Tomato and Sardine Spaghetti With Crispy Breadcrumbs

    5m prep time
    30m total time
    Easy level
    11 ingredients

Bright, bold, and surprisingly simple, this tomato and sardine spaghetti is a pantry-powered dinner that punches well above its weight. Sweet tomatoes and rich sardines create a silky sauce that clings to pasta, while golden, garlicky breadcrumbs add the perfect crunch on top. It’s fast, flavourful, and proof that tinned fish deserves a permanent spot on your weekly menu.

Method

Based on 4 servings, adjust as needed.

Step 1

Put a wide frying pan on a medium heat, and add a generous dash of olive oil. Scatter in the breadcrumbs and a bashed garlic clove. Cook for 4-5 mins, stirring often, until golden and crisp. Season and transfer to a small bowl lined with kitchen paper. Disgard the crushed garlic clove.

Step 2

Wipe out the pan, pour in a little more oil, then scatter in the onion and a pinch of salt. Cook for 8-10 mins until softening and golden around the edges. Cook the spaghetti following pack instructions and drain, reserving a little of the cooking water.

Step 3

Add the chopped garlic to the frying pan, cook for 1 min, then tip in the drained sardines, tinned cherry tomatoes and chilli flakes, if using. Gently mash with a wooden spoon to make a thick sauce (about 5-6 minutes). Scatter in the olives, lemon juice and cooked spaghetti, along with a good splash of the pasta cooking water. Mix very thoroughly to coat.

Step 4

Stir through the chopped parsley, divide between bowls, then sprinkle over the crispy breadcrumbs and serve.
  • Ingredients
  • Based on 4 servings
  • 30g Panko Breadcrumbs 1 x Sainsbury's Panko Breadcrumbs, Inspired to Cook 100g
  • 30g Flat Leaf Parsley, roughly chopped 1 x Sainsbury's Fresh Packed Flat Leaf Parsley 30g
  • 3 tbsp Olive Oil 1 x Sainsbury's Olive Oil 500ml
  • 3 Garlic Cloves 1 x Sainsbury's Garlic
  • 1 Lemon, juiced and zested 1 x Sainsbury's Lemons
  • 1 Onion, finely sliced 1 x Sainsbury's Onions Loose
  • 400g Spaghetti 1 x Sainsbury's Spaghetti Pasta 500g
  • 0.25 tsp Chilli Flakes 1 x Sainsbury's Crushed Chillies 32g
  • 400g Tinned Cherry Tomatoes 1 x Sainsbury's Italian Pomodorini Cherry Tomatoes in rich tomato juice, Taste the Difference 400g
  • 25g Black Olives, roughly chopped 1 x Sainsbury's Pitted Kalamata Olives with Herbs 70g
  • 2 Tins Sardines in oil, or brine - drained 2 x Sainsbury's Sardines in Sunflower Oil 120g (90g*)
Shop this recipe
Products and prices from