Why pasta with cod is a favourite
This recipe is very versatile because you can use either fresh or frozen fish. The delicate texture of the pasta with cod pairs perfectly with a touch of citrus and herbs. It takes less than half an hour from start to finish. You can easily adjust the seasoning to suit your own taste.
How to cook pasta with cod
Boil pasta: Bring a large pan of salted water to the boil and add the pasta. Cook it according to the instructions on the packet until it is tender. Reserve a small cup of the cooking water before you drain the pasta. Keep the pasta warm while you prepare the rest of the meal.
Cook cod: Cut the fish into bite sized chunks and season them with salt and pepper. Heat the oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Fry the fish pieces for a few minutes on each side until they are golden and cooked through. Remove the fish from the pan and set it aside on a plate.
Prepare sauce: Peel and finely chop the garlic and add it to the same frying pan. Cook the garlic for one minute before pouring in the cream and the juice from half the lemon. Let the sauce simmer gently for a couple of minutes until it starts to thicken. Stir in some chopped parsley for extra flavour.
Combine ingredients: Add the cooked pasta and the cod back into the frying pan with the sauce. Toss everything together gently so the fish does not break apart too much. If the sauce is too thick you can add a splash of the reserved pasta water. Serve the meal immediately with an extra wedge of lemon.
My best tips for pasta with cod
Make sure you do not overcook the fish as it can become dry very quickly. Using fresh lemon juice instead of bottled juice gives the pasta with cod a much brighter and cleaner flavour. If you prefer a lighter version you can replace the cream with a little bit of butter and extra pasta water.
Frozen cod works well but you should defrost it completely and pat it dry with paper towels before cooking. Adding a handful of spinach at the end is an easy way to include some greens. You can also use other types of white fish like haddock if you cannot find cod at the shops.
Find more ideas here:
baked bacon,
salmon with feta and tomatoes or
poke bowl with salmon.
