Baked Italian-Style Cod with Garlic and Cherry Tomatoes

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

White cod fillets baked with garlic, cherry tomatoes, and fresh basil, resulting in a light and flavorful seafood dish perfect for a healthy dinner. This italian-inspired seafood ready in about 25 minutes pairs (5 oz each) cod fillets skinless, cherry tomatoes halved, garlic cloves minced for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). In a baking dish, combine 1 1/2 cups halved cherry tomatoes, 4 minced garlic cloves, 3 tbsp olive oil, 1/4 cup dry white wine, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Toss gently to mix.
  2. Step 2: Arrange 4 skinless cod fillets evenly spaced over the tomato mixture. Drizzle 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice over the fish.
  3. Step 3: Bake uncovered for 12-15 minutes until the cod is opaque and flakes easily with a fork, and the tomatoes are softened and bubbling.
  4. Step 4: Remove from oven and sprinkle 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil leaves over the top before serving alongside crusty bread or steamed vegetables.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Baked Italian-Style Cod with Garlic and Cherry Tomatoes take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (10 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Baked Italian-Style Cod with Garlic and Cherry Tomatoes?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep cherry tomatoes halved from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Baked Italian-Style Cod with Garlic and Cherry Tomatoes?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Baked Italian-Style Cod with Garlic and Cherry Tomatoes for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Baked Italian-Style Cod with Garlic and Cherry Tomatoes?

Italian seafood like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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