Description
Delight your taste buds with Pesto Parmesan Baked Cod, a dish that combines the freshness of basil pesto with the tender flakiness of cod fillets. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. In just 15 minutes of prep time, you can create an impressive meal topped with a golden crust of Parmesan cheese that not only looks gourmet but also delivers a burst of flavor in every bite. Serve it alongside roasted vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete and satisfying dinner that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 cod fillets (6 oz each)
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese + extra for topping
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons pine nuts (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a food processor, blend basil leaves, minced garlic, pine nuts (if using), and Parmesan until coarsely chopped. Slowly drizzle in olive oil while blending until smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
- Pat cod fillets dry, drizzle with olive oil, and season with salt and pepper. Let rest for 5 minutes.
- Place fillets on the baking sheet, coat generously with pesto, and sprinkle with extra Parmesan.
- Bake for 12–15 minutes until flaky and golden brown at the edges; ensure internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
- Let rest for 3 minutes before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 360mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 21g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 85mg