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Lemon Pepper Pasta with Sardines Recipe

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4.2 from 11 reviews

This Lemon Pepper Pasta with Sardines is a quick and flavorful Italian-inspired dish perfect for weeknight dinners. Combining the bright zest and juice of lemon with the savory richness of sardines, garlic, and Parmesan cheese, it’s enhanced with peppery arugula and crunchy toasted breadcrumbs for texture. Ready in just 20 minutes, this pasta offers a nutritious and delicious way to enjoy seafood with a zesty kick.

  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

Pasta

  • 6 oz spaghetti

Sauce and Toppings

  • 1 can King Oscar Brisling Sardines with Spicy Cracked Pepper, drained
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, smashed and thinly sliced
  • 1/2 red onion, finely diced
  • 1 lemon, zested and juiced
  • 1/3 cup grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano cheese, plus more to finish if desired
  • 3 handfuls baby arugula
  • Sea salt, to taste
  • Generous amount of cracked black pepper
  • 1/2 cup toasted panko breadcrumbs

Instructions

  1. Cook the Spaghetti: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. Prepare the Aromatics: While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced red onion, sliced garlic, and a pinch of sea salt. Sauté for about 3 minutes, until the onions are tender and the garlic is fragrant but not browned.
  3. Add Sardines: Add the drained sardines to the skillet. Using a spatula or spoon, gently flake them into bite-sized chunks and stir to combine. Warm through for about 2 minutes to heat the sardines without breaking them down too much.
  4. Toss Pasta and Flavorings: Transfer the cooked spaghetti directly into the skillet with the sardine mixture. Add lemon juice, lemon zest, grated Parmesan cheese, baby arugula, and a generous amount of cracked black pepper. Toss everything well to evenly coat the pasta and wilt the arugula slightly. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt if needed.
  5. Add Breadcrumbs and Serve: Finally, sprinkle the toasted panko breadcrumbs over the pasta and give it a light toss. Serve immediately, optionally garnished with extra Parmesan and cracked pepper for added flavor and texture.

Notes

  • For best results, use King Oscar Brisling Sardines with Spicy Cracked Pepper as they add a nice kick and flavor balance to the dish.
  • To toast panko breadcrumbs, heat them in a dry skillet over medium heat until golden and crisp, stirring often to prevent burning.
  • If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the black pepper amount or use regular sardines instead of the spicy variant.
  • Substitute gluten-free pasta and gluten-free breadcrumbs if needed to make this recipe gluten-free.
  • Use freshly grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano cheese for optimal taste and texture.
  • Author: Monica
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Italian

Find it online: https://monicarecipes.com/lemon-pepper-pasta-with-sardines-recipe/