Imagine a weekend afternoon, the sun shining, and the aroma of something delicious wafting through your kitchen. Sardines might not be the first ingredient that comes to mind, but they pack a punch of flavor and nutrition that can transform your pasta dishes. Let’s explore some simple yet delightful recipes that will make you a sardine lover in no time!
Garlic Butter Sardine Spaghetti

Sardine Pasta with Lemon, Capers and Chili Flakes from Tori Avey
Rating: 4.8. Ingredients: Angel hair, red pepper flakes, capers, olive oil, lemon juice Total Time: 20 min.

Lemony Sardine Pasta from Simply Recipes
Rating: 5. Ingredients: Castelvetrano olives, olive oil, panko breadcrumbs, red chili Total Time: 30 min.

Sardine Pasta from Two Purple Figs
Rating: 5. Ingredients: Spaghetti, sardines, cherry tomatoes, lemon, capers Total Time: 15 min.
This recipe is a match made in heaven for garlic lovers! The combination of buttery, garlicky goodness with tender spaghetti is simply irresistible. Toss in a can of sardines, and you’ve got a meal that’s not only quick but bursting with flavor.
Ingredients: Spaghetti, canned sardines, butter, minced garlic, lemon juice, parsley, salt, and pepper.
What makes it special? The buttery garlic sauce clings to the spaghetti, allowing the rich flavor of the sardines to shine through. Plus, it’s ready in under 15 minutes, making it perfect for a busy weeknight dinner!
Sardine and Tomato Pasta Bake

The Magical Pantry Pasta I Make When I Have Zero Plan for Dinner from The Kitchn
Rating: 5. Ingredients: 20 мин
If you love a good pasta bake, this recipe will become a favorite! The sardines meld perfectly with rich tomato sauce and gooey cheese, creating a comforting dish that warms the heart. It’s like a hug on a plate.
Ingredients: Penne pasta, canned sardines, crushed tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, onion, garlic, Italian seasoning, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
Why you’ll love it: The layers of flavors from the tomatoes and cheese combined with the sardines create a delightful twist on a classic baked pasta. It’s great for meal prep, too—just bake, portion, and enjoy throughout the week!
Lemon Sardine Linguine
Fresh and zesty, this dish will brighten your dinner table! The zing of lemon paired with sardines creates a light yet satisfying meal that’s perfect for any season. It’s a refreshing take on traditional pasta dishes.
Ingredients: Linguine, canned sardines, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, capers, olive oil, garlic, chili flakes, and parsley.
What sets this recipe apart? The vibrant flavors of lemon and capers elevate the sardines, making each bite a burst of freshness. It’s fast to prepare, too—ideal for when you need a quick, uplifting meal!
Spicy Sardine Arrabbiata
If you like a little heat, this spicy pasta will be right up your alley! The fiery arrabbiata sauce combined with sardines creates a bold and exciting dish that will make your taste buds tingle. It’s a fun twist on a classic Italian favorite.
Ingredients: Fusilli pasta, canned sardines, crushed tomatoes, garlic, red chili flakes, olive oil, and fresh basil.
What makes it popular? The kick from the chili flakes complements the richness of the sardines, resulting in a flavorful pasta that’s sure to impress. Plus, it’s easy to adjust the spice level to suit your taste!
Sardine Pesto Pasta Salad

Pesto Pasta Recipe with Sardines from Honest and Full – Natural Home, Vegetarian Meals, Creative Fun
Ingredients: Gluten free, yellow squash, canned sardines, pesto, cherry tomatoes Total Time: 22 min.

Instant Pot Pesto Pasta with King Oscar Sardines from Killing Thyme
Ingredients: Pesto, spinach, sardines, lemon, grape tomatoes Total Time: 10 min.

Delicious Spanish Sardines Pasta from Ramona's Cuisine
Rating: 5. Ingredients: Pasta, sardines, avocado, green olives, sweet peppers Total Time: 20 min.
This pasta salad is perfect for picnics or quick lunches! Creamy pesto mixed with tender pasta and sardines creates a deliciously satisfying dish that’s loaded with flavor. It’s colorful, healthy, and so easy to make!
Ingredients: Short pasta (like fusilli or penne), canned sardines, basil pesto, cherry tomatoes, arugula, and pine nuts.
Why you’ll adore it: The fresh basil pesto brings everything together, while the sardines add a protein punch that keeps you full. It can be enjoyed cold or at room temperature, making it versatile for any occasion!
One-Pan Sardine Pasta

Pasta With Sardines, Bread Crumbs and Capers from NYT Cooking – The New York Times
Rating: 5. Ingredients: 20 мин
This recipe is a lifesaver for busy nights when you don’t want to deal with a mountain of dishes! Everything cooks in one pan, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully while the pasta absorbs all that tasty goodness. Less cleanup means more time to relax!
Ingredients: Spaghetti, canned sardines, vegetable broth, garlic, spinach, olives, and Parmesan cheese.
What’s the magic? Cooking everything in one pan not only saves time but also enhances the flavors as they combine. The addition of spinach and olives gives this dish a Mediterranean flair that’s both healthy and delicious!