Succulent seared cod, served with fresh tomato and basil pasta, spiked with lemon and garlic. This dinner is elegant and simple. The sauce for this fish pasta is easy to make and quick to cook. Making it the perfect dinner for a mid-week meal or serving guests on a casual Saturday night. A great alternative to meat and packed with delicious vibrant flavors. This Cod Pasta is sure to be a hit.
Once boiling salt the water and add in the pasta. Cook as per the packet instructions. Reserve 1 cup of the cooking water before you drain it.12 oz/ 340g fettuccine/tagliatelle1 tbsp salt
Whilst the water is coming to a boil start the fish.
Heat the olive oil in a heavy-based skillet over medium-high heat.2 tbsp olive oil
Season both sides of the cod fillets with salt and pepper then carefully place the cod into the hot oil and cook for 3 minutes on each side.1 ½ lb/ 680g fresh cod (4 fillets)1 tsp salt½ tsp pepper
Once the cod is cooked remove it from the skillet and lightly tent it with foil.
Add the tomatoes halves to the same skillet and cook until they have softened slightly. About 1 minute.2 cups cherry tomatoes - sliced in half
Add in a the broth, brown sugar, crushed garlic cloves, salt, pepper, the zest the lemon, and 1 tablespoon of the lemon juice.½ cup/ 60ml broth½ tsp/ 1teaspoon brown sugar4/ 2 garlic cloves½ tsp salt½ tsp black pepper1 lemon
Bring the sauce to a simmer and then add the drained pasta and the chopped basil leaves.¼ cup/ ¼cup fresh basil (not compacted)
Stir well to coat the pasta adding ¼-½ cup of the reserved cooking water.
Once the pasta is all cooked, check your seasoning, add the cod fillets back in and serve immediately.
Notes
You can use any flaky white fish for this dish. Or go for something firmer like a salmon or tuna.
We like this with fettuccine, but spaghetti or linguine will be equally great.
Vegetable broth/stock or fish stock is perfect here. Avoid chicken broth as it can overpower the fish. (I use my roasted shrimp stock)
¼ cup of basil is about a big handful. Don't compress it into the cup.