Nigella Mackerel Pasta is made of pasta, canned mackerel, cherry tomatoes, onion, garlic, olive oil, lemon, parsley, and optional red pepper flakes and Parmesan cheese. It serves 6 and takes about 30 minutes to prepare and cook.
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🧡 Why You’ll Love This Mackerel Pasta Recipe:
- Quick and Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or when you need a delicious meal in a hurry.
- Nutritious: Mackerel is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, protein, and vitamins, making this dish both tasty and healthy.
- Flavorful: The combination of mackerel, lemon zest, and fresh parsley creates a vibrant and zesty flavor profile that will delight your taste buds.
- Light and Refreshing: The lemon and fresh herbs add a light and refreshing element, perfect for any time of year.
- Satisfying: The hearty combination of pasta and fish makes for a satisfying and filling meal that doesn’t skimp on flavor.
❓ What Is Nigella Nigella Lawson Mackerel Pasta Recipe?
Nigella Lawson’s Mackerel Pasta Recipe features pasta, canned mackerel, cherry tomatoes, onion, garlic, olive oil, lemon, parsley, and optional red pepper flakes and Parmesan cheese.
🍅 Nigella Lawson Mackerel Pasta Ingredients
- 300g (10.5 oz) pasta (penne, fusilli, or your choice)
- 2 cans mackerel in oil or brine, drained and flaked
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 can (400g/14 oz) cherry tomatoes, halved (or a can of diced tomatoes)
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Zest and juice of 1 lemon
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)
🍝 How To Make Nigella Lawson Mackerel Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using), and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Add the cherry tomatoes to the skillet and cook until they start to soften and release their juices, about 5-7 minutes. If using canned diced tomatoes, cook until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Add the flaked mackerel to the skillet and gently stir to combine. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until heated through.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to combine with the sauce.
- Add the lemon zest and juice, and chopped parsley to the pasta. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Toss everything together until well combined.
- Serve the mackerel pasta hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
💭 Recipe Tips:
- Choose Good Quality Mackerel: Use high-quality canned mackerel in oil or brine for the best flavor and texture. Fresh mackerel can also be used if available.
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Cook the pasta until al dente, as it will continue to cook slightly when tossed with the sauce.
- Reserve Pasta Water: Save a cup of pasta cooking water before draining. You can add a splash if the sauce needs thinning.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic, lemon, and parsley enhance the flavor. Avoid using bottled lemon juice or dried parsley.
- Zest Before Juicing: Always zest the lemon before juicing it to make the process easier and get the most zest.
🥗 What To Serve With Mackerel Pasta?
Serve Mackerel Pasta with Potato Salad, garlic bread, or a side of steamed vegetables like asparagus or broccoli complement with a chilled white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, for a perfect meal pairing.
🎚 How To Store Leftovers Mackerel Pasta?
- Refrigeration: Place leftovers mackerel pasta in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator it will stay fresh for up to 2 days.
- Freezing: Transfer leftovers mackerel pasta to a freezer-safe container or zip-lock bag freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
🥵 How To Reheat Leftovers Mackerel Pasta?
- On The Stovetop: Place leftovers mackerel pasta in a skillet or saucepan heat over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through about 5-7 minutes.
- In The Microwave: Transfer leftovers mackerel pasta to a microwave-safe dish microwave on medium power for up 2-3 minutes stirring halfway through until evenly heated.
- On The Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) place leftovers mackerel pasta in an oven-safe dish and cover with aluminum foil heat for about 5-7 minutes or until heated through.
FAQ’S:
Can I use fresh mackerel instead of canned for mackerel pasta?
Yes, fresh mackerel can be used grill or pan-fry the mackerel until cooked, then flake it into the pasta. Fresh mackerel provides a slightly different texture and a more pronounced flavor compared to canned mackerel.
What type of pasta works best with mackerel?
Any type of pasta can be used for Mackerel Pasta, but short pasta shapes like penne, rigatoni, or fusilli work well because they hold the sauce and mackerel pieces better. Spaghetti or linguine can also be used for a different texture.
Is Mackerel Pasta healthy?
Yes, Mackerel Pasta is healthy mackerel is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, protein, and vitamins. Paired with vegetables and whole grain pasta, it makes for a balanced meal that is nutritious and satisfying.
Is Mackerel Pasta kid-friendly?
Mackerel Pasta can be kid-friendly if the mackerel is flaked into small pieces and mixed well with the pasta. You can adjust the seasoning to be milder and add vegetables that your children like.
Can I prepare Mackerel Pasta ahead of time?
You can prepare parts of Mackerel Pasta ahead of time, like cooking the pasta and making the sauce. Store them separately in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, combine and heat them together. This ensures the pasta doesn’t become too soft.
How can I make Mackerel Pasta more flavorful?
To make Mackerel Pasta more flavorful, use high-quality ingredients, such as fresh garlic, ripe tomatoes, and good olive oil. Adding a splash of white wine, lemon juice, or a pinch of chili flakes can also enhance the flavors.
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Nigella Lawson Mackerel Pasta Nutrition Fact
- Calories: 467
- Total Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
- Sodium: 500mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 40g
- Dietary Fiber: 4g
- Sugars: 6g
- Protein: 20g
- Vitamin A: 10%
- Vitamin C: 20%
- Calcium: 10%
- Iron: 15%
Nigella Mackerel Pasta
Description
Nigella Mackerel Pasta is made of pasta, canned mackerel, cherry tomatoes, onion, garlic, olive oil, lemon, parsley, and optional red pepper flakes and Parmesan cheese. It serves 6 and takes about 30 minutes to prepare and cook.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using), and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Add the cherry tomatoes to the skillet and cook until they start to soften and release their juices, about 5-7 minutes. If using canned diced tomatoes, cook until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Add the flaked mackerel to the skillet and gently stir to combine. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until heated through.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to combine with the sauce.
- Add the lemon zest and juice, and chopped parsley to the pasta. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Toss everything together until well combined.
- Serve the mackerel pasta hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Notes
- Choose Good Quality Mackerel: Use high-quality canned mackerel in oil or brine for the best flavor and texture. Fresh mackerel can also be used if available.
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Cook the pasta until al dente, as it will continue to cook slightly when tossed with the sauce.
- Reserve Pasta Water: Save a cup of pasta cooking water before draining. You can add a splash if the sauce needs thinning.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic, lemon, and parsley enhance the flavor. Avoid using bottled lemon juice or dried parsley.
- Zest Before Juicing: Always zest the lemon before juicing it to make the process easier and get the most zest.