Pesto Parmesan Baked Cod Recipe

Introduction

Pesto Parmesan Baked Cod is a simple and flavorful dish that brings together tender cod fillets with a vibrant basil pesto and cheesy Parmesan topping. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner that feels special without any fuss.

Ingredients

• 4 cod fillets (about 6 oz each)
• 1/2 cup basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
• Lemon wedges for serving

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking dish with parchment paper or lightly grease it with olive oil.
2. Step 2: Pat the cod fillets dry with paper towels and season both sides with salt and pepper. Place them in the prepared baking dish.
3. Step 3: In a small bowl, mix together the basil pesto, grated Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, olive oil, and lemon juice until well combined.
4. Step 4: Spoon the pesto mixture generously over each cod fillet, ensuring they are evenly coated.
5. Step 5: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until the cod flakes easily with a fork and the cheese is golden and bubbly.
6. Step 6: Remove from the oven, garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired, and serve with lemon wedges on the side for an extra zing.

Tips & Variations

• For a nuttier flavor, add a handful of toasted pine nuts to the pesto mixture before spreading it on the fish.
• If fresh basil isn’t available, try swapping basil pesto with sun-dried tomato pesto for a different twist.
• Serve with a side of roasted vegetables or a light salad to round out the meal.

Storage

Store any leftover baked cod in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, warm gently in the oven at a low temperature or microwave briefly to avoid drying out the fish.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen cod fillets for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen cod fillets. Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat dry before seasoning and baking to ensure even cooking.

Is it possible to make this dish dairy-free?

To make this recipe dairy-free, substitute the Parmesan cheese with a dairy-free cheese alternative or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without dairy.

Pesto Parmesan Baked Cod Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 78 reviews

This Pesto Parmesan Baked Cod recipe is a delicious and easy-to-make seafood dish featuring tender cod fillets topped with a flavorful basil pesto and Parmesan cheese mixture, baked to golden perfection. Ideal for a healthy weeknight dinner, it pairs beautifully with fresh basil and zesty lemon wedges for a bright, Mediterranean-inspired meal.

• Author: Cleo
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
• Total Time: 25-30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Ingredients

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Fish and Seasoning

• 4 cod fillets (about 6 oz each)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Sauce and Topping

• 1/2 cup basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Garnish

• Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
• Lemon wedges for serving

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking dish with parchment paper or lightly grease it with olive oil to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare the Cod: Pat the cod fillets dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Season both sides of each fillet with salt and pepper, then place them evenly spaced in the prepared baking dish.
3. Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, combine the basil pesto, grated Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, olive oil, and fresh lemon juice. Mix well until all ingredients are fully incorporated into a creamy sauce.
4. Coat the Cod: Spoon the pesto mixture generously over each cod fillet, spreading evenly to cover the tops and sides. This coating ensures rich flavor and a moist texture after baking.
5. Bake the Cod: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven. Bake the fillets for 15-20 minutes, or until the cod flakes easily with a fork and the cheese topping is golden and bubbly, indicating it’s fully cooked.
6. Garnish and Serve: Remove the dish from the oven, garnish each fillet with fresh basil leaves if desired, and serve immediately with fresh lemon wedges on the side for an extra zesty finish.

Notes

• You can substitute fresh homemade basil pesto for store-bought to enhance flavor and freshness.
• Be careful not to overcook the cod as it can become dry; baking until just flaky is ideal.
• This dish pairs well with steamed vegetables, a fresh salad, or crusty bread for a complete meal.
• If Parmesan cheese is not available, Pecorino Romano can be used as an alternative.

Keywords: pesto, baked cod, Parmesan, seafood, easy dinner, healthy recipe, Mediterranean, fish fillets