Step 1

Bring a saucepan of water to boil, salt generously, add the pasta and cook according to packet instructions until it is al dente.

Step 2

Place a large frying pan on a medium heat and add the olive oil.

Step 3

Add the chilli and garlic when the oil is hot and cook for a couple of minutes until fragrant

Step 4

Then add the chopped tomatoes and fry for a few more minutes before.

Step 5

Remove the sardines from their tin, remove the excess oil with kitchen paper and add them to the pan for a couple of minutes.

Step 6

When the sardines are hot and the tomatoes are cooked reduce the heat to its lowest and add the lemon juice and lemon zest.

Step 7

Reserve a few tablespoons of pasta water in a small mug, jug or bowl before you drain it. (note 2)

Step 8

Drain the cooked pasta, add it to the frying pan with the garlicky sardines and tomatoes and toss to incorporate. Add the reserved pasta water one tablespoon at a time if you feel the pasta could use a little additional moisture.

Step 9

Grind black pepper on top to taste (note 3), top with the fresh parsley and serve.