The Perfect Tomato Cod Pasta Recipe for Cozy Weeknight Dinners

Crafting a delightful tomato cod pasta recipe can transform your weeknight dinner into a Mediterranean escape.

Fresh ingredients dance together in this simple yet elegant dish.

Salt and herbs complement the delicate fish perfectly.

Ocean-fresh cod meets bright tomato sauce, creating a harmonious blend of flavors.

Lightweight and satisfying, this meal comes together quickly in your kitchen.

Seafood enthusiasts will appreciate the clean, uncomplicated approach to this classic combination.

You’ll love how effortlessly these ingredients meld into a memorable meal that feels both comforting and sophisticated.

Why Tomato Cod Pasta Deserves a Spot on Your Table

• Simple ingredients transform into a restaurant-worthy dish that impresses without complex techniques.
• Lean cod provides protein, tomatoes offer antioxidants, and whole wheat pasta adds fiber, creating a wholesome meal in one pan.
• Easily swap ingredients like using different fish, adjusting spice levels, or making it vegetarian to suit personal taste preferences.
• Single-skillet cooking means less washing up, letting you enjoy a delicious meal without dreading kitchen cleanup afterwards.

Tomato Cod Pasta Ingredients You’ll Need

• Cod Fillets: Fresh white fish that provides a delicate and flaky texture to the pasta dish.

• Spaghetti, Linguine: Classic pasta shapes that perfectly hold the tomato sauce and absorb its flavors.

• Crushed Tomatoes: Rich and vibrant base that creates a robust and hearty sauce for the pasta.
• Onion, Garlic: Aromatic vegetables that build a deep and savory flavor foundation for the sauce.

• Oregano: Classic Mediterranean herb that adds an earthy and slightly peppery note to the sauce.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Optional spice that brings a gentle heat and warmth to the dish.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance and balance the overall flavor profile.

• Fresh Basil: Bright and fragrant herb that adds a fresh, green note to the final dish.
• Parmesan Cheese: Sharp and salty cheese that provides a rich, umami finish to the pasta.

• Olive Oil: Smooth and fruity oil used for searing the cod and sautéing the aromatics.

Tomato Cod Pasta Recipe Instructions

Step 1: Boil Pasta Perfectly

Fill a large pot with water and add a generous pinch of salt.

Drop in your favorite pasta and cook until it reaches that perfect al dente texture.

Carefully scoop out a cup of pasta water before draining.

Set the cooked pasta aside, ready for its flavor adventure.

Step 2: Sear Golden Cod Fillets

Heat a skillet with a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat.

• Salt
• Black pepper

Cook each side until it turns a beautiful golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side.

Carefully remove the fish and set aside.

Step 3: Create Aromatic Base

In the same skillet, dance some chopped onions around until they become soft and translucent.

Toss in minced garlic and let it release its magical fragrance for a quick minute.

Step 4: Craft Vibrant Tomato Sauce

• Oregano
• Red pepper flakes

Season with salt and pepper.

Let the sauce simmer and develop deep, rich flavors for 5-7 minutes.

Step 5: Marry Flavors Together

Break the cod into delicate chunks and return to the skillet.

Gently fold in the pasta, coating every strand with the luscious sauce.

Add reserved pasta water if the sauce needs loosening.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Transfer to serving plates.

Shower with fresh basil leaves and a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.

Dive into your delicious creation and enjoy!

Easy Tips for Tomato Cod Pasta Success

• Cook pasta just until al dente to maintain a firm texture that beautifully absorbs the tomato sauce without becoming mushy.
• Pat cod fillets dry before seasoning to ensure a golden, crispy exterior that locks in moisture and enhances the fish's delicate flavor.
• Swap regular pasta with gluten-free or whole wheat options to accommodate different dietary preferences without compromising taste.
• Use reserved pasta water to control sauce thickness, creating a silky, clingy texture that evenly coats every strand of pasta.
• Toast red pepper flakes briefly in olive oil before adding tomatoes to release their oils and intensify the dish's subtle heat and depth.

Reheating and Saving Tomato Cod Pasta

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days maximum. Cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Transfer pasta to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to 2 months. Label with date and contents.
• Gently warm in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a splash of water or olive oil to prevent sticking and restore moisture. Stir occasionally until heated through, about 4-5 minutes.
• Place portion in microwave-safe dish. Cover with damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warm. Add small amount of water if sauce appears dry.

Pairing Suggestions for Tomato Cod Pasta

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Select a zesty sauvignon blanc or pinot grigio that cuts through the richness of the cod and complements the tomato sauce's acidity, creating a refreshing flavor balance.
• Enhance with Mediterranean Salad: Prepare a light Greek-style salad with cucumber, olives, feta cheese, and a lemon vinaigrette to provide a fresh, tangy contrast to the warm pasta dish.
• Match with Garlic Bread: Toast rustic sourdough or ciabatta slices brushed with olive oil and rubbed with garlic, perfect for soaking up the flavorful tomato sauce and adding textural crunch.
• Complement with Citrus Side: Serve a small citrus salad with orange segments and fresh herbs, which will brighten the dish and add a zesty, palate-cleansing element to the rich cod pasta.

Creative Takes on Tomato Cod Pasta

• Gluten-Free Pasta Option: Replace traditional spaghetti with gluten-free rice noodles or zucchini spirals for a celiac-friendly version of the dish.
• Vegan Seafood Alternative: Swap cod with plant-based fish alternatives like hearts of palm or use firm tofu, seasoned with kelp powder for a seafood-like flavor profile.
• Spicy Mediterranean Remix: Add kalamata olives, capers, and swap red pepper flakes for harissa paste to create a more intense Mediterranean-inspired sauce.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Base: Substitute pasta completely with roasted cauliflower rice or steamed cauliflower florets for a keto-friendly and low-carbohydrate meal option.

FAQs

• Can I use a different type of fish instead of cod?

Yes, you can substitute cod with other white fish like halibut, haddock, or tilapia. Choose a firm fish that won’t break apart easily during cooking.

• Is this recipe spicy?

The recipe has an optional red pepper flake addition. If you want heat, add them; if not, simply skip the red pepper flakes for a milder flavor.

• How do I know when the cod is properly cooked?

The cod is done when it turns opaque and easily flakes with a fork. It should take about 3-4 minutes per side and look golden on the outside.

• Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

While best served fresh, you can prepare the sauce in advance and cook the fish and pasta just before serving to maintain the best texture and flavor.

Easy Tomato Cod Pasta Recipe

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4.6 from 18 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Savory cod dances with ripe tomatoes in this Mediterranean-inspired easy tomato cod pasta delight. Quick weeknight meals never tasted so fresh, promising a simple yet elegant dinner you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 pound (454 grams) fresh cod fillets
• 12 ounces (340 grams) spaghetti or linguine

Sauce and Seasoning Ingredients:

• 1 can (14 ounces/400 grams) crushed tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Garnish Ingredients:

• Fresh basil leaves
• Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

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Instructions

1. Prepare a generous pot of salted water and cook the pasta until perfectly tender, approximately 8-10 minutes. Carefully extract 1 cup of starchy cooking liquid before draining the noodles.
2. Season cod fillets with salt and pepper, then carefully sear in a hot skillet with olive oil for 3-4 minutes per side until achieving a golden exterior and fully cooked interior. Transfer fish to a separate plate.
3. Using the identical skillet, gently sauté diced onions until translucent and fragrant, approximately 3-4 minutes. Introduce minced garlic and continue cooking for an additional minute.
4. Pour crushed tomatoes into the skillet, incorporating oregano and optional red pepper flakes. Season with salt and pepper, allowing the mixture to gently simmer and develop flavors for 5-7 minutes.
5. Delicately break the cod into rustic bite-sized fragments and reintroduce to the simmering tomato sauce. Fold the drained pasta into the mixture, using reserved cooking liquid to create a silky, cohesive texture.
6. Artfully plate the pasta, adorning with freshly torn basil leaves and a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese for an elegant finishing touch.

Notes

• Swap cod for other mild white fish like halibut or tilapia for variety and personal preference.
• Use gluten-free pasta to make this recipe celiac-friendly and accommodate dietary restrictions.
• Add a splash of white wine to the tomato sauce for deeper, more complex flavor profile.
• Pat cod fillets dry before seasoning to ensure perfect golden sear and prevent steaming instead of browning.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 300 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 60 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg