Solo Spaghetti Dinner
Indulge in a sophisticated yet simple sardine spaghetti, perfect for a serene solo dining experience. Flaky sardines, bursting with umami, meld with sweet tomatoes and a hint of spice, creating a dish that’s both comforting and refined. Pair with your favorite red for the ultimate cozy night in.
Nutrition
-
Carbohydrate
88 g
-
Cholesterol
162 mg
-
Fiber
9 g
-
Protein
44 g
-
Saturated Fat
7 g
-
Sodium
869 mg
-
Sugar
13 g
-
Fat
45 g
-
Unsaturated Fat
0 g
Follow The Directions
01
Step
Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package directions, until al dente (approximately 8-10 minutes).
02
Step
Drain the spaghetti, reserving about 1/2 cup of the pasta water. Toss the spaghetti with a drizzle of olive oil to prevent sticking. Cover and set aside to keep warm.
03
Step
In a skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes.
04
Step
Add the sardines to the skillet and gently break them apart with a spoon. Cook for about 3-5 minutes, allowing them to lightly brown and infuse the oil with their flavor.
05
Step
Stir in the diced tomatoes and cook for another 3-5 minutes, until they soften and release their juices, creating a light sauce.
06
Step
Stir in the Italian bread crumbs and cook for 1-2 minutes, until they absorb some of the sauce and add a slight thickening to the mixture.
07
Step
If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
08
Step
Serve the sardine sauce over the warm spaghetti. Garnish generously with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and an extra sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes, if desired.
For a richer flavor, consider using high-quality Italian sardines packed in olive oil.
If you don't have Italian bread crumbs, regular bread crumbs can be used, but consider adding a pinch of dried oregano and basil for a more authentic flavor.
A squeeze of fresh lemon juice at the end can brighten the dish and balance the richness of the sardines.
Feel free to add other vegetables to the sauce, such as garlic, bell peppers, or zucchini.
If you like a bit of acidity, add a tablespoon of tomato paste along with the diced tomatoes.
RECIPE REVIEWS
Avarage Rating:
4.1/ 5 ( 8 Ratings)
Total Reviews: (8)
Ryleigh Wyman
Jun 1, 2025I added some garlic and it was even better!
Skye Wolff
May 19, 2025Simple and tasty. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal.
Myron Dibbert
May 8, 2025I was skeptical, but this turned out to be delicious and a great way to use up canned sardines.
Ellen Mohr
Apr 28, 2025This is now a staple in my household. Thanks for the great recipe!
Cydney Haag
Apr 21, 2025The red pepper flakes add a nice kick. I might add a little more next time.
Desiree Hermann
Mar 20, 2025The breadcrumbs really make the dish!
Arlene Marvin
Mar 17, 2025So easy and flavorful! I love this recipe.
Julio Welch
Mar 16, 2025I never thought of using sardines in spaghetti, but it was surprisingly good!