Jamie Oliver Sardine Spaghetti

If you’re craving a quick pasta dish with bold flavor and a comforting twist, Jamie Oliver Sardine Spaghetti is your answer. With tender fettuccine, rich sardines in tomato sauce, and a zingy lemon finish, this recipe is simple but absolutely satisfying. I was genuinely surprised by how easily this came together—and how much everyone loved it. (inspired by Jamie Oliver)

Ingredients Needed

For the Pasta

• 8 ounces dry fettuccine pasta
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

For the Sauce

• 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, crushed
• 1 (3.75 ounces) can of sardines in tomato sauce
• 1 medium lemon, juiced
• ¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 pinch red pepper flakes, or to taste

How To Make Jamie Oliver Sardine Spaghetti

Boil the Pasta:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Drop in the fettuccine and cook it for about 8 minutes, just until it’s al dente. You want it tender but still with a bit of bite—nothing mushy here!

Sauté the Aromatics:
While the pasta bubbles away, heat your olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and let it cook for around 3 minutes, just until it starts softening. Then in goes the crushed garlic—just a minute or two until it turns fragrant and golden.

Make the Sardine Sauce:
Now for the sardines! Add the entire can, tomato sauce and all, straight into the pan. Stir everything together gently, breaking up the sardines just a bit. Let it heat through for about 3 minutes, then reduce the heat to a low simmer so those flavors can mingle.

Combine and Rest:
Drain your pasta and add it directly into the pan with the sauce. Toss everything together until the noodles are nicely coated. Then, cover the pan, turn off the heat, and let it rest for a few minutes—this step really helps the sauce soak into the pasta.

Finish and Serve:
Before serving, squeeze over the lemon juice, then plate it up. Sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan and a pinch of red pepper flakes. You’ll know it’s ready when you can’t stop sneaking bites straight from the pan.

Why I Love This Recipe

I made this one evening after a long day and couldn’t believe how comforting it was. The sardines give it such a satisfying depth, and the lemon brightens it all up beautifully. My partner, who “doesn’t do fishy pasta,” asked for seconds. It’s now a midweek staple in our house.

Recipe Tips

• Swap the Fish: Don’t have sardines? Canned mackerel or tuna works too, though the flavor will be a bit milder.
• Spice It Up: Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce if you like a bit of heat.
• Add Greens: A handful of spinach stirred into the sauce wilts down beautifully.
• Grate Fresh Cheese: Skip the pre-grated stuff—fresh Parmesan really makes a difference.
• Save Pasta Water: A splash of starchy cooking water can loosen the sauce if needed.

How To Store This Jamie Oliver Sardine Spaghetti

At Room Temperature:
Not recommended—always refrigerate any leftovers promptly.

In the Fridge:
Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen over time!

In the Freezer:
Freeze portions in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Defrost in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Reheating:
Microwave on high for 2–3 minutes, stir halfway through. Or gently reheat in a pan over low heat with a splash of water or olive oil.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

• Calories: 350
• Carbs: 47g
• Protein: 15g
• Fat: 13g
• Sugar: 3g
• Fibre: 4g
• Sodium: 192mg

Let’s Answer a Few Questions!

Can I use spaghetti instead of fettuccine?
Totally! Spaghetti or even linguine works great—just follow the same cooking times.

Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Yes! If your little ones aren’t into spice, just skip the red pepper flakes.

What can I serve with this pasta?
It pairs beautifully with a fresh spinach salad, crusty bread, or even roasted veggies.

Do I need to remove the sardine bones?
Nope—they’re soft, edible, and packed with calcium. You won’t even notice them once mixed in.

Can I double this recipe?
Absolutely. Just use a bigger pan and double all the ingredients.

Try More Recipes:

• Ina Garten Asian Grilled Salmon
• Ina Garten Swedish Meatballs
• Ina Garten Lobster Tail Recipe