Pasta With Tilapia : Tender tilapia fillets seasoned to perfection, on the bed of al dente pasta, and tossed with a light, garlicky sauce with zesty lemon and fresh herbs. This dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple and Fast: Ready in under 30 minutes.
- Healthy and Nutritious: Packed with lean protein from tilapia and the option to use whole-grain or gluten-free pasta.
- Customizable: Perfect as a base recipe for adding your own twist.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Its mild flavors are a hit with kids and adults alike.
Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Pasta With Tilapia
- Choose Fresh Tilapia: Fresh fillets have a clean, mild smell and firm texture.
- Don’t Overcook the Fish: Tilapia cooks quickly; overcooking can make it dry.
- Use High-Quality Pasta: It elevates the dish’s texture and flavor.
- Reserve Pasta Water: This starchy water is key to creating a cohesive sauce.
- Customize the Vegetables: Add zucchini, mushrooms, or asparagus for extra nutrition.
Variations to Try
- Creamy Pasta With Tilapia: Add a splash of heavy cream or coconut milk for a rich, creamy sauce.
- Spicy Kick: Incorporate chopped jalapeños or extra red pepper flakes.
- Lemon and Herb Pasta: Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and chopped basil for a zesty twist.
- Mediterranean Style: Include kalamata olives, artichokes, and feta cheese for bold flavors.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta for a celiac-friendly version.
How to Serve Pasta With Tilapia
This dish is versatile and pairs beautifully with sides like:
- Garlic Bread: Perfect for sopping up the sauce.
- Mixed Green Salad: A light and refreshing complement.
- Roasted Vegetables: Try roasted broccoli or Brussels sprouts.
How to Store and Reheat
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: Avoid freezing, as tilapia can lose its texture when reheated.
- Reheat: Warm in a skillet with a splash of water or olive oil to revive the sauce and prevent dryness.
Recipe FAQs
Can I use a different type of fish?
Yes! Cod, halibut, or even salmon are great substitutes if you don’t have tilapia on hand.
What type of pasta works best?
Long pastas like spaghetti or linguine are classic, but short pastas like penne or rigatoni are equally delicious.
Can I make it dairy-free?
Absolutely! Skip the Parmesan and use nutritional yeast or a vegan cheese substitute.
How can I make it low-carb?
Swap the pasta for zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash for a lighter, low-carb version.
What wine pairs well with this dish?
A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio complements the flavors perfectly.
Pasta With Tilapia
Pasta With Tilapia : Tender tilapia fillets seasoned to perfection, on the bed of al dente pasta, and tossed with a light, garlicky sauce with zesty lemon and fresh herbs. This dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal.
Ingredients
Tilapia Marinade:
- ½ pound tilapia fillets, cut into small chunks
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 clove garlic, chopped
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes
For the Sauce:
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, chopped
- ¼–½ tsp red pepper flakes
- ½ cup dry white wine
- 1 28-ounce can San Marzano tomatoes, crushed by hand
- ½ cup chopped fresh basil
To Finish:
- 10 ounces multigrain spaghetti
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
- Kosher salt, to taste
Instructions
- Marinate the Tilapia: Toss tilapia chunks with 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 clove garlic, and ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes.
- Cover and refrigerate while prepping the sauce.
- Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add garlic and red pepper flakes; cook for about 30 seconds.
- Pour in the wine and simmer until reduced by half, about 3 minutes.
- Stir in crushed San Marzano tomatoes, ¼ cup basil, and ½ cup water. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 12 minutes until thickened.
- Cook the Pasta: Boil salted water in a large pot and cook multigrain spaghetti as directed.
- Gently stir tilapia chunks into the sauce and simmer for about 3 minutes until just cooked through.
- Add parsley and remaining basil, seasoning with salt to taste.
- Drain pasta and toss it with the sauce. Serve in bowls, topped with fresh basil for a pop of color and flavor.
Nutrition Information
Yield
4Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 306Total Fat 9gSaturated Fat 2gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 7gCholesterol 32mgSodium 127mgCarbohydrates 31gFiber 4gSugar 6gProtein 21g
Easy Shrimp Recipes.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Final Thoughts
Pasta with Tilapia is a winning recipe that brings together convenience, flavor, and health benefits. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or prepping a quick family meal, this dish will impress with its simplicity and elegance. With the variations and tips shared above, you can customize it to suit any occasion or dietary preference.
Try these other Tilapia recipes:
