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Flavorful Sardine Pasta Recipe with Lemony Garlic Caper Brown Butter

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A quick and elegant pasta dish featuring canned sardines in a rich, tangy lemony garlic caper brown butter sauce that clings beautifully to spaghetti or linguine.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces spaghetti or linguine
  • 1 can (3.75 ounces) canned sardines in olive oil
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons capers, drained
  • Zest and juice of 1 medium lemon
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Freshly grated Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 1 tablespoon of salt to 4 quarts of water. Cook pasta for 8-10 minutes until al dente.
  2. While water heats, melt 6 tablespoons unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Stir frequently until butter foams and turns golden brown (about 4-5 minutes).
  3. Add minced garlic and capers to the brown butter. Sauté gently for 1-2 minutes until garlic is fragrant but not browned.
  4. Drain sardines and flake gently into the skillet. Stir to combine and warm through for about 1 minute.
  5. Add lemon zest, lemon juice, and red pepper flakes if using. Stir to combine and season with salt and black pepper to taste.
  6. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain pasta.
  7. Toss drained pasta into the skillet with sardine sauce. Add reserved pasta water as needed to loosen sauce and help it cling to noodles.
  8. Remove from heat and stir in chopped fresh parsley.
  9. Serve immediately, topped with freshly grated Parmesan cheese if desired.

Notes

Use a light-colored pan to monitor butter color and avoid burning. Stir constantly while browning butter. Reserve pasta water to loosen sauce. Flake sardines gently to keep texture. Serve immediately for best flavor and texture. Leftovers keep 2-3 days refrigerated; reheat gently with splash of water or broth.

Nutrition

Keywords: sardine pasta, brown butter sauce, lemon garlic pasta, capers, quick pasta recipe, weeknight dinner, pantry staples

Find it online: https://merrymorsel.com/flavorful-sardine-pasta-recipe-with-lemony-garlic-caper-brown-butter-easy-and-perfect/