Easy Mackerel Pasta Recipe with Garlic, Lemon & Herbs

Tinned mackerel is an easy way to add rich seafood flavour to a simple pasta dish. It needs very little preparation, works well with everyday ingredients and can turn a basic bowl of pasta into a satisfying meal.

This recipe combines tinned mackerel, garlic, lemon, olive oil and fresh herbs. The lemon adds freshness, while garlic and herbs complement the naturally rich flavour of mackerel.

Why Use Tinned Mackerel for Pasta?

Tinned mackerel is particularly useful for quick meals because it is already cooked and ready to eat. Unlike fresh fish, there is no need to prepare or cook the fillets before adding them to your pasta.

Mackerel also works well with strong flavours such as garlic, chilli, lemon, parsley and olive oil. This makes it easy to create different versions of the same basic recipe.

For this recipe, you can use Nuri Mackerel Fillets in Olive Oil or Nuri Spiced Mackerel Fillets in Olive Oil from Tin Fish Pantry. The spiced version adds chilli and aromatic spices if you prefer a little more heat.

Ingredients

For 2 servings:

• 180–200g pasta

• 1 tin mackerel fillets in olive oil

• 2–3 garlic cloves, finely sliced

• 1 lemon

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• A small handful of fresh parsley

• ½ tsp chilli flakes, optional

• Salt and black pepper

• Parmesan, optional

How to Make Tinned Mackerel Pasta? 

1. Cook the pasta

Bring a large saucepan of salted water to the boil. Cook the pasta according to the packet instructions until al dente. Before draining, reserve a little of the pasta water.

2. Prepare the garlic

Heat the olive oil in a large frying pan over a low to medium heat. Add the sliced garlic and cook gently for a minute or two. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter.

3. Add the mackerel

Add the mackerel fillets to the pan and gently break them into large pieces with a wooden spoon or fork.

You don't need to cook the mackerel for long. Simply warm it through and allow it to combine with the garlic and oil.

4. Add the pasta

Add the cooked pasta to the pan. Pour in a small splash of reserved pasta water and toss everything together.

The pasta water helps bring the olive oil and other ingredients together while keeping the pasta moist.

5. Finish with lemon and herbs

Add the zest and juice of half a lemon, followed by chopped fresh parsley. Season with black pepper and add chilli flakes if you like some heat. Toss once more and serve immediately.

Which Tinned Mackerel Should You Use?

The type of mackerel you choose can slightly change the character of the dish. Nuri Mackerel Fillets in Olive Oil are a good choice when you want a straightforward mackerel pasta with garlic and lemon.

For a spicier version, Nuri Spiced Mackerel Fillets in Olive Oil bring chilli and spices to the dish, so you can reduce or leave out the additional chilli flakes.

Another option is ABC+ Mackerel Fillets Aglio Olio, which works particularly well with a garlic and olive-oil pasta.

These products can all be used in simple pasta dishes without needing complicated preparation.

Easy Ways to Change the Recipe

Once you have the basic recipe, there are plenty of ways to adapt it.

Add Cherry Tomatoes

Halve a handful of cherry tomatoes and cook them with the garlic. They add sweetness and acidity to the dish.

Add Capers

A spoonful of capers gives the pasta a salty, sharp flavour that works particularly well with mackerel and lemon.

Add Olives

Black or green olives can turn the recipe into a more Mediterranean-style pasta.

Make It Spicy

Add chilli flakes while cooking the garlic, or use Nuri Spiced Mackerel Fillets in Olive Oil for a more pronounced spicy flavour.

Add Greens

Stir through spinach, rocket or chopped parsley just before serving.

What Pasta Works Best?

There is no single pasta shape you have to use. Spaghetti, linguine and tagliatelle work particularly well because the olive-oil and lemon mixture coats the pasta easily.

Short pasta such as fusilli or penne also works if you prefer something easier to scoop up with the mackerel.

What to Serve with Mackerel Pasta?

This is already a filling meal, but you can serve it with a few simple sides:

• Fresh green salad

• Crusty bread

• Roasted vegetables

• Steamed greens

• Lemon wedges

• Olives

A simple salad with lemon and olive oil is particularly good alongside the rich mackerel.

Why Does This Recipe Work? 

The appeal of this pasta is its simplicity. Mackerel provides the main savoury flavour, while garlic adds depth and lemon brings freshness. Olive oil ties everything together, and fresh herbs give the finished dish a lighter taste.

It is also easy to adjust depending on what you have in the kitchen. You can make it spicy, add vegetables, include capers or olives, or simply add it to pasta, mackerel, garlic and lemon.

For anyone looking for an easy way to use tinned fish in everyday cooking, this is a good recipe to keep in your collection.

Try More Tinned Fish Recipes

Once you've tried mackerel pasta, you can use the same approach with other seafood. Tinned sardines work well with tomato, chilli and garlic, while tuna pairs nicely with beans, lemon and herbs.

At Tin Fish Pantry, you can explore a selection of Portuguese and European tinned seafood, including mackerel, sardines, tuna, mussels and anchovies.

Related products:

• Nuri Mackerel Fillets in Olive Oil

• Nuri Spiced Mackerel Fillets in Olive Oil

• ABC+ Mackerel Fillets Aglio Olio

• José Gourmet Tuna Fillets in Olive Oil

• José Gourmet Sardines in Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Recipe at a Glance

Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Serves: 2
Difficulty: Easy

Main ingredients: Tinned mackerel, pasta, garlic, lemon, olive oil and fresh herbs.