Ingredients
Method
Instructions
- Boil the pasta: Bring a large pot of heavily salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of the starchy pasta water before draining.
- Sauté the aromatics: While the pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add a teaspoon of the reserved sardine oil (or olive oil) and the sliced garlic. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Add the sardines: Add the sardines and red pepper flakes to the pan. Break the sardines apart with a wooden spoon and cook for 2 minutes until heated through.
- Make it creamy: Reduce the heat to low. Add the cream cheese cubes and a splash (about 1/4 cup) of the reserved pasta water. Stir constantly until the cream cheese melts into a smooth sauce.
- Toss it together: Add the drained pasta to the skillet. Toss vigorously to coat, adding more pasta water a splash at a time until the sauce is glossy and clings to the noodles.
- Finish and serve: Remove from heat. Stir in the lemon zest, lemon juice, and fresh herbs. Season with black pepper and taste for salt. Serve immediately.
