Whole-Wheat Spaghetti with Sardines Recipe

 Boil a stockpot of water seasoned with salt and cook pasta according to package directions.

Meanwhile, peel and chop garlic cloves. Zest the lemon and cut into thin slivers. Set aside.

Heat the oil from the sardines and the olive oil in a large sauté pan. Add garlic, olives, and then lemon zest, stirring after each addition. Add sardines and mash into the oil. Cut the zested    lemon and squeeze the juice from one half into the sauce. Reserve the other half as garnish.

Drain pasta and toss with the sauce in the sauté pan. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes, if desired. Remove from heat and transfer to a plate. Top with a slice of lemon and serve immediately.