Quick Portuguese Spaghetti with Sardines

Ingredients

• •200 grams spaghetti
• •1 can (200 grams) sardines in olive oil
• •2 cloves garlic, minced
• •1 tablespoon olive oil
• •1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• •1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• •1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• •1/2 teaspoon salt
• •1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• •Juice of 1 lemon
• •Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)

Instructions

1. 1

   Cook spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain, reserving a little pasta water.

2. 2

   In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.

3. 3

   Add the cherry tomatoes and cook for about 3-4 minutes until softened.

4. 4

   Stir in the sardines (along with their oil), red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper to the skillet. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, gently breaking up the sardines.

5. 5

   Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet, tossing everything together. If the pasta seems dry, add a splash of reserved pasta water.

6. 6

   Remove from heat and stir in fresh parsley and lemon juice. Adjust seasoning if necessary.

7. 7

   Serve warm, topped with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.