Skip to main content

Pasta with Swordfish and Cherry Tomato Sauce

This Mediterranean-inspired pasta with swordfish and cherry tomato sauce is a vibrant dish that brings together fresh seafood and simple pantry staples. The savoury sauce relies on a base of melting anchovies and garlic, providing a deep flavour that perfectly complements the sweetness of burst cherry tomatoes and golden raisins. It is a sophisticated yet simple meal that celebrates the clean, bright flavours of coastal Italian cooking.

As a high-protein dinner option, this recipe is ideal for those seeking a nutritious and filling meal without heavy, creamy sauces. Using a short pasta shape like casarecce helps to trap the chunky sauce and toasted pine nuts, ensuring every bite is balanced. Serve it for a weekend lunch or a quick midweek treat for a taste of summer all year round.

Video picks

Continue reading below

Ingredients for Pasta with Swordfish and Cherry Tomato Sauce

  • 45ml olive oil, divided

  • 4 oil-packed anchovy fillets

  • 4 garlic cloves, sliced

  • 1/2 teaspoons crushed red pepper flakes

  • 1125ml cherry tomatoes, halved

  • Kosher salt

  • freshly ground pepper

  • 450g (1"-thick) swordfish steaks

  • 2 tablespoons pine nuts

  • 350g casarecce or other short pasta

  • 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley, divided

  • 2 tablespoons golden raisins

Heat 2 tablespoons oil in a large skillet over medium. Cook anchovies, garlic, and red pepper flakes, stirring occasionally, until anchovies disintegrate, about 3 minutes. Add half of tomatoes; season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until sauce thickens, 12–15 minutes. Add remaining tomatoes; remove from heat.

Meanwhile, heat remaining 1 tablespoon oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Season fish with salt and pepper and cook until golden brown and just cooked through, about 4 minutes per side. Let cool slightly. Coarsely flake flesh; discard skin.

Toast nuts in a dry small skillet over medium-low heat, tossing often, until golden brown, about 4 minutes. Let cool.

Cook pasta in a large pot of boiling salted water, stirring occasionally, until al dente. Drain, reserving 240ml pasta cooking liquid.

Add pasta and 120ml pasta cooking liquid to tomato sauce and cook over low heat, tossing often, and adding more cooking liquid as needed, until sauce is thickened and coats pasta. Add fish to pasta along with half of parsley and toss once to combine.

Serve pasta topped with raisins, pine nuts, and remaining parsley.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.

Article history

The information on this page is peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.

  • 28 Jan 2026 | Originally published

    Authored by:

    UK recipe editors

    Peer reviewed by

    UK recipe editors
flu eligibility checker

Ask, share, connect.

Browse discussions, ask questions, and share experiences across hundreds of health topics.

symptom checker

Feeling unwell?

Assess your symptoms online for free

Sign up to the Patient newsletter

Your weekly dose of clear, trustworthy health advice - written to help you feel informed, confident and in control.

Please enter a valid email address

By subscribing you accept our Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe at any time. We never sell your data.