One-Pot Pasta with Cod

One-Pot Pasta with Cod is a simple and fresh dinner that saves time on washing up. This meal combines tender white fish with pasta and a light sauce in a single pan. It is perfect for a busy weekday evening when you want something healthy and quick. The flavours of lemon and garlic make it light and tasty for the whole family.
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Photo of the finished dish for the recipe One-Pot Pasta with Cod

What makes one-pot pasta with cod a good choice?

Cooking everything in one pan helps the pasta soak up all the flavour from the stock and the fish. This One Pot Pasta with Cod ensures that the fish stays moist and flaky because it gently steams on top of the pasta. You only need a few basic ingredients to create a meal that looks and tastes like a restaurant dish. It is a great way to include more seafood in your weekly diet without much effort.

Step by step: one-pot pasta with cod

Step 1
Prepare the base: Heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and cook for a few minutes until they are soft. Do not let the garlic brown or it will taste bitter. This creates a fragrant base for the rest of the ingredients.
Step 2
Boil the pasta: Add the pasta, vegetable stock, tomatoes and oregano to the pan. Bring the liquid to a boil and then lower the heat so it simmers gently. Stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom of the pot while it cooks.
Step 3
Add the fish: When the pasta is almost tender, place the pieces of cod on top of the mixture. Cover the pan with a lid and let it cook for about five minutes. The steam will cook the fish perfectly while the pasta finishes absorbing the liquid.
Step 4
Final seasoning: Stir in the fresh spinach until it wilts into the hot pasta. Squeeze over the lemon juice and add the lemon zest for extra brightness. Season with salt and pepper to your preference and serve the meal immediately.

The best tips for one-pot pasta with cod

Try to cut your fish into even pieces so they all cook at the same time. If the pan looks too dry before the pasta is cooked, you can add a small splash of water or more stock. Using a lid is important because it traps the steam needed to cook the cod gently. You can swap the spinach for kale or frozen peas if you prefer different greens.

Wholemeal pasta also works well but it might need a few more minutes of cooking time. Fresh herbs like parsley or basil can be added at the end for even more flavour. This One Pot Pasta with Cod is best enjoyed fresh to keep the texture of the fish at its best.

You can also try these recipes: grilled beef sirloin, stuffed white cabbage or smash burger.

Ingredients

servings
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  • 400 g cod fillets cut into pieces
  • 300 g pasta such as fusilli or penne
  • 800 ml vegetable stock
  • 200 g cherry tomatoes halved
  • 100 g fresh spinach
  • 1 medium onion finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 whole lemon for juice and zest

Cooking time

Kitchen tools

Nutrition information

NUTRITIONper serving
  • Energy:1757 kJ / 420 kcal
  • Fat:9 g
  • - of which saturates:1 g
  • Carbohydrates:56 g
  • - of which sugars:4 g
  • Protein:28 g
  • Fibre:3 g
  • Salt:850 mg

People also ask

You can use frozen fish for One-Pot Pasta with Cod but it is best to defrost it completely before starting. This ensures the cod cooks evenly and does not release too much extra water into the sauce. Pat the fish dry with a paper towel after defrosting.
You can keep One-Pot Pasta with Cod in the fridge for up to two days in an airtight container. When reheating, add a small splash of water to stop the pasta from becoming too dry. Be careful not to overcook the fish when you warm it up again.
One-Pot Pasta with Cod usually takes about 15 minutes to make. The time can vary slightly with the quantity and method. Check the texture towards the end.
What do you think of this recipe?
4.7 / 5 - (18 ratings)