This Creamy Lemon Parmesan Cod is a luxurious, restaurant-quality dish that’s easy to make at home. Tender cod fillets are gently cooked in a rich, creamy sauce infused with garlic, lemon, and Parmesan, creating a beautiful balance of flavors. Perfect for a cozy dinner, this dish pairs wonderfully with rice, pasta, or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce. With a few simple ingredients, you’ll have an impressive meal ready in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
- 1 lb cod fillets (see note for options)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- ½ tbsp flour, plus extra for dredging
- 3 tbsp butter, divided
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy/whipping cream
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- ¼ tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare and Season the Cod : Season both sides of the cod fillets with salt and pepper, then lightly dredge them in flour, shaking off any excess.
- Sear the Cod : In a large skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium-high heat. Add the cod fillets to the skillet and cook for 3–4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and just cooked through. Carefully remove the cod from the skillet and set it aside.
- Make the Sauce : Reduce the heat to medium, then add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter to the skillet. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about a minute until it becomes fragrant. Sprinkle in ½ tablespoon of flour, stirring to form a roux, and let it cook for another minute. Gradually pour in the heavy cream, whisking constantly until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Add Lemon and Parmesan : Stir in the lemon juice and Italian seasoning, allowing the sauce to simmer and thicken for 2–3 minutes. Add the grated Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and fully incorporated.
- Return the Cod and Garnish : Return the cod fillets to the skillet, spooning the creamy sauce over them. Let the cod heat through for an additional 1–2 minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
- Serve : Serve the creamy lemon Parmesan cod with rice, pasta, or crusty bread. Enjoy!
Conclusion
This Creamy Lemon Parmesan Cod is a delightful, flavorful dish that brings out the best in simple ingredients. The creamy lemon-Parmesan sauce perfectly complements the mild cod, creating a comforting yet elegant meal. Ready in just 25 minutes, this recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner but fancy enough to impress guests. Enjoy each bite of this rich and satisfying dish!
Creamy Lemon Parmesan Cod
Tender cod fillets in a rich, creamy lemon Parmesansauce. A quick, flavorful meal that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or aspecial occasion.
Ingredients
- 1 lb cod fillets see note for options
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ½ tbsp flour plus extra for dredging
- 3 tbsp butter divided
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup heavy/whipping cream
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- ¼ tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare and Season the Cod : Season both sides of the cod fillets with salt and pepper, then lightly dredge them in flour, shaking off any excess.
- Sear the Cod : In a large skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium-high heat. Add the cod fillets to the skillet and cook for 3–4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and just cooked through. Carefully remove the cod from the skillet and set it aside.
- Make the Sauce : Reduce the heat to medium, then add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter to the skillet. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about a minute until it becomes fragrant. Sprinkle in ½ tablespoon of flour, stirring to form a roux, and let it cook for another minute. Gradually pour in the heavy cream, whisking constantly until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Add Lemon and Parmesan : Stir in the lemon juice and Italian seasoning, allowing the sauce to simmer and thicken for 2–3 minutes. Add the grated Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and fully incorporated.
- Return the Cod and Garnish : Return the cod fillets to the skillet, spooning the creamy sauce over them. Let the cod heat through for an additional 1–2 minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
- Serve : Serve the creamy lemon Parmesan cod with rice, pasta, or crusty bread. Enjoy!