Mediterranean Sardine Capri Pasta

Use fresh pasta if you'd like, though this can just as easily utilize leftover pasta so it doesn't go to waste!

Your leftover pasta just got a new life with Mediterranean Sardine Capri Pasta

I would say most people fall in to one of three categories:

1. The people who say they'll eat the pasta leftovers and never do.

2. The people who eat the pasta leftovers, but aren't happy about it.

3. The people who are honest from the get-go and toss it in the garbage.

Let's be none of the above and use the pasta leftovers AND ACTUALLY ENJOY THEM. You can also use this recipe with fresh cooked pasta, duh, but if you find yourself with a ton of pasta leftovers, now you'll know immediately what to do with them: make Mediterranean Sardine Capri Pasta.

Pasta, the ultimate fast and ready meal. Let's not forget how undeniable delicious it could be if you even mildly try. Let's face it - YOU PROBABLY LIVE IN A VAN IF YOU'VE LANDED ON THIS PAGE, SO I KNOW HOW MUCH TIME YOU HAVE ON YOUR HANDS. YOU CAN'T SAY YOU DON'T HAVE ENOUGH TIME TO MAKE PASTA.

And this one is so effin' yummy. Even if you think you don't like sardines, you'll still like this meal. You don't ever taste a "fishy" taste. You taste a medley of greatness: salty, bold, and badass.

Mediterranean Sardine Capri Pasta

Serves: 2

Cook Time: 10 Minutes

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked pasta (spaghetti, rigatoni, or any pasta of your choice)

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 1/4 large onion, chopped

• 1 can (4.4 ounces) sardines in olive oil, drained or with a little reserved oil

• 2 tablespoons tomato paste

• 2 tablespoons capers, drained

• 1/4 cup half and half (or any other cream/milk)

• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for added heat)

• Salt and black pepper to taste

• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

• Grated Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)

Directions

1. Cook the Pasta (if you don't already have pasta leftovers):

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water. Set aside.

2. Start sautéing your onions for the sauce

• Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.

3. Add tomato paste and sardines

• Stir in the tomato paste and cook for an additional 2 minutes, stirring constantly to coat the onions the tomato paste and start caramelizing it. Season with a bit of salt and pepper.

• Add the drained sardines to the skillet, breaking them apart with a wooden spoon. Add in a little dash of the oil for a little extra richness. Cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing the sardines to infuse their flavor into the onions and tomato paste.

4. Add capers

• Add the drained capers to the skillet. Stir well to combine.

• Season the sauce with salt and black pepper to taste. Remember that both sardines and capers are salty, so adjust the seasoning accordingly.

5. Add your cooked pasta and cream

• Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Toss well to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce. Turn off the pan.

• Add in your half and half and stir well to combine. If the sauce is still a bit thick, add a little more half and half or some of the reserved pasta water.

6. Serve!

• Transfer the Mediterranean Sardine Capri Pasta to serving plates.

• Garnish with chopped fresh parsley, grated Parmesan cheese, and red pepper flakes if desired.

• Serve hot and enjoy the best freakin' flavors out there.
  

This dish is packed with flavor from the combination of sardines, tomato paste, capers, and aromatic onions. While I made this in my new little kitchen, it still was constructed with my next van trip in mind. Easy, one pan, no-fuss, meal. MAKE IT.

Mediterannean Sardine Capri Pasta ready to serve.