Spaghetti con le Sarde
Spaghetti con le Sarde is a traditional Sicilian dish that combines the sweetness of fresh sardines with the savory flavors of fennel and pine nuts, creating a delightful seafood experience. This healthy pasta dish is not only rich in omega-3 fatty acids but also offers a burst of Mediterranean flavors.

30 minutes
Difficulty: Medium
Italian
450 kcal
Ingredients
- Spaghetti - 160 grams
- Fresh sardines - 250 grams, cleaned and filleted
- Fennel bulb - 1 medium, thinly sliced
- Garlic - 2 cloves, minced
- Red onion - 1 small, diced
- Pine nuts - 30 grams
- Raisins - 30 grams
- Olive oil - 2 tablespoons
- Fresh parsley - 2 tablespoons, chopped
- Salt - to taste
- Black pepper - to taste
- Lemon zest - from 1 lemon
Steps
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the spaghetti.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced red onion and sliced fennel, and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Add the pine nuts and raisins, and cook for another 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently.
- Add the sardine fillets to the skillet and cook until they are just cooked through, about 3-4 minutes. Season with salt, black pepper, and lemon zest.
- Combine the drained spaghetti with the sardine mixture in the skillet. Toss well to coat, adding reserved pasta water as needed to create a light sauce.
- Remove from heat and stir in the chopped parsley. Serve immediately, garnished with additional parsley if desired.
Nutrition
- Calories: 450
- Protein: 25 g
- Carbs: 60 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 350 mg
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
- Total Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Water: 0.5 L
Health Benefits
- Rich in omega-3 fatty acids from sardines, which support heart health.
- High in fiber from fennel and raisins, promoting digestive health.
Tags
ItalianHealthySeafood Dish