Baked Cod with Parmesan Cream Sauce

If you’re looking for a seafood dinner that feels indulgent yet is surprisingly simple to make, this Baked Cod with Parmesan Cream Sauce is just the recipe you need.

Cod is known for its mild, slightly sweet flavor and tender, flaky texture, making it the perfect canvas for a rich and savory cream sauce. Here, we elevate cod fillets with a silky garlic-Parmesan cream sauce, a hint of lemon, and fresh parsley. The result? A dish that feels elegant enough for a dinner party but is quick and easy enough for a weeknight meal.

Whether you’re new to cooking fish or already a seafood enthusiast, this recipe is approachable, delicious, and guaranteed to impress. Serve it alongside roasted vegetables, a crisp salad, or buttery mashed potatoes, and you’ve got a meal that rivals any restaurant.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes from start to finish.
• Flavorful but Light: The cod stays flaky and tender while the sauce is creamy but balanced with lemon.
• Family-Friendly: Cod’s mild flavor appeals to kids and adults alike.
• Customizable: Add extra herbs, swap in another white fish, or adjust seasonings to your liking.
• Elegant Presentation: A great option for dinner parties or romantic dinners at home.

Ingredients Breakdown

This recipe serves 4 people.

Main Ingredients

• 4 pieces cod fillets (fresh or thawed) – Look for firm, boneless fillets about 5–6 ounces each.
• 1 cup heavy cream – Forms the rich base of the sauce.
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese – Adds nuttiness and depth.
• 2 tablespoons butter – For richness and sautéing the garlic.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced – Aromatic and essential for flavor.
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice (freshly squeezed) – Balances the richness with a hint of brightness.
• Salt and pepper, to taste – Simple but crucial seasoning.
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) – Fresh and vibrant finishing touch.

Tools & Equipment Needed

• Mixing bowl – For seasoning cod before baking.
• Baking dish – To hold the fillets while they bake.
• Saucepan – For preparing the Parmesan cream sauce.
• Whisk – To ensure a smooth, lump-free sauce.
• Measuring cups and spoons – For accuracy.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Cod

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Lightly grease a baking dish or line it with parchment.
3. Pat cod fillets dry with paper towels.
4. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
5. Place cod fillets in the baking dish.

2. Bake the Cod

1. Bake cod for 12–15 minutes, depending on thickness, until it flakes easily with a fork.
2. Remove from the oven and keep warm.

3. Make the Parmesan Cream Sauce

1. In a small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
2. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Pour in heavy cream and whisk to combine.
4. Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
5. Add lemon juice, taste, and adjust with salt and pepper.
6. Let the sauce simmer for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.

4. Serve

1. Place baked cod fillets on plates.
2. Spoon Parmesan cream sauce generously over each fillet.
3. Garnish with chopped parsley.
4. Serve hot with your favorite sides.

Tips & Variations

• Fish Substitutes: Swap cod with haddock, halibut, tilapia, or sea bass.
• Cheese Options: Use Pecorino Romano or Asiago for a sharper flavor.
• Herbal Touch: Add fresh dill, basil, or thyme for extra aroma.
• Low-Carb Friendly: Serve over cauliflower mash or zucchini noodles.
• Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or smoked paprika to the sauce.

Flavor Profile & Pairings

This dish is:

• Creamy & Buttery: Thanks to heavy cream and Parmesan.
• Fresh & Bright: Lemon juice cuts through richness.
• Delicate & Flaky: Cod holds the sauce beautifully without being overpowering.

Drink Pairings:

• White wine such as Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, or Sauvignon Blanc.
• For non-alcoholic, try sparkling water with lemon or a crisp iced tea.

Side Pairings:

• Garlic mashed potatoes or rice pilaf.
• Roasted asparagus, green beans, or broccoli.
• A fresh green salad with lemon vinaigrette.
• Crusty bread for soaking up the sauce.

Nutritional Overview (Per Serving, Approximate)

• Calories: 390
• Protein: 32g
• Carbohydrates: 3g
• Fat: 27g
• Fiber: 0g

This dish is high-protein, low-carb, and gluten-free.

Make-Ahead & Meal Prep Tips

• Prep Ahead: Mince garlic and chop parsley earlier in the day.
• Cook Ahead: The sauce can be made up to 2 days in advance; store in the fridge and reheat gently.
• Storage: Store leftover fish and sauce separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 2 days.
• Reheat: Warm cod gently in the oven at 300°F and reheat sauce on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of cream if needed.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen cod?
Yes—just make sure it’s fully thawed and patted dry before baking.

2. How do I know when cod is done?
It should flake easily with a fork and reach 145°F internal temperature.

3. Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes—use coconut cream and nutritional yeast in place of cream and Parmesan.

4. Will this recipe work with salmon?
Definitely! The rich cream sauce pairs beautifully with salmon fillets.

5. Can I double the sauce recipe?
Yes—if serving with pasta or rice, doubling the sauce is a great idea.

Cooking Timeline (At a Glance)

Step	Time Needed
Prep cod & preheat oven	5 minutes
Bake cod	12–15 mins
Make sauce	7 minutes
Plate & garnish	3 minutes
Total Time	~25 minutes

Serving Suggestions

• Elegant Dinner: Serve on individual plates with roasted asparagus and mashed potatoes.
• Family Style: Place cod fillets in a baking dish, pour sauce over the top, and garnish with parsley for easy sharing.
• With Pasta: Toss sauce with linguine and serve cod fillets on top.

Recipe Variations

• Lemon Garlic Pasta with Cod: Toss cooked pasta in the sauce and top with cod.
• Parmesan Crusted Cod: Coat fillets in Parmesan and breadcrumbs before baking for a crispy finish.
• Creamy Cod Rice Bowl: Serve cod and sauce over fluffy rice with sautéed spinach.

Ingredient Spotlight: Cod

Cod is one of the most popular white fish varieties worldwide. Here’s why it’s a fantastic choice:

• Mild Flavor: Great for people who don’t love “fishy” fish.
• Flaky Texture: Perfect for baking, broiling, or frying.
• Nutritional Benefits: High in protein, low in fat, and a good source of vitamin B12 and omega-3s.
• Shopping Tip: Look for firm, moist fillets with no fishy odor.

Pro Cooking Tips

• Always pat cod dry before baking—moisture prevents browning.
• Don’t overcook fish—remove from oven as soon as it flakes.
• Whisk Parmesan gradually into the sauce to avoid clumping.
• Add lemon juice last so the cream doesn’t curdle.
• Use fresh parsley for the best color and flavor.

Storage & Freezing Guide

• Fridge: Store leftovers up to 2 days.
• Freezer: Not recommended, as cream sauces separate when thawed.
• Reheat: Warm gently over low heat; avoid microwaving fish at high heat to prevent drying out.

Nutrition Estimate Table (Per Serving)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	390
Protein	32g
Carbohydrates	3g
Fat	27g
Fiber	0g

Dietary Notes: Gluten-free, low-carb, keto-friendly. Can be adapted to dairy-free.

Conclusion

This Baked Cod with Parmesan Cream Sauce is proof that simple ingredients can create something truly special. With its delicate, flaky fish paired with a luscious, garlicky cream sauce and a touch of lemon, this dish strikes the perfect balance of comfort and elegance.

Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or serving guests, it’s guaranteed to impress without keeping you in the kitchen all night. Pair it with a crisp salad, roasted veggies, or creamy mashed potatoes, and you’ll have a restaurant-quality meal right at home.

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