This easy one-pan dish brings together the mild, flaky charm of cod with a rich garlic-butter sauce and vibrant Tuscan-style ingredients—sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, capers and lemon. A satisfying dinner that’s simple but special.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

You’ll appreciate how:

• Everything cooks in one skillet, so minimal cleanup.
• The garlic butter sauce coats the cod and vegetables beautifully, offering deep flavour without complicated steps.
• The Tuscan touches—sun-dried tomatoes, capers, spinach—lift the dish beyond “just fish” into a tasty, well-rounded plate.
• It works for weeknight dinners yet looks elegant enough for guests.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 4 cod fillets (about 6 oz/170 g each), skinless
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons capers, drained
• ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 2 cups baby spinach
• ½ cup heavy cream (or single cream)
• Juice of ½ a lemon
• ¼ teaspoon chilli flakes (optional)
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

Directions

1. Pat the cod fillets dry and season both sides with salt and pepper.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon butter. When it’s melted and sizzling, add the cod fillets. Sear for about 3–4 minutes on the first side (until golden underneath), then flip and cook another 2–3 minutes until just cooked through. Remove the cod and set aside on a plate.
3. In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add the remaining butter, then garlic, capers and sun-dried tomatoes. Cook for about 1–2 minutes until garlic is fragrant.
4. Add the halved cherry tomatoes and cook for another minute or two until they soften and release juices.
5. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Let it reduce slightly (about 1-2 minutes).
6. Add the baby spinach, stir into the sauce until wilted.
7. Return the cod to the pan, spooning some sauce over each fillet. Squeeze lemon juice over, sprinkle chilli flakes (if using) and fresh parsley.
8. Let everything warm together for about a minute, then serve immediately.

Servings and timing

• Servings: 4
• Prep time: 10 minutes
• Cook time: 15 minutes
• Total time: 25 minutes

Variations

• Dairy-free: Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and skip the butter or use a dairy-free butter substitute.
• Vegetable-packed: Add zucchini ribbons or sliced mushrooms alongside the spinach for extra veg.
• Spicier version: Increase chilli flakes or add a pinch of smoked paprika.
• Different fish: Swap cod for haddock, sea bass or even salmon fillets (adjust cooking time accordingly).

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat: gently warm in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or water to restore the sauce’s consistency. Avoid high heat to prevent over-cooking the fish.

FAQs

1. How can I tell when the cod is cooked through?

The flesh should be opaque and flake easily with a fork. If it’s still translucent in the centre, give it another minute.

2. Can I use frozen cod?

Yes — make sure it’s fully thawed, patted dry, and excess moisture removed before cooking. This helps achieve a good sear.

3. What if I don’t have sun-dried tomatoes?

You can use diced fresh tomatoes or cherry tomatoes only; the flavour will be slightly different but still good.

4. Can I skip the cream?

Yes — skipping or reducing the cream will yield a lighter sauce, though it may be less rich and slightly thinner.

5. What to serve with this dish?

Rice, pasta, mashed potatoes or crusty bread work nicely. A simple green salad or steamed vegetables complement it well too.

6. How do I prevent the sauce from burning?

Keep the heat at medium (not high) when adding garlic and cream. Stir frequently and watch the butter so it doesn’t brown too much or burn.

7. Can I make this ahead?

You can sear the cod ahead of time and prepare the sauce separately, then combine and warm just before serving. But it’s best enjoyed fresh.

8. Is this recipe halal-friendly?

Yes—this recipe uses cod fillets and no non-halal ingredients. Just ensure all ingredients (such as cream) meet your dietary standards.

9. Can I add more herbs?

Absolutely—fresh basil, oregano or thyme would all integrate well into the sauce.

10. My spinach made the sauce watery—why?

Spinach releases some water when it wilts. Ensure you cook it just until it wilts and the sauce has had a chance to reduce slightly before adding the spinach.

Conclusion

This One-Pan Garlic Butter Tuscan Cod is an ideal choice when you want a dinner that’s elegant yet effortless. With its rich garlic butter sauce, sun-dried tomatoes, capers and spinach, it offers big flavour with minimal fuss. A perfect weeknight meal that looks and tastes like you’ve spent far more time on it.

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