Pasta With Canned Sardine Sauce Recipe

This incredibly cheap and flavorful pasta recipe is a lifesaver for budget-conscious cooks! Perfect for a quick weeknight lunch or dinner, this recipe serves four for under $2.25 (even in Manhattan!). Experience the surprising deliciousness of sardines transformed into a vibrant, nutritious sauce that's bursting with Mediterranean flavors. Get ready for a taste of Queens (or Manhattan!) on a budget!

Prep Time 5 mins
Cook Time 15 mins
Calories 717.5 kcal
Protein 64g
Rating 3.0 (1 Reviews)
Pasta With Canned Sardine Sauce 17

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Recipe Author

Chef Forktionary, author of this recipe

Recipe adapted from Food.com. Standardized by Forktionary.

Ingredients for Pasta With Canned Sardine Sauce

  • 1 (4.25 ounce) can of sardines, drained
  • 1 (14.5 ounce) can of whole peeled plum tomatoes, undrained
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (plus optional drizzle for garnish)
  • 2 cloves minced garlic
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (or to taste), 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano, salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 pound pasta
  • Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

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How to Make Pasta With Canned Sardine Sauce

  1. Boil 1 pound of pasta according to package directions.
  2. While the pasta boils, prepare the sauce: In a medium saucepan, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat.
  3. Add 2 cloves of minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Add one (4.25 ounce) can of sardines, drained, to the saucepan. Gently crush the sardines with a fork until they break down into smaller pieces.
  5. Add one (14.5 ounce) can of whole peeled plum tomatoes, undrained, to the sauce. Crush the tomatoes roughly with a spoon or spatula.
  6. Stir in 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes (or to taste), 1/2 teaspoon of dried oregano, and salt and black pepper to taste.
  7. Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened.
  8. Drain the cooked pasta and add it to the sauce. Toss to coat evenly.
  9. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley or a drizzle of olive oil (optional).

Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)

Sodium

13 g

Sugar

20g

Fat

22g

Carbs

30g

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