Cod Over Lemon Basil Orzo
Elevate your weeknight dinners with this vibrant and satisfying recipe for Cod Over Lemon Basil Orzo. Perfectly seared cod fillets, seasoned with a blend of salt and pepper, are drizzled with a fragrant garlic-lemon sauce that adds a burst of zesty freshness. The star of this dish, however, is the creamy orzo infused with bright lemon zest, fresh basil, and a touch of Parmesan, perfectly complementing the tender fish. Optional cherry tomatoes and a hint of red pepper flakes bring an extra layer of flavor and color to this Mediterranean-inspired meal. Ready in just 35 minutes, this wholesome, protein-packed recipe is ideal for a quick yet elegant dinner, leaving your taste buds delighted and your family impressed. Serve with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables for the ultimate comforting and nutritious meal.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 4 pieces (6 oz each) Cod fillets
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper
- 2 tablespoons Olive oil
- 2 tablespoons Unsalted butter
- 3 minced Garlic cloves
- 2 tablespoons Lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Lemon zest
- 1 cup Orzo
- 3 cups Chicken broth
- 0.5 cup (chopped) Fresh basil leaves
- 0.25 cup (grated) Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup (halved, optional) Cherry tomatoes
- 0.25 teaspoon (optional) Red pepper flakes
Instructions
Season the cod fillets on both sides with salt and black pepper. Set aside.
In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the cod fillets and sear for 3-4 minutes on each side, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, lower the heat and add another tablespoon of olive oil along with the minced garlic. Sauté for 1 minute, until fragrant. Add the lemon juice and 1/2 teaspoon of lemon zest, stirring to deglaze the pan. Remove from heat and set aside the sauce.
Meanwhile, in a medium saucepan, heat the chicken broth over medium-high heat until it begins to simmer. Add the orzo and cook according to package instructions (typically about 8-10 minutes), stirring occasionally until tender and most of the broth is absorbed.
Once the orzo is cooked, remove it from heat and stir in the remaining tablespoon of butter, chopped basil, Parmesan cheese, and the remaining lemon zest. Toss until well combined and creamy. Add cherry tomatoes and red pepper flakes, if using, and mix gently.
To serve, spoon the lemon basil orzo onto plates and place a seared cod fillet on top. Drizzle each fillet with the reserved garlic-lemon sauce from the skillet for additional flavor.
Garnish with extra basil leaves or grated Parmesan if desired, and serve immediately.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1535 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 65.8 g | 84% | |
| Saturated Fat | 23.8 g | 119% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 377 mg | 126% | |
| Sodium | 4574 mg | 199% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 80.1 g | 29% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 6.1 g | 22% | |
| Total Sugars | 8.6 g | ||
| Protein | 154.1 g | 308% | |
| Vitamin D | 6.8 mcg | 34% | |
| Calcium | 474 mg | 36% | |
| Iron | 8.9 mg | 49% | |
| Potassium | 4101 mg | 87% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
