Sicilian Pasta with Sardines

Step 1

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the 12 oz rotini and cook until al dente, about 10-12 minutes. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.

Step 2

While pasta cooks, heat the 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the 1 sliced onion and cook until soft and golden, about 8 minutes.

Step 3

Add the 4 oz sardines (drained and flaked) to the skillet. Cook for 2 minutes, breaking them up with a spoon, until they are heated through and fragrant.

Step 4

Pour in the 14.5 oz diced tomatoes with their juices. Season with the 1 tsp salt and 0.5 tsp black pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly.

Step 5

Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Toss to coat, adding a splash of the reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.

Step 6

Stir in the 0.25 cup chopped fresh parsley. Serve hot, with extra parsley or a drizzle of olive oil if desired.