YT Recipe

Tinned fish teatime - garlic, chilli and sardine spaghetti

Tinned fish teatime - garlic, chilli and sardine spaghetti is a easy Italian recipe that serves 2. 580 calories per serving. Recipe by Daen's Kitchen on YouTube.

Prep: 10 min | Cook: 14 min | Total: 34 min

Cost: $6.67 total, $3.33 per serving

Ingredients

  • 200 grams Spaghetti (dry, cooked al dente)
  • 1 tin Sardines in Olive Oil (120 g drained, keep oil for cooking)
  • 2 cloves Garlic (minced)
  • 1 piece Red Chili (finely sliced, adjust heat to taste)
  • 2 fillets Anchovy Fillets (canned in oil, chopped)
  • ½ lemon Lemon (freshly squeezed)
  • 30 grams Rocket (Arugula) (handful, fresh)
  • 2 tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil (for finishing drizzle)
  • to taste pinch Black Pepper (freshly cracked)
  • to taste pinch Salt (sea salt)

Instructions

  1. Cook Spaghetti

    Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, add the spaghetti and cook until al dente according to package instructions.

    Time: PT9M

    Temperature: 100°C

  2. Prep Aromatics

    While the pasta cooks, mince the garlic, slice the chili thinly, and chop the anchovy fillets.

    Time: PT5M

  3. Heat Oil

    Drain the sardines, reserving the oil. Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the reserved sardine oil.

    Time: PT1M

    Temperature: Medium (≈180°C)

  4. Sauté Garlic, Chili, and Anchovies

    Add the minced garlic, sliced chili, and chopped anchovies to the skillet. Sauté for about 2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.

    Time: PT2M

    Temperature: Medium (≈180°C)

  5. Deglaze with Lemon

    Squeeze the juice of half a lemon into the pan, scraping up any browned bits.

    Time: PT1M

    Temperature: Medium (≈180°C)

  6. Add Sardines

    Add the drained sardines (with any remaining oil) to the skillet. Gently break them into large chunks and heat through for 2 minutes.

    Time: PT2M

    Temperature: Medium (≈180°C)

  7. Combine Pasta and Rocket

    Drain the spaghetti, reserving ¼ cup of pasta water. Add the spaghetti and a handful of rocket to the skillet. Toss on low heat, adding a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.

    Time: PT2M

    Temperature: Low (≈120°C)

  8. Season and Finish

    Season with cracked black pepper and a pinch of salt. Drizzle the extra olive oil over the pasta and give a final toss.

    Time: PT1M

    Temperature: Low (≈120°C)

  9. Plate and Serve

    Transfer the spaghetti to plates, garnish with a few extra rocket leaves if desired, and serve immediately.

    Time: PT1M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
580
Protein
30 g
Carbohydrates
62 g
Fat
24 g
Fiber
3 g

Dietary info: Pescatarian, Nut-Free, Dairy-Free

Allergens: Fish, Gluten

Last updated: April 18, 2026

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Tinned fish teatime - garlic, chilli and sardine spaghetti

Recipe by Daen's Kitchen

A quick, nutritious, and flavorful pasta dish that turns a tin of sardines into a satisfying meal. Crispy garlic, fresh chili, anchovies, and a splash of lemon brighten the sardines, while al dente spaghetti and peppery rocket finish the dish with texture and freshness.

EasyItalianServes 2

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
8m
Prep
16m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
34m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$6.67
Total cost
$3.33
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • • Use the oil from the sardine tin as the cooking base
  • • Do not over‑brown the garlic; it should stay fragrant
  • • Gently break the sardines to keep some larger pieces for texture
  • • Toss the rocket on low heat to retain its peppery bite

Safety Warnings

  • • Hot oil can splatter; keep a lid nearby.
  • • When deglazing with lemon juice, steam may rise—avoid face contact.
  • • Do not overcook garlic as it can become bitter.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of sardine pasta in Italian cuisine?

A

Sardines have been a staple in coastal Italian regions for centuries, especially in Liguria and Sicily, where they are prized for their flavor and affordability. Historically, fishermen would preserve sardines in olive oil, and families incorporated them into simple pasta dishes to create a nutritious, budget‑friendly meal.

cultural
Q

What traditional regional variations of sardine pasta exist in Mediterranean cooking?

A

In Liguria, sardines are often paired with pine nuts, raisins, and fresh herbs in a sauce called "pasta con le sarde." In Sicily, the dish may include fennel, saffron, and toasted breadcrumbs. The Daen's Kitchen version keeps it simple with garlic, chili, and rocket for a modern, quick twist.

cultural
Q

How is garlic and chili sardine spaghetti traditionally served in Italy?

A

It is typically served hot, directly from the pan, with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and a garnish of fresh herbs such as parsley or rocket. A wedge of lemon is often placed on the side for diners to add extra brightness if desired.

cultural
Q

During which occasions or celebrations is sardine pasta traditionally enjoyed in Mediterranean cultures?

A

Sardine pasta is common in everyday family meals, especially during Lent when meat is avoided. It is also served at coastal festivals celebrating the sardine harvest and at casual gatherings where a quick, hearty dish is needed.

cultural
Q

What authentic ingredients are essential for a traditional Italian sardine pasta versus acceptable substitutes?

A

Authentic ingredients include fresh sardines or high‑quality canned sardines in olive oil, extra virgin olive oil, garlic, chili, and a bitter green like rocket or arugula. Acceptable substitutes are canned mackerel or tuna for the fish, and baby spinach if rocket is unavailable.

cultural
Q

What other Italian dishes pair well with garlic and chili sardine spaghetti?

A

A simple mixed green salad with lemon vinaigrette, crusty Italian bread, and a glass of crisp white wine such as Vermentino complement the salty, bright flavors of the sardine spaghetti.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making garlic and chili sardine spaghetti?

A

Common errors include over‑cooking the garlic, which turns bitter; overheating the oil and burning the anchovies; and tossing the rocket on high heat, which makes it soggy. Follow the low‑heat finishing step to keep the greens crisp.

technical
Q

Why does this recipe use the oil from the sardine tin instead of fresh olive oil for the base?

A

The sardine oil is already infused with the fish’s flavor, adding depth and richness without extra seasoning. Using it as the cooking medium maximizes flavor while keeping the dish simple and economical.

technical
Q

Can I make garlic and chili sardine spaghetti ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

Yes, you can cook the spaghetti and store it separately in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep the sardine mixture in an airtight container and combine them just before serving, adding a splash of pasta water to re‑hydrate the sauce.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Daen's Kitchen specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Daen's Kitchen focuses on turning pantry staples and affordable ingredients into tasty, nutritious meals, often highlighting quick, health‑focused recipes that are easy for home cooks to replicate.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Daen's Kitchen's approach to Mediterranean cooking differ from other cooking channels?

A

Daen's Kitchen emphasizes simplicity, budget‑friendliness, and nutritional balance, often using canned or shelf‑stable items like sardines, whereas many other Mediterranean channels focus on fresh, seasonal produce and more elaborate techniques.

channel
More like this:Italian RecipesMain Course RecipesMore by Daen's Kitchen

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