any brand will do. Try to look for sardines that are packed in oil and lightly smoked. This recipe is extremely easy to follow and doesn’t require much prep time: perfect for those with busy schedules.

When I'm not able to get the Trader Joe's brand smoked sardines, this is the brand I usually go for.

Ingredients

1 small shallot, finely chopped

2 cans of smoked sardines in oil (4.25 ounces each)

1 lb spaghetti, linguine, or pasta of your choice

6 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

1 tbsp garlic, minced

1 tsp crushed red pepper

3 tablespoons lemon juice

3 tablespoons capers

1 tsp pesto sauce

Salt

Italian seasoning

Bring a large pot of water to boil and add a generous amount of salt. Add the pasta and cook until al dente (according to the package's instructions). In a large saucepan over medium-high heat, add the olive oil and shallots and cook until softened. Add the garlic and cook for 1 to 2 minutes or until slightly golden brown (be careful not to let it burn). Add the sardines, capers, crushed red pepper, and lemon juice and break up the sardine pieces as you stir the ingredients together. Stir in the pesto sauce and cook for about 5 minutes, adding salt and Italian seasoning to taste.

Drain the pasta and set aside a few tablespoons of the cooking water. Add the pasta to the pan and toss until it’s evenly coated in the sauce. Add some of the cooking water if the mixture seems too dry. Serve and enjoy with your favorite veggies; I like to accompany this dish with a simple salad or some roasted veggies.