Pasta with Swordfish and Mint

swordfish pasta and mint

Fresh, fragrant and full of Mediterranean flavour, pasta with swordfish and mint is a classic Sicilian-inspired dish. The richness of swordfish is balanced by the freshness of mint and the brightness of tomatoes, creating a light yet deeply satisfying pasta.

Swordfish pasta ingredients (4 servings)

  • 320 g pasta (spaghetti or short pasta)
  • 350 g fresh swordfish, diced
  • 400 g cherry tomatoes (or tomato passata)
  • 1 garlic clove
  • A small bunch of fresh mint
  • Extra virgin olive oil
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Method

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to the boil and cook the pasta until al dente.
  2. In a pan, gently heat olive oil with the garlic clove until fragrant, then remove it.
  3. Add the swordfish pieces and cook briefly for 2–3 minutes.
  4. Add the tomatoes and cook for around 10 minutes until slightly reduced.
  5. Season with salt and black pepper.
  6. Add chopped fresh mint just before finishing.
  7. Drain the pasta and toss it with the sauce.
  8. Serve immediately with a drizzle of olive oil.

Tips

  • Don’t overcook the swordfish
    It should stay tender. Cooking too long will make it dry.
  • Use fresh mint, not dried
    Fresh mint is essential for the authentic flavour.
  • Choose the right pasta
    Short pasta (like rigatoni) holds the sauce better, but spaghetti works beautifully too.
  • Add mint at the end
    This keeps the flavour fresh and aromatic.
  • Optional upgrade
    A pinch of chilli flakes adds a nice kick without overpowering the dish.

History of Cannoli Siciliani

This dish comes from Sicily, where seafood plays a central role in everyday cooking. Swordfish (pesce spada) is one of the island’s most iconic ingredients, especially along the coastal areas of the Strait of Messina.

Recipes like this highlight the essence of Sicilian cuisine: simple ingredients, bold flavours and a strong connection to the sea. The use of fresh herbs like mint is typical in Southern Italy, adding a refreshing contrast to rich fish and tomato-based sauces.

You can see similar flavour profiles in dishes like Pasta alla Norma and Caponata, where sweet, savoury and fresh elements are perfectly balanced.

Discover more traditional recipes from Sicily

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