This Jamie Oliver-inspired mackerel pasta recipe is a quick and flavorful seafood dinner packed with smoky mackerel, juicy cherry tomatoes, garlic, lemon, and fresh herbs. The dish delivers Mediterranean-inspired comfort while staying light, healthy, and easy enough for busy weeknights. Perfect for seafood lovers, this pasta combines rich flavors with simple pantry ingredients for a satisfying homemade meal.
Total Time:30 minutes
Yield:4 servings
Ingredients
300g spaghetti or linguine
2 smoked mackerel fillets, flaked
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 small onion, finely chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
250g cherry tomatoes, halved
1 teaspoon chili flakes
Zest of 1 lemon
Juice of 1 lemon
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Salt and black pepper to taste
¼ cup reserved pasta water
Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta until al dente. Reserve some pasta water before draining.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened.
Stir in garlic and chili flakes, then cook for another minute until fragrant.
Add cherry tomatoes and cook until softened and slightly blistered.
Gently fold in the smoked mackerel pieces and cook for 2 minutes.
Add lemon zest, lemon juice, parsley, and reserved pasta water. Stir well to create a light sauce.
Toss the cooked pasta into the skillet until evenly coated. Season with salt and black pepper.
Serve warm with extra parsley and Parmesan cheese if desired.
Notes
Smoked mackerel already contains salt, so season carefully.
