Caramelizes Fennel, Celery & Sardine Pasta Recipe

Name: Caramelizes Fennel, Celery & Sardine Pasta
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: ingredients; 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling; 1 large bulb fennel, trimmed, cored, and thinly sliced, plus 1/4 cup chopped fennel fronds; 2 stalks celery, thinly sliced on the bias, plus 1/4 cup celery leaves; 3 cloves garlic, thinly sliced; Coarse salt and freshly ground pepper; 10 ounces short tubular whole-wheat pasta, such as penne rigate or elicoidali; Grated zest of 1 lemon; 1 can (4.2 ounces) sardines packed in olive oil, drained; Cook's Note; If whole-wheat pasta is a tough sell in your house, try a multigrain brand.; Directions; Step 1; Heat oil in a large straight-sided skillet over medium-high heat. Add fennel, celery, and garlic and cook, stirring frequently, until tender and deep golden, about 8 minutes. Remove from heat.; Step 2; Meanwhile, bring a pot of generously salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions. Reserve 1 cup pasta water; drain.; Step 3; Add pasta and pasta water to skillet with vegetables. Cook over medium-high heat, stirring to coat pasta, until warmed through, 2 to 3 minutes. Stir in fennel fronds, celery leaves, and lemon zest.…

Servings: persons

ingredients
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling
1 large bulb fennel, trimmed, cored, and thinly sliced, plus 1/4 cup chopped fennel fronds
2 stalks celery, thinly sliced on the bias, plus 1/4 cup celery leaves
3 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
Coarse salt and freshly ground pepper
10 ounces short tubular whole-wheat pasta, such as penne rigate or elicoidali
Grated zest of 1 lemon
1 can (4.2 ounces) sardines packed in olive oil, drained
Cook's Note
If whole-wheat pasta is a tough sell in your house, try a multigrain brand.
Directions
Step 1
Heat oil in a large straight-sided skillet over medium-high heat. Add fennel, celery, and garlic and cook, stirring frequently, until tender and deep golden, about 8 minutes. Remove from heat.
Step 2
Meanwhile, bring a pot of generously salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions. Reserve 1 cup pasta water; drain.
Step 3
Add pasta and pasta water to skillet with vegetables. Cook over medium-high heat, stirring to coat pasta, until warmed through, 2 to 3 minutes. Stir in fennel fronds, celery leaves, and lemon zest. Break up sardines into large pieces and gently fold into pasta. Season with salt and pepper and drizzle with oil.

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Caramelized Fennel, Celery, and Sardine Pasta
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This version of pasta con le sarde, a heart-healthy Sicilian classic, uses tinned sardines rather than fresh, cutting down on prep time. Sardine bones, softened during canning, are barely noticeable -- and full of calcium.
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prep: 20 mins
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Fave it
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Step 1
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Heat oil in a large straight-sided skillet over medium-high heat. Add fennel, celery, and garlic and cook, stirring frequently, until tender and deep golden, about 8 minutes. Remove from heat.
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Step 2
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Meanwhile, bring a pot of generously salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions. Reserve 1 cup pasta water; drain.
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Step 3
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Add pasta and pasta water to skillet with vegetables. Cook over medium-high heat, stirring to coat pasta, until warmed through, 2 to 3 minutes. Stir in fennel fronds, celery leaves, and lemon zest. Break up sardines into large pieces and gently fold into pasta. Season with salt and pepper and drizzle with oil.

1258

kcal

Calories

113

Fat

Carbs

Protein

Fat Carbs Protein

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.

Tips for the best results

Read through all the steps once before you start and measure out your ingredients first — it makes everything go more smoothly.
Taste as you go and adjust the seasoning before serving.
Avoid overcrowding the pan — cook in batches if needed for the best texture.
Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving so the flavors settle.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy within a few days.

Variations & substitutions

Feel free to swap in similar ingredients you already have on hand and adjust seasoning to taste.

No specific allergen information. Please check the ingredient list for possible allergens.

My Personal Notes

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How did you like this recipe?

This recipe makes 4 servings. You can adjust the portion size directly on this page.

You need 18 ingredients. The key ingredients include: ingredients, 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling, 1 large bulb fennel, trimmed, cored, and thinly sliced, plus 1/4 cup chopped fennel fronds, 2 stalks celery, thinly sliced on the bias, plus 1/4 cup celery leaves, and more.

Yes, Caramelizes Fennel, Celery & Sardine Pasta falls under the Seafood category and is a great choice for this type of meal.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Reheat gently before serving.

That's it — enjoy your meal!

Caramelizes Fennel, Celery & Sardine Pasta

Tips for the best results

Variations & substitutions

My Personal Notes

How did you like this recipe?

Frequently Asked Questions