Pasta with Sardines

Instructions

1. Step 1: Fill a large pot with water and add a generous pinch of salt. Bring it to a boil over high heat. This salted water will season your pasta as it cooks.
2. Step 2: Once boiling, add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically around 9-11 minutes.
3. Step 3: While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking and stirring for about 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Step 4: Add the panko breadcrumbs to the skillet and toast for about 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently until golden brown.
5. Step 5: Reduce heat to low and add the drained sardines to the skillet. Gently break them apart with a spoon and mix into the breadcrumbs.
6. Step 6: Zest the lemon directly over the sardine mixture, then add lemon juice to taste. Stir in the chopped parsley. Add salt and pepper to taste.
7. Step 7: Drain the pasta, reserving about 1/2 cup of the cooking water. Add the pasta directly to the skillet with the sardine mixture.
8. Step 8: Toss the pasta well to coat. If the mixture seems dry, add a little reserved pasta water to loosen it. Adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or more lemon juice if needed, and serve immediately.